The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) employs a unique grading system known as the Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA).
Unlike many other universities in Ghana that use the Grade Point Average (GPA) system, KNUST’s approach evaluates students’ marks through a weighted average calculated and expressed as a percentage.
Which Grading System Does KNUST Use?
KNUST uses the Cumulative Weighted Averages (CWA) Grading System.
Previously, the institution relied on the GPA system to evaluate students’ grades.
The transition to CWA now bases the assessment on a student’s performance percentage across all courses, offering a detailed and comprehensive evaluation.
SEE ALSO: UDS Grading System, How to Calculate GPA & Degree Classification
How Does the CWA KNUST Grading System Work?
The CWA for a student is calculated by dividing the total cumulative weighted marks by the cumulative credits and then multiplying the score percentage by the course credit hour.
Understanding Credit Hours
A credit hour is a unit of measurement that indicates the amount of credit a student receives for attending a course.
This typically corresponds to the number of hours spent in that course per week.
For example, a class meeting three times a week for one hour each session would be worth three credit hours.
Calculating Your CWA
If you’re curious about calculating your CWA, here’s a sample calculation:
Formula:
|      ∑(Unit Credit Hours×Mark %) |
|          ∑(Unit Credit Hours) |
Example:
| Unit | Credit Hours | Mark (%) |
| 1 | 25 | 75 |
| 2 | 12.5 | 68 |
| 3 | 25 | 64 |
| 4 | 12.5 | 70 |
First, multiply the credit hours by the marks:
- 25×75=1875
- 12.5×68=850
- 25×64=1600
- 12.5×70=875
Then, calculate the CWA:
(1875+850+1600+875)/(25+12.5+25+12.5)=69.33
Therefore, the calculated CWA in this example is 69.33.
SEE ALSO: Grading System of the University of Cape Coast And How to Calculate Your CGPA
KNUST Grading System for Undergraduate Students
For undergraduate students:
- First Class: CWA of 70.00 and above
- Second Class Upper: CWA of 60.00 to 69.99
- Second Class Lower: CWA of 50.00 to 59.00
- Pass: CWA of 40.00 to 49.99
KNUST Grading System for Diploma
Diploma programs at KNUST follow this grading system:
- Pass with Distinction: Grade 1 (80-100) and Grade 2 (75-79)
- Pass with Credit: Grade 3 (70-74) and Grade 4 (60-69)
- Pass: Grade 5 (50-59) and Grade 6 (40-49)
- Fail: Grade 7 (0-39)
KNUST Grading System for Master’s Degree
KNUST’s grading system for a master’s degree incorporates universal grading standards:
- Distinction: 70% or above
- Merit: 60-69%
- Pass: 50-59%
- Borderline Pass/Fail: 40-49%
SEE ALSO: How to Calculate Your CGPA and UEW Requirements for Graduation
Admission Requirements
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is a standardized test for secondary school students.
To qualify for admission into KNUST, applicants must obtain grades between A and C6.
Grades of D7, E8, or F9 are not accepted.
