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Masters Dissertation assessment criteria
Not all criteria may apply to all types of dissertation. And the criteria may have different weightings, depending on type.
Criteria 0 - 24% 25 - 34 % 35 - 49% 50 - 5 9%
Pass
Merit
Distinction
Distinction
1. Purpose & objectives
• Research question or
• Problem definition or
• Theoretical focus or
• Case study focus
• The project /case study
development
Not stated, confusing, unrelated to title, difficult to understand, inappropriate study
Very limited lacks effective focus and clear rational Too ambitious or too basic
Poorly defined and presented, some confusion in rationale
Clearly stated, some relevance, straightforward
Well stated purpose, appropriate and realistic explanation of the context /problem/case
Very clearly stated, feasible, innovative
Exceptionally well stated, interesting, sophisticated, original, full and convincing justification
2. Literature Review
• Is there evidence of
appropriate selection
and discussion of
relevant literature?
• Is there evidence of
understanding of, and
critical engagement
with what has been
read?
• Does the literature add
to the understanding of
the problem/ planned
development/ case
study through effective
evaluation and
synthesis of a range of
literature?
Inadequate and/or irrelevant evidence, virtually no evidence of appropriate selection, no discussion of selection criteria, unsystematic or omitted referencing
Rudimentary coverage, very limited evidence of understanding
Lacks structure with clear gaps, no discussion of selection criteria, unsystematic referencing. Limited evidence of understanding and evaluation of the selected literature.
A basic coverage of relevant literature. Inconsistent referencing, The literature offers some additional understanding the problem/ project / development of project /case study
Good coverage, awareness of relevant prior research, clear structure, stated selection criteria, consistent referencing, clarity of understanding, the literature, informs and adds to the development of the project /case study
Comprehensive and inclusive use of highly relevant literature, good structure, clearly articulated discussion that relates to the topic of research
Exceptional section that fully demonstrates a discerning, creative and critical engagement with what has been read
3. Research Methodology
adequately explained,
appropriate to the
problem and data?
avoid bias and are they
carefully collected?
No theoretical basis, no discussion or justification of approach, highly inadequate, no evidence of critical evaluation of sources and data
Irrelevant, very limited explanation of approach to the study
Irrelevant theoretical basis, poorly explained approach
Some evidence of a theoretical basis, reasonably explained.
Clear and relevant theoretical basis, appropriate approach, useful and appropriate information. An awareness of strengths and weaknesses of approach.
Very clear and relevant theoretical basis, persuasive rational for research approach, or methods used for the development of a project/ case study, evidence of critical evaluation
Provides excellent theoretical understanding rigorously argued approach, exceptional understanding evident
4. Analysis of Primary
and/ or Secondary Data
analysis
None, totally inappropriate and unrelated
Extremely limited collection of data, poorly identified data, no criteria for evaluation, no analysis
Casual acquisition of data, lacks structure, limited evaluation against unclear or inappropriate criteria, mostly descriptive
Standard approach to collection, limited validity, limited and basic, but acceptable evaluation or techniques
Standard approach to collection, clear validity and reliability, critical analysis using appropriate techniques and appropriate criteria
Advanced approaches of collection, clear validity, critical analysis using appropriate techniques and appropriate criteria, fully justified
Outstanding analytical techniques and approaches, evidence of creation of new approaches (if appropriate), thorough and rigorous analysis, exceptionally well justified
5. Discussion & Findings
findings reflect
(personal) learning from
analysis, and an
understanding of the
implications and
limitations, the
strengths and
weaknesses of the
research or
development?
No attempt to relate findings to theory
Findings are not effective, discussion shows no learning from the evidence presented
Discussion shows a very limited awareness of theory and attempt to link this to the findings. There is a very limited discussion of the implications, and limitations of the research or development
Adequate level of critical analysis and reflection on personal learning. Adequate discussion of implications of the findings and reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of the research or development
Some links with theory, discussion justified with appropriate evidence, good critical analysis of the implications of the findings, and reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of the research or development
Comprehensive links with theory, complete justification with appropriate evidence, very good critical analysis of the implications of the findings, and reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of the research or development
Sophisticated and critical discussion of the issues involved, outstanding reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of the research, offers fresh/new insights on the problem or development
