19. Marking Criteria

Assessment Marking Criteria


These guidelines cover the criteria for the assessment of taught modules through examination, as well as extended written work. The criteria build upon and supplement the Queen Mary Assessment Handbook, which is available in the Assessment Handbook (2025-26).

The marking criteria below are designed to apply to all forms of assessment, as appropriate. Assessments are evaluated on six areas:

  • the accuracy and relevance of the submission
  • evidence of independent or original analysis;
  • the quality of the logic and analysis of the submission;
  • the use and scope of relevant sources;
  • the organisation and structure of the submission;
  • accurate, appropriate and consistent referencing and citation of sources; and the English language level of the written text 

The following is broken down into the levels of award that can be achieved under:

  • Distinction (70 and above)
  • Merit (60-69)
  • Pass (50-59)
  • Fail (0-49)