What is the Difference Between Merit and Distinction

The main difference between merit and distinction is that distinction is usually the highest grade on the grading scale, while merit falls below distinctions and above pass grades.

Both merit and distinction are used in most of the grading systems in universities and education institutes around the world. Many academic programs use these gradings to evaluate the performance of their students.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Merit 
      – Definition, Features 
2. What is a Distinction
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Merit and Distinction
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Merit and Distinction
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Distinction, Merit

What is a Merit

Merit is a grade used in grading systems of most exams. It is given to a candidate as an award for the hard work done throughout an academic program. Similarly, a merit grade gives validity to one’s effort and hard work and shows that the candidate is better than other students in the classroom. However, merits usually fall below distinctions but above pass grades. The common grades we usually use in an exam include distinctions, merits, pass, and fail (in order from highest marks to lowest marks).

Most universities and other higher educational institutes around the world use “merit” grades in their grading systems for their academic programs, such as diplomas, bachelors’ degrees, and post-graduate degrees. The pass level for a merit pass can be different from one institute to another depending on the academic program. Generally, students receiving marks between 55 – 70 receive merits. But as we explained above, the marking systems differ from one institute to another. In some educational institutes, it’s necessary to complete some other requirement like a dissertation to obtain a merit pass.

What is a Distinction

A distinction is another grading awarded in many academic programs. A distinction is usually the highest grade on the grading scale. It is equivalent to A or A+. Students who obtain marks above 75% usually get distinctions – students who have put in real effort and show brilliance in academics. In other words,  they are offered for candidates with a high level of achievement.

Similarities Between Merit and Distinction

• Many universities and educational institutes around the world use distinctions and merits to grade their students.
• However, the marks relevant for these grades may differ from one institute to another.
• Many academic programs like diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and post-graduate degrees use these grades.
• These grades will help to evaluate the candidates in the academic programs.
• Some institutes require other requirements like a dissertation in addition to taught material to offer grades.

Difference Between Merit and Distinction

Definition

A distinction is a grade that is awarded when a student gets high marks and is equivalent to A or A+, while merit is a grade awarded to a student who has exceeded the minimum requirements.

Position in the Grading Scale

Distinctions are usually the highest grade in the grading scale, while merits usually fall below distinctions and above pass grades.

Marks

Generally, distinctions are awarded for students who obtain more than 70% or 75%, whereas merits are awarded for those who obtain 60% – 75%. It’s important to note that marks relevant for these two grades may differ from one institute to another.

Implications

A distinction indicates that a student excels in the subject, while a merit indicates that a student shows above-average performance in the subject.

Conclusion

Many universities and educational institutes around the world use distinctions and merits to grade their students. The key difference between merit and distinction is that the distinctions are usually the highest grade in the grading scale, while the merits usually fall below distinctions and above pass grades. However, it’s important to note that marks relevant for these two grades may differ from one institute to another.

Reference:

1. “Degree Classification: Distinction, Merit, Pass.” Department of Computer Science , University of Manchester.

Image Courtesy:

1. “3653346” (CC0) via Pixabay