Assignment Marking Criteria: Academic Level 6 Weighting Descriptor Relevant knowledge and understanding

Demonstrates deep and comprehensive knowledge and understanding. Critically evaluates a range of wider issues and perspectives Excellent evidence of independent thought and creativity. Contributes own ideas to current knowledge base.

75% Application of theory to practice (If relevant)

Outstanding evidence of application of theory to practice. Is able to critically evaluate all aspects of theory and practice. Demonstrates an outstanding ability to use reflective skills in a critical and analytical manner where appropriate Excellent evidence of application of theory to practice. Is able to critically evaluate the impact of theory on practice. Demonstrates a well developed ability to use reflective skills in a critical and analytical manner where appropriate

Level of analysis

Grade
90-100%

Level of investigation and use of supporting evidence

Discussion is fully supported by reference to an extensive range of contrasting source material. Accurate use of the current Harvard referencing system.

25% Structure presentation and grammar

Outstanding organisation of material, discussion is articulate and fluent. Excellent concise use of language, grammatically sound, presented in accordance with assignment guidelines.

(1st Class)

Excellent evidence of the ability to critically analyse and evaluate concepts and theories. Excellent synthesis of elements to support a substantial conclusion

80-89%

(1st Class)

Demonstrates deep and comprehensive knowledge and understanding. Critically evaluates a range of wider issues and perspectives. Excellent evidence of independent thought and creativity

Excellent evidence of the ability to critically analyse and evaluate concepts and theories in depth, drawing together ideas and perspectives in order to reach a substantial conclusion.

Critical use of an extensive range of relevant further reading/ research findings, which add depth and breadth to the discussion. Accurate use of the current Harvard referencing system.

Excellent organisation of material, discussion is articulate and fluent. Excellent use of language, grammatically sound, presented in accordance with assignment guidelines.

Assignment Marking Criteria: Academic Level 6 Weighting Descriptors 75% Application of theory to practice (If relevant)
Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and understanding. Evaluates a range of wider issues and perspectives. Strong evidence of independent thought and creativity Strong evidence of application of theory to practice. Is able to critically evaluate the impact of theory on practice. Demonstrates a well developed ability to use reflective skills in a critical and analytical manner where appropriate Good evidence of application of theory to practice. Demonstrates a well developed ability to use reflective skills in a critical manner where appropriate Strong evidence of the ability to critically analyse and evaluate concepts and theories in depth, drawing together ideas and perspectives in order to reach a substantial conclusion. Demonstrates the ability to critically analyse and evaluate concepts and theories in some depth, drawing together ideas and perspectives in order to reach a balanced and supportable judgement Demonstrates the ability to critically analyse and evaluate concepts and theories, drawing together ideas and perspectives.

Relevant knowledge and understanding

Level of analysis

Grade
70-79%

Level of investigation and use of supporting evidence

Engages with an extensive range of relevant further reading/ research findings, which add depth and breadth to the discussion. Accurate use of the current Harvard referencing system.

25% Structure presentation and grammar

Work is clearly and logically structured, discussion is articulate and fluent. Excellent use of language, grammatically sound, presented in accordance with assignment guidelines.

(1st Class)

60- 69%

(ii.i)

Thorough knowledge and understanding of key and a range of wider issues and perspectives. Good evidence of independent thought and creativity

Good use of a range of relevant further reading/ research findings, which add depth and breadth to the discussion. Accurate use of the current Harvard referencing system.

Work is clearly and logically structured, discussion is articulate and fluent. Very well written, grammatically sound, presented in accordance with assignment guidelines.

50-59%

(ii.ii)

Sound knowledge and understanding of key and some wider issues. Clear evidence of independent thought and creativity

Clear evidence of application of theory to practice. Demonstrates an ability to use reflective skills where appropriate

Good use of relevant further reading/ research findings to illustrate and extend the discussion. Accurate use of the current Harvard referencing system.

Work is well structured and aids clarity and coherence of the discussion or argument. Well written with few grammatical errors and presented in accordance with assignment guidelines.

Assignment Marking Criteria: Academic Level 6 Weighting Descriptors 75% Application of theory to practice If relevant)
Meets the assessment outcomes at threshold level. Adequate knowledge and understanding of key issues. Limited evidence of independent thought and creativity Limited attempts to apply theory to practice. Developing the ability to use reflective skills where appropriate Demonstrates a developing ability to critically analyse and evaluate concepts and theories.

Relevant knowledge and understanding

Level of analysis

Grade 40- 49%

Level of investigation and use of supporting evidence

Adequate use of further relevant reading/ research findings in support of the discussion. Largely accurate use of the current Harvard referencing system. Reading is limited from a narrow range of sources Valid points are made without the supporting literature/ theory

25% Structure presentation and grammar

Work is clearly structured and supports developing discussion or argument. Clearly written and presented in accordance with assignment guidelines. Few grammatical errors. Work tends not to flow and is disjointed in places Spelling / grammatical errors are present Work requires careful proof reading

(3rd Class)

30-39% (U)

Assessment outcomes are not met Limited knowledge and understanding of the key issues Very little evidence of independent thought and creativity Assessment outcomes are not met Key issues are not addressed There is evidence of misunderstanding / errors No evidence of independent thought and creativity Assessment outcomes are not met There is evidence of significant misunderstanding

Theory is applied to practice in a superficial manner Difficulty in selecting appropriate theory

Work has a tendency to be descriptive in places Discussion is not developed Little evidence of critical thought Many areas of description No evidence of critical analysis or critical thought

20- 29% (Fail)

Only occasional application of theory to practice

10-19% (Fail)

No application of theory to practice

No evidence of critical analysis Work is descriptive throughout No evidence of critical thought Work is a descriptive narrative

Narrow reading, key texts not accessed Work is generally unsupported Inaccurate / incomplete use of referenced material A substantial number of referencing errors/ omissions Very little reading evident Work is unsupported Many referencing errors / omissions throughout the work No evidence of reading to inform approach

Work is disjointed / disorganised with many spelling / grammatical errors which impede the flow of the work Work requires careful proof reading

1-9% (Fail)

Assessment outcomes are not met No knowledge of understanding of key issues

No application of theory to practice

High levels of disorganisation No logical progression to lines of discussion Numerous spelling / grammatical errors which seriously impede the flow of the work Work is very disorganised, difficult to read and understand No attempt at discussion Language used is inappropriate

0%

Late submissions without relevant permission Evidence of academic malpractice as defined by Institutional Policy Major breach of confidentiality as defined by Course Regulations Evidence of unsafe/ harmful or discriminatory practice or presentation of misinformation Failure to word process assignment

N.B. Criteria and weightings are open to some degree of professional interpretation. Where a student demonstrates strengths and weaknesses, which cross the identified grade criteria, the marker will be required to exercise a balanced judgement.