How will you be assessed?
Assessment and Examination - Academic Criteria - Coursework Extensions - Grades - Examinations - Cheating - Avoiding Allegations of Cheating
Modules have been designed to produce a balanced workload with varying credit ratings. Work for each module will be presented and assessed in a form relevant to the type of teaching/learning (see individual module profiles). Assessment criteria will be specified for each module and will be written in line with the course aims and objectives as well as the University’s assessment regulations.
The assessment of a taught module will normally take place on completion of the module and be conducted by the member of staff leading the module. In the case of the dissertation module, work is second marked by another member of the course team. The External Examiner is invited to sample work from all modules. Progress is monitored and feedback given through tutorials.
Originality and creativity will be encourage in all coursework which will be assessed under the following broad headings:
Research and Contextual Knowledge
Within the limitations of the module, research and contextual knowledge
is expected to be comprehensive and students are expected to show initiative
locating sources and in develop a critical engagement with them. Sources
are to be carefully referenced and acknowledged.
Ideas, Understanding, and Reflectivity
Students are expected to develop well-conceptualised, ideas-led work which
is analytic and evaluative. They should demonstrate insight and a critical
understanding of issues and debates and show imagination and independence
of thought.
Communication and Organisation
The student should show skill in synthesis and the management of complexity
while demonstrating the ability to draw parameters and plan effectively.
Both verbal and written work should be coherent and clearly and cohesively
structured.
Students are graded internally according to the following scale:
Distinction
70% and above Excellent
Pass
60-69% Very Good
50-59% Satisfactory-Good
40-49% Adequate – Satisfactory
Fail
Below 40% Unsatisfactory/inadequate
For external purposes, the awards of PgCert, PgDip and MA are not graded numerically but classified as Pass, Distinction or Fail.
Your course is governed by the Standard Assessment Regulations, these are available on the CD ROM issued at enrolment, or on the University's Intranet at http://jaws.uce.ac.uk/docsys.nsf
Late coursework submitted within 15 working days after the deadline is only entitled to a minimum pass mark, unless the student successfully appeals to a central Faculty Committee (Notes of Guidance and Claim Forms are available from your Faculty Office). Work received thereafter receives a grade of nought, unless the student successfully appeals to the University Representations Committee within fifteen working days of the Examination Board (see below). All assessments are provisional until they are confirmed by the Examination Board at the end of the Academic Year.
Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances
If you feel that you have not done as well as you could in an assessment because you have had problems, for example, your personal circumstances or illness, it may be possible for you to make a claim of exceptional extenuating circumstances to the University’s Representations Committee. You should make your claim after you have received your results, and within fifteen working days of your receipt of the results. Please remember to collect evidence to support your claim. If you have been ill, you should obtain medical notes from your GP at the time of your illness. If your claim is successful your mark is set aside and you will take the assessment again at the next available opportunity. Please note that, having established that your first mark was unreliable, the second mark will then have to stand even if it turns out to be lower than on your first attempt.
Forms and notes of guidance are available from your
Faculty Office, the Academic Registry and the Advice Centre of the Union
of Students.
The procedure is administered by the Clerk to the Representations Committee,
Academic Registry, Perry Barr. Telephone Number 0121 331 6936
Error in the Conduct of an Assessment or of an Examination Board
If you consider that there has been an error or irregularity in either an assessment, or at an examination board, you may submit an appeal to the University’s Representations Committee.
Forms and notes of guidance are available from your Faculty Office, the Academic Registry and the Advice Centre of the Union of Students. We would also advise you to contact the Advice Centre of the Union of Students who will help you to prepare your claim. Telephone Number 0121 331 6801.
The procedure is administered by the Clerk to the
Representations Committee, Academic Registry, Perry Barr. Telephone Number
0121 331 6936.
When it comes to examinations and assessment you must take care that you
fully understand what is required of you and if anything is unclear, ask
your course tutors.
Examination Stress
The University acknowledges that examination time can be particularly stressful and that some students may have particular problems. The Staff and Student Development Department offers support and training on, for example, writing skills and Student Services can provide additional help and advice on dealing with examination stress. If you have particular problems – including an illness, disability or injury - which affects you when taking examinations, tell your tutor or course director as soon as possible and definitely before the examination. S/he may suggest you seek specialist help from Student Services.
The University defines cheating as:
"Any attempt by a student to gain an unfair advantage over another student in the completion of an assessment or to assist someone else to gain an unfair advantage."
Please remember: it is better to fail than to cheat, so don’t be tempted.
The University takes allegations of cheating, in examinations or in coursework, very seriously. If you are found guilty of cheating the penalties can be severe and you may lose academic credits.
If an allegation of cheating is brought against you, you will be asked to attend a meeting with your Dean of Faculty to explain your case. You are allowed to take a friend or representative with you, and we would advise you to contact the Advice Centre of the Union of Students.
Avoiding Allegations of cheating
In examinations
• Don’t take unauthorised materials into
the examination room.
• Make sure you know what sort of calculator and other technological
aids are allowed.
• If it is an open-book examination, be certain of what materials
you are allowed to use in the examination. If you are not sure, ask the
invigilator.
• Don’t try to talk to another student in the examination.
• If you’ve been reading revision notes before the examination,
leave them at the front of the examination room before you go to your
desk.
• Make sure that any permitted materials (e.g. ruler, calculator,
text) are clear of additional notes and other recorded information.
In coursework
• Don’t pass off someone else’s
work as your own. This is plagiarism and viewed very seriously by the
University.
• Acknowledge all your sources that you have used in your coursework
assignment or project.
There is advice on referencing in the Library’s web pages:
http://www.uce.ac.uk/library/public
If you are unsure about referencing your sources for coursework, please contact your personal tutor or course director for advice.
• If you are using the exact words of
another person, put them in quotation marks.
• Check that you know whether the coursework is to be produced individually
or whether you can work with others.
• If you are doing group work, be sure about what you are supposed
to do on your own.
• Don't allow others to copy your work.
• Don't lend disks or drafts of your coursework to other students.
• Don't make up or falsify data to prove your point.