MSc Module Assessment Guidelines

Mark Level

Critical Comprehension & Analysis

90-100

Distinction

An exemplary answer, showing complete mastery of the learning outcomes, with an exceptionally developed and mature ability to analyse, synthesise and apply concepts, models and techniques.

All requirements of the learning outcomes are covered exhaustively, and the answer is free from errors.

The work demonstrates originality of thought with outstanding critical reflection and addresses the assessment task with a fully comprehensive, highly logical and systematic approach. Ideas are explained with great lucidity and in a professionally structured manner.

High quality, credible sources are consistently used throughout the answer to support well-developed arguments, demonstrating advanced critical engagement with relevant published literature

80-89

Distinction

An excellent answer, showing mastery of the learning outcomes, with a highly developed and mature ability to analyse, synthesise and apply concepts, models, and techniques.

All requirements of the learning outcomes are covered, and work is free from all but very minor errors.

The work demonstrates excellent critical reflection and addresses the assessment task with a comprehensive, highly logical and systematic approach.

High-quality, credible sources are consistently used to support the arguments, with clear evidence of critical engagement with relevant literature.

70-79

Distinction

A very strong answer, showing full comprehension of the learning outcomes, with a well-developed and mature ability to analyse, synthesise and apply concepts, models, and techniques.

All requirements of the learning outcomes are covered, but there may be a few minor errors.

The work demonstrates strong critical reflection and addresses the assessment task with a comprehensive, logical and systematic approach. Ideas are explained very clearly and in a well-structured manner.

Appropriate academic sources are used to support the arguments, demonstrating good engagement with relevant literature, though critical depth may be uneven.

60-69

Merit

A strong answer, showing a sound grasp of the learning outcomes and a skilful attempt at analysis, synthesis and application of concepts, models, and techniques.

All requirements of the learning outcome are covered, but there may be some minor errors.

The work demonstrates good critical reflection and addresses the assessment task with a clear, logical and systematic approach.

Ideas are explained clearly and in a well organised manner, with some minor exceptions.

An adequate range of sources is used, with some relevance to the arguments, but engagement with the literature is occasionally descriptive.

50-59

Pass

A satisfactory answer, showing a grasp of the learning outcomes however there are gaps in analysis, synthesis and application of concepts, models, and techniques with a heavy reliance on course materials.

The requirements of the learning outcomes are covered.

The work demonstrates minimal critical reflection and a limited ability to address the assessment task in a logical manner.

Ideas are explained adequately but with some confusion and lack of organisation.

A limited range of sources is used to support the arguments, with minimal critical engagement and a tendency toward description.

40-49

Marginal Fail

An unsatisfactory answer. At least one of the learning outcomes is not met. There is a weak attempt at analysis, synthesis and application of concepts, models, and techniques.

Only some of the requirements of the learning outcome are covered

The work demonstrates little or no critical reflection and difficulty with addressing the assessment task in a logical manner.

Ideas are poorly explained and organised.

Sources used are of low relevance or quality, with little evidence of engagement with published literature.

20-39

Fail

An inadequate answer and there are extremely serious gaps in knowledge and many areas of confusion.

Few or none of the requirements of the learning outcomes are covered.

There is no evidence of critical reflection or logical approach to the task.

The levels of expression and organisation in the work are inadequate throughout.

Very few or inappropriate sources are used, showing minimal understanding of relevant literature.

0-19

Fail

The answer is incomplete or missing entirely.

None of the requirements of the learning outcomes are covered.

There is no evidence of critical reflection or logical approach to the task.

The levels of expression and organisation in the work are minimal if present at all.

No sources or completely inappropriate sources are used, showing no understanding of relevant literature.