Grading Systems Across Singaporean Universities: A Closer Look at SMU

Grading system is an important way of evaluating the performance of a student in terms of academics. The role of the grading system in universities is significant, as it not only helps in assessing the academic performance of a student, but also assists in determining the eligibility for scholarship and thereby affecting the future career opportunities of students. The grading system differs significantly from country to country and university to university. In the case of Singaporean universities, it is mainly a letter based grading system and grade point average (GPA) that is mostly utilised in evaluating students academic performance.

In this blog, we’ll explore the grading system at Singapore Management University (SMU)—one of the top institutions in Singapore—and offer tips on how you can excel within it.In this blog, we’ll explore the grading system at Singapore Management University (SMU)—one of the top institutions in Singapore—and offer tips on how you can excel within it.

Singapore Management University (SMU): A Leading Institution

Singapore Management University is one of the top universities in Singapore and it is a publicly funded private university offering business and management study courses to students in Singapore. SMU enrols more than 10000 undergraduate and postgraduate students offering different degree programs in subjects including accountancy, business administration, financial services, economics, law, software engineering, business analytics and social Sciences.

An analysis of the grading system followed by Singapore Management University indicates that the university follows the Grade Point Average (GPA) which is measured using a 4 point grade system. The table below indicates the 4 point grading scale followed by SMU in grading students from different streams across the university.

The above SMU grading system has three important elements that encompasses the entire SMU grading structure and these includes the letter grade, quality points, and percentages. All these three important elements help in evaluating the performance of a student over a particular course. With our assignment writing services in Singapore, it is possible for a student to score the desired grade as specified in the grading system of SMU.

Letter Grades: 

Letter grade is one of the important methods utilised at SMU in assessing the performance of a student. Each letter grade includes a specific range of percentage grade and also a specific number of quality points. In case of cumulative GPA, if it is higher than 4 grading scale, SMU makes use of a round down method in order to protect the integrity of the GPA system. The progress of a student is considered as fair if the cumulative GPA remains at 4.00.

Minimum GPA requirements to graduate from SMU

There are specific GPA standards that need to be fulfilled in order to graduate from SMU. As of 2023, the GPA requirement for graduation was 2.5 or higher. In case of failure on the part of a student in meeting this criteria, a warning letter is sent to them. It is also compulsory for students to withdraw from the program in case the GPA remains lower than 2.5 for two straight terms. The main purpose of these GPA standards is to maintain the integrity of academic standards.

Changes Introduced in the SMU grading systems in 2023

Changes in the grading systems are introduced for a number of reasons. The most important one is to cope up with the evolving educational needs and ensure fairness and transparency across academic assessment. In addition to enhancing fairness and transparency, the changes in the grading systems are made to reduce student stress and mental health concerns, and also to address equity and inclusion. An analysis of the changes made in the grading system of SMU in 2023 indicates that the changes were introduced in response to the demands of academia and students. The important changes are:

1) Consideration of new letter grade:

There are changes made to the letter grades in 2023 in order to provide a highly complex evaluation of students’ performance. The main objective behind such changes is to facilitate excellence and constant progress.

2) Ensuring continuous assessment of students:

Continuous assessment is an important requirement felt by the University which leads to the introduction of changes in the grading system in 2023. This emphasis on continuous assessment has a direct implication on the performance of students during the semester, their participation in the class on activities including assignments and quizzes.

3) Revised GPA requirements:

The minimum GPA requirement for graduation has been changed by SMU in 2023. As a part of this change, the students are made compulsory to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 in order to graduate. This change is aimed at making students competent enough for the demanding employment market.

How to Succeed in SMU Grading System Singapore?

Having understood about the grading system of SMU, it is important to achieve success by scoring higher grades. It is important for students to adapt a strategic approach in order to succeed against the SMU grading system. The important points to consider are:

1) Understand the SMU grading system thoroughly:

It is important for you to have a good understanding of the SMU grading system which grades from A+ to F. It allows you to remain focused and determined towards your goal.

2) Acquaint yourself with SMU learning style:

Having a good understanding of the learning style of SMU can help you in achieving good grades. It is usually an interactive learning approach that is followed at SMU. Having a good approach towards this learning style can help you accomplish your desired grades.

3) Focus on continuous assessment:

The grading system of SMU indicates that the focus has been shifted towards continuous assessment. It is therefore important to increase participation in activities such as group projects and class participation, assignments and presentations, in order to develop continuous learning for better performance.

4) Utilise SMU resources:

SMU offers a wide range of academic and career support services to students. SMU has a strong library and research database, and also organises various career workshops to allow students to align their learning with their career goals.

Final Thoughts

The analysis of the SMU grading system indicates that it is an important way of evaluating performance of students in Singapore. The SMU grading system utilises a four point GPA measure which comprises letter grades, quality points and percentages. SMU has also made changes to its grading system in 2023 with a view to ensure continuous assessment aimed at overall student development.