Numeric Grade: 72, 77
Grade Descriptor: Very Good

Equivalent Classification Descriptor (L7): Distinction

For grades in the 70s the work will typically demonstrate:

• frequent indications of originality in the application of knowledge;
• a consistently advanced level of ability in analysis and synthesis, utilising applicable information and data related to the specific discipline/professional practice;
• a very good level of skill/performance in complex and/or specialised contexts;
• high level of autonomy and self-management, with much new learning which is applied well;
• integrated methodology and practice.

Enquiry will have been conducted in an exemplary fashion, with rich outcomes and strong processes. Communication (in all fields) will be clear and direct, showing strong ownership of ideas and expression. Vocabulary will be strongly owned and effectively deployed. Academic practices are exemplary.

Numeric Grade: 62, 65, 68
Grade Descriptor: Good

Equivalent Classification Descriptor (L7): Commendation

For grades in the 60s, the work will typically demonstrate:

• good, consistent understanding of specialised/applied knowledge, with some indications of originality;
• a high level of ability in analysis and synthesis, utilising applicable information and data related to the specific discipline/ professional practice;
• a high level of skill/performance in complex and/or specialised contexts;
• self-management, autonomy, and effective application of new learning;
• methodology and practice which inform each other effectively.

Enquiry will be methodical, broad and deep, with outcomes recorded well, and an effective underlying process. Communication (in all fields) will show strong ownership of ideas and expression. There may be some ‘proofing level’ or mechanical errors, and some inaccuracies in vocabulary which is generally deployed well. Academic practices a rigorous and accurate.

Numeric Grade: 52, 55, 58
Grade Descriptor: Clear Pass

Equivalent Classification Descriptor (L7): Pass

For grades in the 50s, the work passes and has met the Learning Outcomes. It will typically demonstrate:

• a satisfactory/good understanding of specialised/applied knowledge, which may lack consistency;
• limited indication of originality in the application of knowledge;
• a satisfactory/good level of ability in analysis related to the specific discipline/professional practice;
• a satisfactory/good level of skill/performance in complex and/or specialised contexts.
• evident new learning, although this might not be fully integrated in working processes
• general evidence of self-management, with some autonomy;
• methodology and practice will are interrelated in working processes, but perhaps not confidently or consistently.

Enquiry will be generally effective and broad-based in process and outcomes. Communication (in all fields) will be generally clear, showing ownership of ideas and expression. There might be some inaccurate use of vocabularies, particularly in new and specialist terminologies, and a few basic errors. Academic practice will broadly follow conventions and will be mostly accurate.

Numeric Grade: 42, 45, 48
Grade Descriptor: Marginal Fail

Equivalent Classification Descriptor (L7): *Not Applicable*

Grades in the 40s indicate that the work is a marginal fail. It will typically demonstrate:

• a limited or inconsistent understanding of specialised/applied knowledge;
• a low level of ability in analysis and synthesis at postgraduate level;
• a lack of integration of new learning;
• poor self-management, with limited autonomy;
• weak self-management, with little, if any, autonomy.
• a separation of methodology and practice, but with some understanding of their interrelationship.

Enquiry will lack breadth, depth and/or application in outcomes and understanding of process. Academic practice will be erratic.

Numeric Grade: 25, 32, 35, 38
Grade Descriptor: Clear Fail

Equivalent Classification Descriptor (L7): *Not Applicable*

Grade in the 20s and 30s indicate that the work is a clear fail. This means that its quality could not possibly be considered as university postgraduate standard. Typically, it will demonstrate:

• a clear lack of knowledge and understanding of specialised/applied knowledge;
• no indications of originality in the application of knowledge;
• a very low level of ability in analysis and evaluation at postgraduate level;
• an unacceptably low level of skill/performance;
• limited new learning, with significant reliance on previous knowledge;
• a lack of methodological depth in practice, with an absence of newly developed processes.

Enquiry will be limited in process and outcomes. Academic practice will be poor.

Numeric Grade: 10
Grade Descriptor: Little or nothing of merit

Equivalent Classification Descriptor (L7): *Not Applicable*

Typically, for grades below 20, the work will demonstrate:

• insufficient evidence of knowledge and understanding of the subject matter;
• a lack of ability in analysis and evaluation
• an exceptionally low level of performance over most subject specific/professional/practice skills;
• no indications of originality in the application of knowledge;
• an extreme over-reliance on previous knowledge, with little or no new learning;
• a misunderstanding or lack of awareness of the relationship between methodology and practice, with naive judgements.

Enquiry will be weak in process and outcomes. Academic practice is likely not to have been followed.

Note: students receiving an overall module grade below 20 will not usually be eligible for a referral opportunity and will be required to repeat the module if a further attempt is permitted and agreed by the Board of Examiners.