Features of Work at the Masters Degree Level with Distinction

Demonstrating Mastery of a Complex and Specialized Area of Knowledge

Demonstrates mastery of a complex and specialised area of knowledge. There is strong evidence of an ability to extend, transform and apply such knowledge. The student also demonstrates an ability to engage in sophisticated discussion of complex concepts and to recognise the limitations and/or ambiguity of disciplinary knowledge. Independent thinking and original insights are also features of work at this level. Demonstrates an ability to communicate information, complex ideas, results of research and concepts in a coherent and succinct manner. The standard of presentation is high and the format appropriate. Key points are logically organised and in written work, the style is lucid and mature. Arguments are well-defined and clearly articulated. Demonstrates an ability to conduct research or advanced technical or professional activity, undertake detailed analysis and critical enquiry relevant to the task/discipline, and expertise in highly specialised and advanced technical, professional and/or research skills, by making excellent use of a number of appropriate techniques. The student is highly successful in presenting, synthesising and commenting on research process and outcomes and is able to comment perceptively and with insight on the relationship between theory and practice.

Demonstrates a detailed and thorough knowledge of current research/advanced scholarship in the discipline. The use of scholarly reviews/primary sources is sophisticated and a breadth and depth of individual reading and investigation, extending beyond the sources provided, is apparent. A substantial range of relevant examples are included. A thorough knowledge and understanding of research processes, techniques and methods, is demonstrated along with an ability to design and apply appropriate research methodologies, apply research knowledge and skills successfully in appropriate contexts.

Demonstrates an ability to engage in critical evaluation of concepts/arguments/data and to make appropriate and informed judgements. Arguments are well developed, sustained and substantiated. Where relevant, assumptions are challenged and there is clear recognition of the complexities of academic debate. Appropriate and sometimes innovative solutions are offered to problems. There is strong evidence that the student is able to reflect effectively on her/his own practice. Critical evaluation of the student’s own work and/or professional practice is highly perceptive and there is a full awareness of the implications for future development.

This band of marks represents the level of attainment commensurate with the award of a Masters degree with Distinction. In the work presented for assessment, students awarded marks within this band will in addition have demonstrated a full and detailed understanding of the set task and an ability to have met the learning outcomes and address the assessment criteria at an excellent level. This band of marks represents the level of attainment commensurate with the award of a Masters degree with Distinction. In the work presented for assessment, students awarded marks within this band will in addition have demonstrated a full and detailed understanding of the set task and an ability to have met the learning outcomes and address the assessment criteria at an outstanding and exceptional level.

Demonstrates little knowledge and understanding of the field of study relevant to the Factual inaccuracies, errors and misconceptions are evident in many important areas and these outweigh the degree of knowledge and understanding demonstrated. Substantial elements of the assessed work may be irrelevant to the task. Demonstrates a limited ability to communicate simple concepts and/or factual Frequent faults in the presentation of work and significant difficulties in its structure and organisation detract from the clarity and meaning overall. The writing style is often clumsy and inappropriate.

Demonstrates little evidence of being able to undertake enquiry and analysis relevant to the task/discipline. Where such work has been attempted, research process and outcomes may be inappropriate, or absent. Demonstrates little knowledge of current research/scholarship in the discipline. Evidence of individual reading and investigation is negligible and the limited range of examples is frequently inaccurate. Very limited knowledge of research processes is apparent and there is a failure to apply this Demonstrates some ability to describe and report but very little evidence is available to indicate an ability to engage in critical evaluation and reflection. Self-evaluation and reflections on her/his own practice are negligible.