SoML Explanation of MLitt Marking criteria
A piece of work that falls within a specified band will typically contain a majority, although not
necessarily all, of the criteria mentioned.
Mark / Mark Band
20/Distinction (16.5-20)
An outstanding answer that
displays striking original insights,
independent thinking, rigorous
analysis and authoritative
command of materials, expressed
logically and clearly.
Criteria
Authoritative and detailed knowledge and understanding of
the material. Full understanding of complexities of
methodologies and theories demonstrated not only through
use, but also through critical engagement with benefits and
limitations of each.
Extensive range of sources (extending well beyond the module
handbook) used and applied with insight and judgement.
Exceptional originality and insight combined with rigorous
analysis.
Excellently structured, focused and well written. A compelling
argument presented clearly and effectively through the use of
examples.
Exemplary presentation.
19/Distinction (16.5-20)
Highly thoughtful answer
demonstrating original insights
and independent thinking
informed by wider engagement
with materials, thorough analyses,
and clear, well-expressed and
logical presentation.
Thorough and detailed command of the materials combined
with clear critical engagement with theory and methodology.
Extensive range of sources used and applied with insight and
judgement.
Excellent originality and insight combined with rigorous
analysis and connections of ideas to larger issues.
Very focused, clearly presented and well-structured argument
with effective and thoughtful use of examples.
Excellent presentation.
16.5-18.5/Distinction (16.5-20)
Excellent Work
Thoughtful response informed by
wider reading with demonstration
of keen insights, presented
through clear expression, logical
structuring and thorough analyses
of examples.
Thorough and detailed understanding of materials, including
capacity to engage critically with issues of theory and
methodology.
Full to extensive range of sources used and applied with insight
and judgement.
Very strong originality and insight combined with rigorous
analysis and connections of ideas to larger issues.
Very clear and logical structure, effectively supported by
analysis.
Excellent presentation.
15-16/Pass (13.5-16.49)
Good to very good understanding
with principles and materials,
combined with coherent and
effective argument, along with
evidence of independent research
Good to very good understanding of materials, with evidence
of ability to engage critically with issues of theory and
methodology.
Comprehensive range of sources used and applied with insight
and judgement.
Strong independent thinking and insight combined with
and analysis. Higher end marks will
demonstrate indications of
mastery of research, and/or
analysis.
thorough analysis with connections of ideas to larger issues.
13.5-14.5/Pass (13.5-14.49)
Sound understanding of materials.
Sound understanding of materials
demonstrated with some research,
some analysis and competent
presentation of an argument.
Clear and logical structure, effectively supported by analysis.
Very good presentation.
Sources used largely limited to those listed in the module
handbook, with limited evidence of independent research.
Sound insights and evidence of originality, competent analysis
and awareness of larger issues.
Generally sound structure, although clarity, logic and the
development of the argument are occasionally impaired by
vagueness or problems of structure.
Good presentation.
7-13/Graduate Diploma (7-13.49)
Work that is less analytic than
required for a MLitt. degree. Room
for development evident.
Some evidence of knowledge of the primary sources and
secondary literature but this is likely to be limited especially at
the lower end of the mark scale.
Weak or possibly over simplified use of materials with reliance
on descriptions and unsubstantiated declarations at the lower
end of the scale with adequate discussion at the top end.
Analysis could be brief and lack much insight, with little
evidence of independent thinking.
The structure of the argument is basic and could be
contradictory in terms of clarity, logic and development.
There may be insufficient evidence of grasp of some basic
points.
Presentation could be barely adequate in parts with some
problems of expression and style.
0-6.5/Fail (0-6.99)
Inadequate Work.
Work that fails to demonstrate adequate knowledge of the
material (primary sources and secondary literature.
Very little or no evidence of independent thinking and
awareness of larger issues.
Derivative and confused argument, with an unacceptable level
of inaccuracies.
Inadequate presentation.