Academic Standards and Quality

Marking Policy for all Taught Students

Assessment Type Marking Protocol

An individual item of coursework worth up to and including 40% of an individual module:

  •  Essays/assignments
  •  Coursework tests using written answer papers
  •  Performance-based coursework with a permanent output, capable of being shown to the External Examiner
  •  Performance-based coursework with a non-permanent output
  •  Group work with a permanent output
  • Group work with a non-permanent output

Single marked,

(but moderation needed for GTAs, new staff**, and assessed coursework titles and tests marked by multiple staff)

An individual item of coursework contributing more than 40% of an individual module:

  • Essays/assignments
  • Coursework tests using written answer papers
    Performance-based coursework with a permanent output, capable of being shown to the External Examiner
  • Group work with a permanent output

All fails must be second-marked and a random sample (10%) must also be moderated
  • Coursework testing using OMR sheets or online testing tools
  • Coursework marked to a marking schedule

An independent check must be made to ensure that the programme is working accurately and that marks have been assigned to the correct candidates.
  • Individual items of coursework comprising at least 30 credits (including PGT Dissertation and final year undergraduate project reports)

All must be second marked or double marked.
  •  Performance-based coursework with a non-permanent output that contributes to more than 40% of a single module
  • Group work with a non-permanent output  that contributes to more than 40% of a single module

All must be double-marked or team marked, or video/audio recorded or attended by the external examiner.

Examination Marking Protocol

All exams at level 3 and 4;
and exams at level 5 which count for 50% or less of the module mark***.

The scripts only need to be single-marked, but all fails must be second-marked and a random sample (10%) must also be moderated.  Where a formal marking schedule is in place it is not necessary to second-mark or sample - but an independent check must be made on all marks calculations. Marking schedules must be reviewed as part of the department’s procedures for reviewing draft exam papers.
All exams at level 5 which count for greater than 50% of the module mark; and all exams at level 6 and 7***.

All scripts must be second marked, double marked or marked to a marking schedule

* These are minimum requirements and departments can moderate, second mark or double mark more work if they wish, or if they are required to do so by a professional and/or regulatory body. If a department believes it is not possible to comply with an aspect of the University’s marking policy, then the department must apply for an exemption to this aspect and propose an acceptable alternative arrangement for approval by the Faculty Executive Dean and PVC Education

** It is for departments to determine how long moderation needs to continue for a new member of staff.

*** An independent check on all marks calculations must be made where a marking schedule is used. Marking schedules must be sent with draft exams to the External Examiner for comments and approval.

 

 

 

Page last updated: 22 July 2013