Dissertation Structure
The dissertation should be 7,000-8,000 words long. This word count includes data and quotations in the main text; however, it does not include appendices, which may contain additional data.
You will demonstrate your ability to write and research independently in the project.
The dissertation should generally contain the following sections and chapters.
- An abstract of no more than 200 words. This section will contain a short summary of your dissertation.
- Introduction: an introduction to the study, outlining the issues addressed and the rationale for the study, its main aims and the research question(s), context (information about the research site/setting) of approximately 500 words.
- Chapter 1. Literature Review: a review of the literature central to the area studied of approximately 2,000-2,500 words..
- Chapter 2: Methodology: a discussion of the method of investigation used, indicating reasons for their selection, appropriateness to and effectiveness for the study of approximately 1,500 words. These may include a discussion of alternative strategies that could have been adopted.
- Chapter 3: Data Analysis and Findings: a presentation of the main findings from the data collected discussed in relation to research and theories (confirmatory and critical) relevant to the topic as identified in the literature review and in relation to the particular aims of the study. Approximately 2,000 – 2,500 words.
- Conclusions. Students should summarise their study, outline implications for further work and research, comment on how the project has furthered professional development. Approximately 500 words.
- A Reference List formatted according to the requirements of the Portobello Institute Referencing Guide. The reference list is not included into the word count.
- Appendices: sample participant sheets, sample consent forms, research tools (list of interview questions/questionnaires/observation templates). Appendices are not included into the word count.
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| Dissertation (80% of the module grade)) | Presentation (20% of the module grade) | ||||||||||||
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Weighting |
100 | 100 | |||||||||||
| Research Question and Aims (LO1) 5 | Rationale (5) | Literature Review (LO3) (15) | Methodology (15) (LO4) | Ethical Considerations (LO2) (10) | Data Analysis and Discussion (LO5)(15) | Conclusion (5) | Reading and Referencing (20) | Structure and Presentation
(LO6)(10) |
Design and Presentation (50) (LO6) | Content, knowledge and critical evaluation (50) (LO6) | |||
| AA
100 |
As A+ but far exceeding expectations | As A+ but far exceeding expectations | As A+ but far exceeding expectations | As A+ but far exceeding expectations | As A+ but far exceeding expectations | As A+ but far exceeding expectations | As A+ but far exceeding expectations | As A+ but far exceeding expectations | As A+ but far exceeding expectations | As A+ but far exceeding expectations | As A+ but far exceeding expectations | ||
| A+ 85 | Comprehensive evidence of the ability to formulate an appropriate research question with clear, comprehensive and realistic research aims.
Brief and LO1 addressed comprehensively |
In-depth, comprehensive rationale provided.
Comprehensive evidence of critical thinking skills. |
The learner has shown clear evidence of comprehensive analysis and constructive critique of the research topic, with exploration of theoretical perspectives. historical, social, political, cultural and philosophical context related to the research question(s).
Brief and LO3 addressed comprehensively |
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding and clear justification of the chosen research methodology.
Comprehensive use of appropriate terminology. Brief and LO4 addressed comprehensively |
Clear, comprehensive evidence that ethics has been considered throughout the research process.
Brief and LO2 addressed comprehensively |
The process of data analysis and the subsequent findings are comprehensively discussed in light of relevant literature.
Constructive critique and complex analysis throughout Brief and LO5 addressed comprehensively allow
|
A conclusion is provided which comprehensively summarises the research study, outlines implications for further work and research, and states how research has furthered professional development
|
As for A plus the research dissertation is fully supported by relevant, up to date, academic sources.
The learner has the ability to draw on a wide range of appropriate academic sources. Fluent integration of sources into text. Accurate use of Portobello Institute Harvard referencing system. No inaccuracies
|
Excellent standard of written English.
Fluent and clearly expressed. Learner has the ability to structure and present content effectively. Logical and coherent structure. Word count of 7000-8000 words +/-10% adhered to. Clear contents page. All required appendices included. |
Sophisticated presentation skills with excellent, clear, fluent, audible presentation and the ability to build rapport with the audience.
Clear expression of ideas.
Adherence to allotted timeframe. Comprehensive and well-designed visual presentation and clear evidence of digital skills. |
Comprehensive and critical examination of a research topic.
Advanced knowledge and understanding of appropriate methodology and ethics. Comprehensive analysis of the findings, their implications and appropriate recommendations Presentation supported by reference to relevant up to date material. Fluent integration of sources. Accurate use of Portobello Institutes Harvard referencing system. No inaccuracies. Brief and LO6 addressed comprehensively |
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| A 75 | Thorough evidence of the ability to formulate an appropriate research question with clear, realistic research aims.
Brief and LO1 addressed in an in-depth manner |
In-depth rationale provided.
Thorough evidence of critical thinking skills.
|
The learner has shown clear evidence of thorough analysis and constructive critique of the research topic, with exploration of theoretical perspectives. historical, social, political, cultural and philosophical context related to the research question(s).
Evidence of constructive critique and sophisticated analysis Thorough use of appropriate terminology. Brief and LO3 addressed in an in-depth manner
|
Thorough knowledge and understanding and clear justification of the chosen research methodology.
Thorough use of appropriate terminology. Brief and LO4 addressed in an in-depth manner |
Thorough evidence that ethics has been considered throughout the research process.
Brief and LO2 addressed in an in-depth manner |
The process of data analysis and the subsequent findings are thoroughly discussed in light of relevant literature.
Constructive critique and thorough analysis throughout Brief and LO5 addressed comprehensively allow
|
A conclusion is provided which clearly summarises the research study, outlines implications for further work and research, and states how research has furthered professional development
|
The research dissertation is supported by relevant, up to date, academic sources throughout.
The learner has the ability to draw on a wide range of relevant academic sources. Very good integration of sources into text. All sources cited are presented in accordance with Portobello Institute Harvard referencing system. Very minor inaccuracies in citations of unusual sources.
|
Very good standard of written English.
Generally fluent and clearly expressed, some very minor errors. Learner has the ability to structure and present content clearly. Logical and coherent structure with effective organisation and signposting Word count of 7000-8000 words +/-10% adhered to. Clear contents page. All required appendices included. |
Excellent, clear, fluent, audible presentation with the ability to build rapport with the audience.
Clear expression of ideas.
Adherence to allotted timeframe.
Well-designed visual presentation and clear evidence of digital skills.
|
Thorough critical examination of a research topic.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of appropriate methodology and ethics.
Thorough analysis of the findings, their implications and appropriate recommendations Very good integration of sources to support presentation.
All sources cited are presented fully in accordance with Portobello Institute’s Harvard referencing system.
Very minor inaccuracies in citations of unusual sources |
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| B+ 67 | Evidence of the ability to formulate an appropriate, effective research question with realistic research aims.
Brief and LO1 addressed in an effective manner
|
Effective, relevant rationale provided.
Effective critical thinking demonstrated |
The learner has shown evidence of effective analysis and critique of the research topic, with exploration of theoretical perspectives. historical, social, political, cultural and philosophical context related to the research question(s).
Evidence of critique and effective analysis. Brief and LO3 addressed in an effective manner
|
Effective knowledge and understanding and justification of the chosen research methodology. Brief and LO4 addressed in an effective manner
|
Evidence that ethics has been considered effectively throughout the research process.
Brief and LO2 addressed in an effective manner
|
The process of data analysis and the subsequent findings are effectively discussed in light of relevant literature.
Evidence of critique and effective analysis. Brief and LO5 addressed in an effective manner
|
A conclusion is provided which effectively summarises the research study, outlines implications for further work and research, and states how research has furthered professional development
|
The research dissertation is effectively supported by relevant, up to date, academic sources.
The learner has the ability to draw on a range of relevant academic sources. Good integration of sources into text. Majority of sources cited are presented in accordance with Portobello Institute Harvard referencing system. Some incomplete and/or inaccurate citations of sources.
|
Good standard of written English, clearly expressed, some minor errors
Learner has the ability to structure and present content clearly, with consistent organisation and signposting Word count of 7000-8000 words +/-10% adhered to. Clear contents page. All required appendices included. |
Clear, fluent, audible, effective presentation with the ability to build rapport with the audience.
Effective expression of ideas.
Adherence to allotted timeframe.
Strong visual presentation and clear evidence of digital skills.
|
Detailed and effective critical examination of a research topic.
Detailed knowledge and understanding of appropriate methodology and ethics.
Effective analysis of the findings, their implications and appropriate recommendations Good integration of sources to support presentation. The majority of sources cited are presented in accordance with Portobello Institute’s Harvard referencing system. Some incomplete and/or inaccurate citations of unusual sources. |
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| B 63 | Evidence of the ability to formulate an appropriate research question with realistic research aims. Brief and LO1 addressed in an effective manner.
|
Appropriate, relevant rationale provided.
Evidence of critical thinking.
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The learner has shown evidence of appropriate analysis and critique of the research topic, with exploration of theoretical perspectives. historical, social, political, cultural and philosophical context related to the research question(s). Evidence of effective analysis and critique.
Brief and LO3 addressed in an effective manner
|
Appropriate knowledge and understanding and justification of the chosen research methodology.
Brief and LO4 addressed in an effective manner
|
Evidence that ethics has been considered appropriately throughout the research process.
Brief and LO2 addressed in an effective manner |
The process of data analysis and the subsequent findings are appropriately discussed in light of relevant literature.
Evidence of effective analysis and critique. Brief and LO5 addressed in an effective manner
|
A conclusion is provided which effectively summarises the research study, outlines implications for further work and research, and states how research has furthered professional development
|
The research dissertation is effectively supported by relevant, up to date, academic sources.
The learner has the ability to draw on a range of relevant academic sources. Good integration of sources into text. Majority of sources cited are presented in accordance with Portobello Institute Harvard referencing system. Some incomplete and/or inaccurate citations of sources.
|
Good standard of written English, clearly expressed, some minor errors
Learner has the ability to structure and present content clearly, with consistent organisation and signposting Word count of 7000-8000 words +/-10% adhered to. Clear contents page. All required appendices included. |
Generally fluent and audible presentation with the ability to build rapport with the audience.
Clear expression of ideas. Some minor errors. Adherence to allotted timeframe.
Effective visual presentation and appropriate evidence of digital skills. |
Appropriate and effective critical examination of a research topic.
Appropriate knowledge and understanding of appropriate methodology and ethics. Appropriate analysis of the findings, their implications and appropriate recommendations Good integration of sources to support presentation. The majority of sources cited are presented in accordance with Portobello Institute’s Harvard referencing system. Some incomplete and/or inaccurate citations of unusual sources. |
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| C+ 57 | Evidence of the ability to formulate a satisfactory research question with realistic research aims.
Brief and LO1 addressed in a satisfactory manner
|
Satisfactory, relevant rationale provided.
A good attempt to think critically. |
The learner has shown evidence of satisfactory analysis and critique of the research topic, with some exploration of theoretical perspectives. historical, social, political, cultural and philosophical context related to the research question(s). Evidence of satisfactory analysis and attempts to critique.
Descriptive in places. Some evidence of minor omission/inaccuracy. Brief and LO3 addressed in a satisfactory manner
|
Satisfactory knowledge and understanding and justification of the chosen research methodology.
Some evidence of minor omission/inaccuracy. Brief and LO4 addressed in a satisfactory manner
|
Satisfactory evidence that ethics has been considered throughout the research process.
Brief and LO2 addressed in a satisfactory manner
|
The process of data analysis and the subsequent findings are satisfactorily discussed in light of relevant literature.
Evidence of satisfactory analysis and attempts to critique. Descriptive in places. Some evidence of minor omission/inaccuracy. Brief and LO5 addressed in a satisfactory manner
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A conclusion is provided which satisfactory summarises the research study, outlines implications for further work and research, and states how research has furthered professional development
Some evidence of minor omission and/or misunderstanding
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The research dissertation is satisfactorily supported by relevant, academic sources.
Good integration of sources into text. Majority of sources cited are presented in accordance with Portobello Institute Harvard referencing system. Several incomplete and/or missing citations of basic sources |
Satisfactory standard of written English, meaning generally clear, but not consistently fluent, minor errors which do not affect understanding.
Satisfactory structure and presentation of content, with some organisation and signposting Word count of 7000-8000 words +/-10% adhered to. Contents page included. Appendices included. |
Satisfactory audible presentation with effort to build rapport with the audience.
Generally, ideas are clearly expressed.
Not consistently fluent Some minor errors which do not impact understanding. Adherence to allotted timeframe. Satisfactory visual presentation and evidence of digital skills. |
Satisfactory critical examination of a research topic.
Satisfactory knowledge and understanding of appropriate methodology and ethics.
Satisfactory analysis of the findings, their implications and appropriate recommendations
Satisfactory integration of sources to support presentation. The majority of sources presented in accordance with Portobello Institute’s Harvard referencing system. Some incomplete and/or inaccurate citations of basic sources.
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| C 53 | Adequate evidence of the ability to formulate a research question with realistic research aims.
Brief and LO1 addressed in an adequate manner
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Adequate rationale provided.
Some attempts to think critically. |
The learner has shown evidence of adequate analysis of the research topic, with some basic exploration of theoretical perspectives. historical, social, political, cultural and philosophical context related to the research question(s).
Evidence of adequate analysis and attempts to critique. Largely descriptive. Some evidence of minor omission and/or misunderstanding Brief and LO3 addressed in an adequate manner
|
Adequate knowledge and understanding and justification of the chosen research methodology.
Some evidence of minor omission and/or misunderstanding. Brief and LO4 addressed in an adequate manner
|
Adequate evidence that ethics has been considered throughout the research process.
Brief and LO2 addressed in an adequate manner
|
The process of data analysis and the subsequent findings are adequately discussed.
Evidence of adequate analysis and attempts to critique. Largely descriptive. Some evidence of minor omission and/or misunderstanding. Brief and LO5 addressed in an adequate manner
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A conclusion is provided which adequately summarises the research study, outlines implications for further work and research, and states how research has furthered professional development
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The research dissertation is adequately supported by relevant, academic sources.
Adequate integration of sources into text. Majority of sources cited are presented in accordance with Portobello Institute Harvard referencing system. Several incomplete and/or missing citations of basic sources |
Adequate standard of written English, meaning generally clear, but not consistently fluent, minor errors which do not affect understanding.
Adequate structure and presentation of content, with some organisation and signposting Word count of 7000-8000 words +/-10% adhered to. Contents page included. Appendices included. |
Adequate presentation with effort to build rapport with the audience.
Meaning generally clear, but not consistently fluent, minor errors which do not affect understanding.
Adherence to allotted timeframe.
Adequate visual presentation and evidence of digital skills.
|
Adequate examination of a research topic.
Adequate knowledge and understanding of appropriate methodology and ethics.
Adequate analysis of the findings, their implications and appropriate recommendations
Some evidence of critical thinking
Adequate integration of sources to support presentation.
The majority of sources presented in accordance with Portobello Institute’s Harvard referencing system.
Some incomplete and/or inaccurate citations of basic sources.
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| D+ 47 | Sufficient evidence of the ability to formulate a research question with realistic research aims.
Brief and LO1 addressed in a basic and superficial manner
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Sufficient rationale provided.
Some limited attempts to think critically.
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The learner has shown evidence of sufficient analysis of the research topic, with basic exploration of theoretical perspectives. historical, social, political, cultural and philosophical context related to the research question(s).
Attempts to analysis and critique evident. Somewhat limited to description and includes frequent unsupported facts and/or opinions. Some evidence of omission and/or misunderstanding Brief and LO3 addressed in a basic and superficial manner.
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Sufficient knowledge and understanding of the chosen research methodology.
Some evidence of omission and/or misunderstanding. Brief and LO4 addressed in a basic and superficial manner
|
Sufficient evidence that ethics has been considered throughout the research process.
Some minor omission. Brief and LO2 addressed in a basic and superficial manner
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The process of data analysis and the subsequent findings are sufficiently discussed.
Attempts to analysis and critique evident. Somewhat limited to description and includes frequent unsupported facts and/or opinions. Some evidence of omission and/or misunderstanding. Brief and LO5 addressed in a basic and superficial manner
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A conclusion is provided which sufficiently summarises the research study, outlines implications for further work and research, and states how research has furthered professional development.
Some evidence of omission and/or misunderstanding.
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The research dissertation is sufficiently supported by relevant, academic sources.
Appropriate use made of a limited range of reading. Minority of sources presented in accordance with Portobello Institute Harvard referencing system. Frequent incomplete and/or missing sources |
Basic standard of written English, meaning generally clear, some errors which make the work difficult to read at times.
Barely adequate structure and presentation of content, with inconsistent organisation and signposting Word count of 7000-8000 words +/-10% adhered to. Contents page included. Appendices included. |
Sufficient presentation with effort to build rapport with the audience.
Meaning generally clear, but not consistently fluent, minor errors which do not affect understanding.
Adherence to allotted timeframe.
Sufficient visual presentation and evidence of digital skills.
|
Sufficient basic examination of a research topic.
Sufficient basic knowledge and understanding of appropriate methodology and ethics.
Basic but sufficient analysis of the findings, their implications and appropriate recommendations
Basic integration of sources to support presentation.
The minority of sources presented in accordance with Portobello Institute’s Harvard referencing system. Several incomplete and/or missing sources
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| D 43 | Evidence of a research question with basic research aims.
Brief and LO1 addressed in a basic and superficial manner.
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Basic but sufficient rationale provided.
Some limited attempts to think critically.
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The learner has shown evidence of basic analysis of the research topic, with basic exploration of theoretical perspectives. historical, social, political, cultural and philosophical context related to the research question(s).
Some limited attempts to analysis and critique evident. Limited to description and includes frequent unsupported facts and/or opinions Some evidence of omission and/or misunderstanding Brief and LO3 addressed in a basic and superficial manner
|
Basic knowledge and understanding of the chosen research methodology.
Some evidence of omission and/or misunderstanding Brief and LO4 addressed in a basic and superficial manner
|
Basic evidence that ethics has been considered throughout the research process.
Some minor omissions. Brief and LO2 addressed in a basic and superficial manner
|
The process of data analysis and the subsequent findings are discussed in a basic manner.
Some limited attempts to analysis and critique evident. Limited to description and includes frequent unsupported facts and/or opinions. Some evidence of omission and/or misunderstanding. Brief and LO5 addressed in a basic and superficial manner |
Basic conclusion is provided which summarises the research study, outlines implications for further work and research, and states how research has furthered professional development.
Some evidence of omission and/or misunderstanding.
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The research dissertation is somewhat sufficiently supported by relevant, academic sources.
Appropriate use made of a limited range of reading. Minority of sources presented in accordance with Portobello Institute Harvard referencing system. Frequent incomplete and/or missing sources |
Basic standard of written English, meaning generally clear, some errors which make the work difficult to read at times.
Barely adequate structure and presentation of content, with inconsistent organisation and signposting. Word count of 7000-8000 words +/-10% adhered to. Appendices included. |
Sufficient basic presentation
Meaning generally clear, but not consistently fluent, minor errors which do not affect understanding.
Adherence to allotted timeframe.
Basic but sufficient visual presentation and evidence of digital skills.
|
Sufficient examination of a research topic.
Sufficient knowledge and understanding of appropriate methodology and ethics. Sufficient analysis of the findings, their implications and appropriate recommendations Limited integration of sources to support presentation. The minority of sources presented in accordance with Portobello Institute’s Harvard referencing system. Several incomplete and/or missing sources |
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| E 40 | Evidence of a research question with some attempt to outline the research aims.
Brief and LO1 addressed in a nearly sufficient manner
|
Nearly sufficient rationale provided.
Very limited critical thinking evident.
|
Nearly sufficient evidence of basic analysis of the research topic.
Very limited attempts to analysis and critique. Mostly limited to description and includes frequent unsupported facts and opinions. Brief and LO3 addressed in a nearly sufficient manner
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Nearly sufficient knowledge and understanding of the chosen research methodology.
Some evidence of major omission and/or misunderstanding. Brief and LO4 addressed in a nearly sufficient manner |
Basic evidence that ethics has been considered throughout the research process.
Some evidence of major omission and/or misunderstanding. Brief and LO2 addressed in a nearly sufficient manner
|
Nearly sufficient discussion of the process of data analysis and the subsequent findings.
Very limited attempts to analysis and critique. Mostly limited to description and includes frequent unsupported facts and opinions. Some evidence of major omission and/or misunderstanding. Brief and LO5 addressed in a nearly sufficient manner
|
Nearly sufficient conclusion is provided which summarises the research study. | The research dissertation is nearly sufficiently supported by relevant, academic sources.
Some inappropriate sources used. Limited links between text and reference list. Required format used inconsistently/inaccurately, therefore, there are frequent incomplete and/or missing sources.
|
Very basic standard of written English, grammatical errors, meaning not always clear, some errors which frequently make work difficult to understand.
Some repetition. Limited structure and presentation of content, with erratic organisation and signposting Word count of 7000-8000 words +/-10% adhered to. Appendices included. |
Barely adequate presentation skills.
Difficult to understand. Adherence to allotted timeframe. Barely adequate visual presentation and some limited evidence of digital skills.
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Research topic stated.
Nearly sufficient knowledge and understanding of appropriate methodology and ethics.
Some evidence of findings, their implications and recommendations
Some evidence of omission and/or misunderstanding.
Limited integration of sources to support presentation.
The minority of sources presented in accordance with Portobello Institute’s Harvard referencing system.
Several incomplete and/or missing sources.
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| F 37 | Evidence of a research question. Insufficient research aims.
Brief and LO1 addressed in an insufficient manner
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Insufficient rationale provided.
Lacks focus and relevance.
|
Insufficient evidence of analysis of the research topic.
Lacks focus and relevance. Some irrelevant discussion. Insufficient knowledge and understanding demonstrated. Brief and LO3 addressed in an insufficient manner |
Insufficient knowledge and understanding of the chosen research methodology.
Some irrelevant discussion. Brief and LO4 addressed in an insufficient manner
|
Insufficient evidence that ethics has been considered throughout the research process.
Insufficient knowledge and understanding demonstrated. Brief and LO2 addressed in an insufficient manner
|
Insufficient analysis and discussion of findings.
Lacks focus and relevance. Some irrelevant discussion. Insufficient knowledge and understanding demonstrated. Brief and LO5 addressed in an insufficient manner
|
Insufficient conclusion | Very limited and superficial evidence of reading Inaccurate use of Portobello Institute Harvard referencing system.
Numerous incomplete and/or missing sources
|
Very basic standard of written English, grammatical errors, meaning not always clear, some errors which frequently make work difficult to understand. More care needs to be taken with elements of grammar, spelling, and sentence construction.
Repetition evident. Very limited structure and presentation of content, with erratic organisation and signposting May or may not meet the word count of 7000-8000 words +/-10% Appendices may or may not be included. |
Very limited presentation skills.
Lack of clarity, difficult to understand.
Lack of adherence to allotted timeframe.
Very limited visual presentation and evidence of digital skills.
|
Research topic stated.
Nearly sufficient knowledge and understanding of appropriate methodology and ethics.
Some evidence of findings, their implications and recommendations
Some evidence of omission and/or misunderstanding.
Inappropriate sources used.
Limited links between PowerPoint text and reference list.
Required format used inconsistently/inaccurately.
Numerous incomplete and/or missing sources.
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| Inadequate 23 | No question and irrelevant aims.
Does not address the LO1 Not relevant to brief No understanding evident |
Irrelevant or no rationale provided.
Not relevant to brief and/or research topic. No understanding evident. |
Irrelevant or no literature review.
Does not address the LO3 Not relevant to brief. No understanding evident. |
Irrelevant or no methodology chapter.
Does not address the LO4 Not relevant to brief. No understanding evident. |
Ethics not or no considered.
Does not address the LO2 Not relevant to brief. No understanding evident. |
Irrelevant or no data analysis and discussion of findings.
Does not address the LO2 Not relevant to brief. No understanding evident. |
Irrelevant or no conclusion. | Inappropriate reading
Very little or no use of sources in text and/or reference list
|
No structure, no evidence of planning.
Lack of clarity, meaning not clear. Errors which make work very difficult and/or impossible to follow. May not meet the minimum word count.
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Very limited presentation.
Lack of clarity, difficult to understand. Lack of adherence to allotted timeframe. Very limited/no visual presentation. Very limited/no evidence of digital skills. |
Does not address the relevant LO’s
Not relevant to brief No understanding evident |
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| 0 | Component not submitted | Component not submitted | |||||||||||