There are separate criteria for classifying Honours modules, non-Honours modules and degrees.
Examiners are expected to take into account the background of the students. Stage 3 and 4 students at a given point on the scale should be expected to have a better grasp of basic material and greater ability to answer routine questions than Stage 2 students. The criteria outlined below should apply in broad terms to the candidates examined on a module, but it is accepted that principles of natural justice should deter examiners from departing from the mark order on rubric marks and that, on occasion, this could lead to a slight mismatch between the given criteria and the scaled marks for a small number of candidates. Moreover these criteria are to be applied to the written examination paper in isolation, with the same criteria applied in a much broader way to regular coursework.
A thorough understanding of the syllabus at a routine level and a good understanding of a majority of the syllabus at a deeper level. A candidate awarded a first class mark is expected to have the potential ability to conduct independent research successfully at postgraduate level in the subject area of the module. A mark in excess of 85 should only be used in exceptional circumstances and should indicate that the candidate has conducted significant independent study and has a good understanding of the material at a deeper level than that presented to the student body as a whole.
At least a sound understanding of the syllabus at a routine level and a good understanding of some of the syllabus at a deeper level. In addition, either a thorough understanding of the syllabus at a routine level or a good understanding of a majority of the syllabus at a deeper level.
A general understanding of the syllabus, but evidence of some deficiencies in knowledge and understanding. There should be a sound understanding of the syllabus at a routine level or a good understanding of some of the syllabus at a deeper level.
Some understanding of the syllabus, adequate comprehension of basic facts and principles.
Some understanding of the syllabus, comprehension of basic facts and principles in part, but not considered adequate for the award of a Third Class mark.
Some understanding of the syllabus, comprehension of basic facts and principles in part, but so limited in scope as to make the award of an Ordinary Degree pass mark on this module alone untenable.
Failure to meet the criteria even for a mark in the Ordinary Degree Compensation Range.
The criteria outlined below are similar to the Module Class Criteria agreed for Stages 2, 3 and 4. However the mark ranges at Stages 0 and 1 have slightly different meanings. The criteria given here are designed for modules given as part of Honours degree programmes in Mathematics & Statistics (including MAS051 and MAS052) but do not necessarily apply to other Stage 0 and 1 modules taught by the School.
The criteria should apply in broad terms to the candidates examined on a module, but it is accepted that principles of natural justice should deter examiners from departing from the mark order on rubric marks and that, on occasion, this could lead to a slight mismatch between the given criteria and the scaled marks for a small number of candidates. Moreover these criteria are to be applied to the written examination paper in isolation, with the same criteria applied in a much broader way to regular coursework.
A thorough understanding of the syllabus at a routine level and a good understanding of a majority of the syllabus at a deeper level. A mark in excess of 85 should only be used in exceptional circumstances and should indicate that the candidate has conducted significant independent study and has a good understanding of the material at a deeper level than that presented to the student body as a whole.
At least a sound understanding of the syllabus at a routine level and a good understanding of some of the syllabus at a deeper level. In addition, either a thorough understanding of the syllabus at a routine level or a good understanding of a majority of the syllabus at a deeper level.
A general understanding of the syllabus, but evidence of some deficiencies in knowledge and understanding. There should be a sound understanding of the syllabus at a routine level or a good understanding of some of the syllabus at a deeper level.
Some understanding of the syllabus, adequate comprehension of basic facts and principles.
Some understanding of the syllabus, comprehension of basic facts and principles in part, but not considered adequate for the award of a Pass mark.
Some understanding of the syllabus, comprehension of basic facts and principles in part, but so limited in scope as to make the award of an Ordinary Degree pass mark on this module alone untenable.
Failure to meet the criteria even for a mark in the Ordinary Degree Compensation Range.
A thorough understanding of the syllabus with evidence of critical thought and analysis. A candidate awarded a first class classification is expected to have the potential ability to conduct independent research successfully at postgraduate level.
A sound understanding of the syllabus. A candidate awarded a second class (division 1) classification is expected either to show evidence of first class ability but in a limited range of modules or to have demonstrated thorough understanding in a wide range of subjects, albeit short of first class standard in many cases.
A general understanding of the syllabus, but evidence of some deficiencies in knowledge and understanding.
Some understanding of the syllabus, adequate comprehension of basic facts and principles.
Some understanding of the syllabus, as regards basic facts of the subject. Sufficient progress beyond Stage 1 to justify the award of a degree, but not sufficient to meet the criteria for an Honours degree.
Failure to meet the criteria for the award of an Ordinary or Honours degree.