Key takeaways
- CWA determines your final degree classification at KNUST.
- Your CWA is calculated by dividing the total weighted marks by the total credit hours.
- The impact of each course on your CWA depends on its credit hours.
Your CWA determines your academic standing at KNUST. But how exactly is it calculated? In this guide, we break down what it means, how it’s calculated, and what factors affect it.
What is KNUST’s CWA classification?
At Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), your Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) is a measure of your overall academic performance. It’s what determines your final degree classification.
Here’s how the undergraduate degree classes are structured:
| Classification | CWA range |
| First Class | 70 – 100 |
| Second Class (Upper division) | 60 – 69.99 |
| Second Class (Lower division) | 50 – 59.99 |
| Pass | 45 – 49.99 |
KNUST’s grading system is a percentage-based grading system that combines scores from continuous assessment and final exams. Each course contributes to your CWA based on your grade and credit hours.
| Score | Grade | Remark |
| 70-100% | A | Excellent |
| 60-69% | B | Very Good |
| 50-59% | C | Good |
| 40-49% | D | Pass |
| 0-39% | F | Fail |
How to calculate your CWA at KNUST?
To calculate your CWA, you’ll need the final percentage score and credit hours for each course. Credit hours indicate how much weight a course carries.
The calculation works as follows:
CWA per semester = Total weighted marks ÷ Total credit hours.
Where:
- Weighted mark = Course mark × Credit hours
- Total weighted marks = Sum of all weighted marks
- Total credit hours = Sum of all credit hours
This gives you the Semester Weighted Average. To obtain the overall CWA, which is cumulative, simply add up the results from all semesters:
Overall CWA = Cumulative weighted marks ÷ Cumulative credit hours
Example calculation
Assume Kojo has the following results for Year 1, Semester 1:
| Course | Credits | Total mark | Grade |
| Computer Appreciation | 3 | 75 | A |
| Communication Skills | 4 | 80 | A |
| Statistical Methods | 2 | 85 | A |
| Algebra | 2 | 68 | B |
To calculate his CWA for the first semester (semester weighted average), we’ll first multiply each score by its credit hours to get the weighted marks:
| Course | Mark × Weight | Total Weighted Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Appreciation | 75 × 3 | 225 |
| Communication Skills | 80 × 4 | 320 |
| Statistical Methods | 85 × 2 | 170 |
| Algebra | 68 × 2 | 136 |
Kojo’s total weighted marks for Semester 1 add up to 851 (i.e., 225 + 320 + 170 + 136), and his total credit hours sum to 11 (i.e., 3 + 4 + 2 + 2).
We’ll now divide the total weighted marks by the total credit hours to get the CWA for the semester (i.e., 851 ÷ 11 = 77.36).
Kojo’s CWA for Semester 1 is therefore 77.36.
To calculate his overall CWA, we’ll again assume he had the following results for Semester 2:
| Course | Credits | Total mark | Grade |
| Computer Appreciation II | 4 | 80 | A |
| Communication Skills II | 3 | 90 | A |
| Statistical Methods II | 3 | 78 | A |
| Algebra II | 2 | 70 | A |
Following the same process for Semester 1, Kojo’s total weighted marks for Semester 2 add up to 964, with a total of 12 credit hours. Thus:
CWA for semester 2: 964 ÷ 12 = 80.33
Now that we have his CWAs from both semesters, let’s calculate his overall CWA.
We’ll first add the total weighted marks and the total credit hours from both semesters to get the total cumulative weighted marks and cumulative credits:
- Total cumulative weighted marks: 851 + 964 = 1815
- Total cumulative credits: 11 + 12 = 23
We’ll then divide the total cumulative weighted marks by the total cumulative credits (i.e., 1815 ÷ 23 = 78.91)
Hence, his overall CWA for both semesters is 78.91, which qualifies him for a First-Class Honours degree.
What counts towards your CWA at KNUST
Understanding what contributes to your CWA can help you make better academic decisions:
- Continuous assessment: This accounts for 30% of the final mark and includes quizzes, assignments, attendance (especially for practical courses), and mid-semester exams.
- Final examination: This accounts for 70% of your final mark and assesses your understanding of the entire course content.
- Credit hours: Courses with higher credit hours have a greater impact on your CWA.
- Trail courses: Scoring below 40% in any course means you must retake it. Both attempts are recorded and can affect your CWA.
FAQs
How do I predict my final CWA?
You can use the CWA calculator to predict your final CWA. Simply input your current and projected future scores, along with their credit hours, to estimate your result.
What does it mean to trail a course in KNUST?
Trailing means failing a course (scoring below 40% or 50% for some programmes). You must resit these courses. Trailing more than two courses, especially at the end of supplementary exams, can lead to withdrawal.
How can I improve my CWA?
To improve your CWA at KNUST, focus on consistent performance in both assessments and exams, prioritise high-credit courses, and stay engaged in class.
Final Thoughts
Calculating your CWA at KNUST doesn’t have to be intimidating. Simply use our calculator to track your progress. Remember, consistently putting in a lot of effort in your continuous assessment and final exams helps improve your CWA.
Have any questions? Please share them with us in the comments.
