Appendix 2: Postgraduate Common Marking Scheme

Postgraduate Common Marking Scheme information
Column one lists the mark out of 100, column two lists the equivalent grade and column three describes the attainment of the learning outcome
Mark	Equivalent grade	Descriptor of attainment of learning outcomes
90+	Distinction	Meets all the requirements to attain 80 – 89 but in addition demonstrates an exceptional degree of originality and exceptional analytical, problem-solving and/or creative skills.
80 -89		Meets all the requirements to attain 70 – 79 but in addition demonstrates outstanding quality evidenced by an ability to engage critically and analytically with source material, exhibits independent lines of argument, is highly original and uses an extremely wide range of relevant sources where appropriate.
70 - 79		Excellent range and depth of attainment of intended learning outcomes, secured by discriminating command of a comprehensive range of relevant materials and analyses, and by deployment of considered judgement relating to key issues, concepts or procedures.
60 - 69	Merit	Attainment of virtually all intended learning outcomes, clearly grounded on close familiarity with a wide range of supporting evidence, constructively utilised to reveal appreciable depth of understanding.
50 – 59	Pass	Attainment of most of the intended learning outcomes, some more securely grasped than others, resting on a circumscribed range of evidence and displaying a variable depth of understanding.
40 – 49	Fail -Marginal	Appreciable deficiencies in the attainment of intended learning outcomes, perhaps lacking a secure basis in relevant factual or analytical dimensions.
0 - 39	Fail -Clear	No convincing evidence of attainment of intended learning outcomes, such treatment of the subject as is in evidence being directionless and fragmentary.
X	Fail	Failure to comply with Compulsory Module Requirements or engage with the module, leading to no automatic right to reassessment.