High Distinction  HD 90+%
Distinction   A 80-89%
Credit   B 65-79%
Pass   C 50-64%
Incomplete  I Given when there are outstanding assessment items or when the student
has failed to fulfil all the requirements of the course as set out in the course
specification
Fail   F 0-49%
Ungraded Pass  P

Individual assessment items will all be given a mark out of one hundred.  At the end of the semester the final grade
will be calculated as the sum of all the results adjusted according the weighting of each assessment. 

The mark for individual assessment items will take into account the following categories:
 

 Expression (language and style)
 Organisation (essay structure)
 Argument (logic + evidence)
 Method (critical approach)
 Research (scope, relevancy, use)
 Presentation/Documentation (see guide in Lecture/Tutorial program)
 

The following is a guide which the tutors in this unit use for grading:

Marks (/100)
0-25 Gross Fail F

Insufficient length, plagiarism, failure to address the question, absence of argument,
incorrect or inaccurate material, lack of evidence, poor spelling, expression, and
organisation, late submission.

25-49 Fail F

Plagiarism, faulty argument, difficulty in addressing the question, difficulty in supporting
the argument, poor spelling, expression, and organisation, inadequate research, insufficient
documentation, late submission.

50-64 Pass C
 
Clear, relevant but simple argument.  Consistent expression which is logically organised.
Evidence of research and documentation.
 

65 -79 Credit B

Clear, relevant, argument which develops from an analysis of the evidence and shows a
degree of critical complexity (text + research).  Evidence of research which is applied and
well documented. Sound expression and organisation. Good presentation.

80 - 89 Distinction A

Clear, relevant, argument which develops from an analysis of the evidence and represents
a controlled application of a critical method.  Evidence of wide research which is critically
applied and well documented.  Accurate expression and effective organisation.  Good
presentation.

90 - 100 High Distinction HD

Developed and accurate analytic argument which shows critical control of topic, text,
research and critical methodology.  Sophisticated and appropriate prose style structured
for the most effective development of the argument.  Extensive directed research.
Excellent presentation and documentation.

Remember that possessing an understanding of the course is not enough.  You must be
able to communicate that understanding.  Examiners should provide the student with a
clear statement justifying the grade awarded and suggesting procedures which the student
can take to improve their result.  Students who do not understand why they have been
awarded a particular grade or are unsure of what they have to do in order to improve their
result should consult their tutors.  Students who after discussing their mark with their
tutors remain unhappy with the result awarded are entitled to an appeal as set out in the
university regulations.

Students should use this guide to assess their own work before submission.  You should
record the grade you believe the essay is worth and compare it to the grade awarded by
your tutor.  One of the skills you should be trying to master in your studies is the ability to
accurately assess your own work as well as others.  This ability only comes if you develop
the habit of rereading and revising your work.  You must think critically about what you
write.  This marking guide is intended to assist you to do this.