6. Writing and Assessment (web)

6.1. Assessment types

Assessment types

Most modules are assessed by a mixture of examination and coursework. Some modules include a small-scale project or in-term tests as part of the coursework. The weighting of examination and coursework is different for individual modules and is decided by the module organiser. Students are usually required to perform to a satisfactory standard in both examination and coursework components in order to obtain an overall pass for the module, but each module has its own specific assessment requirement.

Project modules are usually assessed by means of a project report and an oral examination (viva), including a demonstration of system software where appropriate. Students should refer to the module web pages or ask the module organiser for details of the way in which different coursework elements in a module contribute to the final module assessment.

Module assessment hurdles

There are some modules, which have a specific assessment requirement, which is normally a condition to achieve an overall mark of at least 40%. If a module has a coursework or exam hurdle requirement the module descriptor will show the specific condition.

Example displayed on the EECS Module descriptors:

A minimum total mark of 40% is required to pass this module.
A minimum examination mark of 40% is required to pass this module.

Undergraduate overall module pass mark is 40%

Postgraduate, MSc, MEng /MSci level 7  overall module pass mark is 50%


Complaints about marks received

If you think that a particular piece of coursework has not been marked correctly then you should bring it to the attention of the Module Organiser for that particular module. However, you need to be certain that your complaint is justified because it is possible that your mark could be reduced on review. Requests to review coursework marks should be made within two weeks of the mark being made available to you (i.e. no later than two weeks after the published cut-off date). If it appears that a mark has not been recorded correctly, then please contact the coursework administrator.