Mark

Assessment Descriptor

80+

An outstanding piece of work, showing total mastery of the subject matter, with a highly developed and mature ability to analyse, synthesise and apply knowledge and concepts. All objectives of the set work are covered and the work is free of error with very high level of technical competence. There is evidence of critical reflection; and the work demonstrates originality of thought, and the ability to

tackle questions and issues not previously encountered. Ideas are expressed with fluency. All intended learning outcomes are exceeded.

70-79

An excellent piece of work, showing a high degree of mastery of the subject matter, with a well- developed ability to analyse, synthesise and apply knowledge and concepts. All major objectives of the set work are covered, and work is free of all but very minor errors, with a high level of technical competence. There is evidence of critical reflection, and of ability to tackle questions and issues not

previously encountered. Ideas are expressed clearly. However the originality required for a 80+ mark is absent. All intended learning outcomes are achieved and some are exceeded.

60-69

A good piece of work, showing a sound and thorough grasp of the subject-matter, though lacking the breadth and depth required for a distinction mark. A good attempt at analysis, synthesis and application of knowledge and concepts, but more limited in scope than that required for a mark of 70+. Most objectives of the work set are covered. Work is generally technically competent, but there may be a few gaps leading to some errors. Some evidence of critical reflection, and the ability to make a

reasonable attempt at tackling questions and issues not previously encountered. Ideas are generally expressed with clarity, with some minor exceptions. All intended learning outcomes are achieved.

50-59

A fair piece of work, showing grasp of major elements of the subject-matter but possibly with some gaps or areas of confusion. Only the basic requirements of the work are covered. The attempt at analysis, synthesis and application of knowledge and concepts is superficial, with a heavy reliance on course materials. Work may contain some errors, and technical competence is at a routine level only.

Ability to tackle questions and issues not previously encountered is limited. Little critical reflection. Some confusion and immaturity in expression of ideas. Most intended learning outcomes are achieved.

40-49

Not of a passable level for a postgraduate programme. A poor piece of work, showing some familiarity with the subject matter, but with major gaps and serious misconceptions. Only some of the basic requirements of the work set are achieved. Little or no attempt at analysis, synthesis or application of

knowledge, and a low level of technical competence, with many errors. Difficulty in beginning to address questions and issues not previously encountered.

Below 40

Work not of a passable standard, with serious gaps in knowledge of the subject matter, and many areas of confusion. Few or none of the basic requirements of the work set are achieved, and there is an

inability to apply knowledge. Technical competence is poor, with many serious errors. The level of expression and structure is very inadequate. Few intended learning outcomes are achieved.