University Standard Grading Descriptors
Select Academic Level:
About Knowledge & Understanding
This criterion assesses how well you understand and apply the subject matter. It looks at your grasp of key concepts, theories, and principles relevant to the discipline, and your ability to explain these accurately and appropriately.
About Critical Analysis
This criterion evaluates your ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information. It measures how well you can develop arguments, draw conclusions, and exercise critical judgment in examining the subject matter.
About Structure & Organization
This criterion assesses the clarity, coherence, and logical flow of your work. It examines how effectively you organize and present your ideas, with appropriate use of paragraphs, sections, and transitions.
About Research & Referencing
This criterion evaluates your use of appropriate sources and your adherence to academic conventions in citation and referencing. It measures the quality, relevance, and integration of sources into your work.
About Presentation
This criterion assesses the professional quality of your work, including aspects such as formatting, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and adherence to style guidelines. It looks at how well you communicate your ideas with clarity and precision.
Filter by Grade Band:
Knowledge & Understanding - Foundation Year
Exceptional (90-100%)
Exceptional foundation level understanding of core concepts and knowledge. Demonstrates comprehensive awareness of basic principles with perfect accuracy. Shows outstanding ability to recall and describe fundamental ideas and concepts.
Excellent (80-89%)
Excellent foundation level understanding with strong grasp of introductory concepts. Demonstrates accurate knowledge with minimal errors. Shows clear ability to explain basic principles and their relevance.
Knowledge & Understanding - Year 1
Exceptional (90-100%)
Demonstrates exceptional knowledge and understanding of core first-year subject matter. Shows comprehensive awareness of key theories and concepts with perfect accuracy. Exhibits outstanding ability to recall and explain fundamental principles beyond expected first-year level.
Excellent (80-89%)
Demonstrates excellent knowledge and understanding of first-year material. Shows thorough awareness of key theories and concepts with high accuracy. Exhibits strong ability to recall and explain fundamental principles at first-year level.
Very Good (70-79%)
Demonstrates very good knowledge and understanding of first-year material. Shows good awareness of key theories and concepts with consistency. Exhibits clear ability to recall and explain most fundamental principles at first-year level.
About These Descriptors
Select your academic level and use the criteria tabs to view relevant descriptors.
Academic Level Progression
The descriptors reflect progressive expectations across academic levels:
- Foundation Year: Focus on basic understanding and foundational knowledge
- Year 1: Developing core subject knowledge and beginning to apply concepts
- Year 2: Deepening understanding and developing analytical skills
- Year 3: Advanced knowledge application and development of critical thinking
- Masters Level: Sophisticated understanding and original contribution to the field
To effectively use these descriptors:
- First select the appropriate academic level for your assessment
- Consider all criteria when making assessment decisions
- Use the search function to quickly find specific descriptors
- Switch between criteria using the tabs at the top of the main content area
- Filter by grade band to focus on specific performance levels
- Remember that these are general guidelines and may need to be adapted for specific disciplines