SSEES Postgraduate Assessment Criteria
Knowledge
Equivalent Degree
Classification
% Equivalent
Distinction
(Excellent)
70+*
Knowledge of problems involved, e.g
text, author, genre, period, linguistic
phenomena, historical and social
context, specialist literature on the
topic. Evidence of capacity to gather
information through a wide and
ECTS/IMESS GRADE appropriate range of reading, and to
EQUIVALENT
digest and process knowledge.
A
Analysis & Intepretation
Demonstrates a clear grasp of concepts.
Application of appropriate methodology and
understanding; willingness to apply an
independent approach or interpretation;
recognition of alternative interpretations; Use
of precise terminology and avoidance of
ambiguity; avoidance of excessive
generalisations or gross oversimplifications
Structure & Argument
Presentation & Documentation
Demonstrates ability to structure
work with clarity, relevance and
coherence. Ability to argue a case;
clear evidence of analysis and logical
thought; recognition of an arguments
limitation or alternative views;
Ability to use other evidence to
support arguments and structure
appropriately.
Accurate and consistently presented
footnotes and bibliographic references;
accuracy of grammar and spelling;
correct and clear presentation of
charts/graphs/tables or other data.
Appropriate and correct referencing
throughout. Correct and contextually
correct handling of quotations
Research Skills
Language Proficiency
(Dissertation Only)
Language modules only**
Excellent knowledge of vocabulary and mastery of
translation difficulties including excellent English
style in translation and summary work.
Comprehensivelevel of knowledge,
ability to synthesise an exceptionally
wide range of materials.
Distinctively sophisticated and focused analysis,
critical use of sources and insightful
interpretation.
Outstanding ability to formulate a
convincing and coherent argument
independently
Excellent presentation and
comprehensive documentation.
Comprehensive understanding of
techniques applicable to the chosen
field of research, showing an ability to
engage in sustained independent
research.
A high level of knowledge, ability to
synthesise a very wide range of
materials.
A high level of analysis, critical use of sources
and insightful interpretation.
A high standard of argument, which is
sustained, coherent and effective.
Very good presentation and
comprehensive documentation.
Good understanding of techniques
Very good knowledge of vocabulary and mastery of
applicable to the dhosen field of
translation difficulties including very good English
research, showing an ability to engage
style in translation and summary work.
in sustained independent research.
Demonstration of a critical use of sources and A sound ability to present a sustained,
ability to engage in systematic inquiry..
coherent and effective argument.
Good presentation skills and
appropriate documentation of all
sources.
65 - 69 B
Merit
(Very good)
60-69
60 - 61 C
55 - 59 D
Pass
(Good)
50-59
50 - 54 E
Fail
0-49
FAIL
Ability to engage in in-depth reading
and to synthesise material from wide
range of sources.
Shows a poor familiarity with relevant
information and an inability to
synthesise material from a range of
sources.
Demonstrates failure to use sources and an
inadequate ability to engage in systematic
inquiry.
Failure to present a sustained,
coherent and effective argument.
Inadequate grasp of appropriate
principles of documentation and
presentation.
An ability to engage in sustained
research work, demonstrating
methodological awareness.
Good knowledge of vocabulary and mastery of
translation difficulties including good English style in
translation and summary work.
Inadequate evidence of ability to
Inadequate knowledge of vocabulary and mastery of
engage in sustained research work and
translation difficulties including poor English style in
poor understanding of appropriate
translation and summary work.
research techniques.
*at SSEES, marks of over 80% are given rarely and only for truly exceptional pieces of work
**for language modules examined with a fixed marking scheme that produces a raw mark (0-100), the raw mark is scaled with appropriate grade boundaries to provide a final mark in the range 0-85%.