Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Student’s work is i) innovative, ii) original and iii) highly analytical. Written work is at a standard that could potentially be published for a broader readership, and it contains no factual, referencing or grammatical errors. Demonstrates an intimate conceptual understanding of a broad literature and uses this to make sophisticated arguments and promote thought-provoking discussion during lectures and tutorials. Draws on a wide variety of reference material and personal field observations to develop advanced understanding of pertinent development issues.

Distinction

75 - 84

Performs at a high level of competence meeting at least two of the three HD criteria. Written work is at a high standard with few factual, referencing or grammatical errors. Demonstrates a strong conceptual understanding of the literature and uses this, in combination with personal field observations, to make logical arguments and actively engage in discussions. Able to clearly articulate an understanding of all concepts through written answers.

Credit

65 - 74

The defining difference between a ‘credit’ and ‘distinction’ grade is the use of original insights in a Distinction-level report and the possible appearance of some factual, referencing or grammatical errors in a Credit grade. Credit-grade reports will, however, still have a logically constructed argument and be well-written, but may lack originality or flair, or with limited use of personal field observations. While personal observations are used, they may be less effectively presented. Credit-level short essay responses will address the question and comply with basic requirements of the task, but may do so indirectly or suggesting a partial understanding of the question. Credit-grade students make thoughtful contributions to debate most of the time, capturing the main points of the seminar in an informed way, but generally demonstrate little original thought.

Pass

50 - 64

Addresses the question and complies with the basic requirements of the task, but indicates a rudimentary understanding of key concepts, with limited exploration of reputable literature, and whose written work usually contains some factual, referencing or grammatical errors. Students in this range struggle to draw links between field observations and concepts. Pass-grade students contribute to class debate, but don’t show a deep conceptual understanding of the issues, and may have some unexplained absences.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.