Marking Criteria
Level 7
In accordance with the FHEQ, at the end of Level 7 students should have a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a
critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic
discipline, field of study or area of professional practice. They will be able to demonstrate originality in the application of
knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create
and interpret knowledge in the discipline. They should have a conceptual understanding that enables them to evaluate critically
current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline and to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and,
where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses. They will also be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and
creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist
and non-specialist audiences. In addition, they will be able to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving
problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.
Assessment category
Coherent and
detailed knowledge
and understanding
of the subject area,
at least some of
which is informed
by the latest
research and/or
advanced
scholarship within
the discipline
Cognitive and intellectual
skills
Application of theory to
practice (for courses with a
professional practice
element)
Reading a nd
referencing
Presentation, style
and structure
Work that significantly
exceeds the specified
word limit may be
penalized
P
ass
mar
k, d
e
mon
strat
ing
a
chi
evement
o
f al
l
ass
oci
at
ed l
ear
ning ou
tcomes
90%-100%
Exemplary
systematic,
theoretical and
conceptual
understanding
of knowledge at
or informed by
the forefront of
the field of
study,
demonstrating
highly
sophisticated
grasp of the
subject matter
Exceptional c ritical
evaluation and
awareness of current
problems, and
contemporary issues
and debates that
draws on new insights
or perspectives within
the field. Work
demonstrates
exemplary ability to
synthesise c urrent
research and
advanced scholarship
in an original, creative
and innovative
manner.
Sophisticated,
systematic and
innovative application
of knowledge and
theory to professional
practice within the
discipline. Fla wless
use of systematically
selected literature to
justify and express
reasoned judgements
and decisions in
relation to complex
issues and problems at
a professional level
A very high level of
critical engagement
across a systematic
and fully
appropriate range
of relevant and
current academic,
research, policy-
and practice-
related literature
demonstrating
deep and selective
reading and
initiative along with
highly consistent
accurate
referencing
Exemplary
presentatio n of
work that is fluent
and flawless
throughout.
80%-89%
Excellent
systematic,
theoretical and
conceptual
understanding
of knowledge at
or informed by
the forefront of
the field of study
and showing
sophisticated
depth, breadth,
detail and clarity
Sophisticated critical
evaluation and
awareness of current
problems, and
contemporary issues
and debates that draws
on new insights or
perspectives within the
field. Work
demonstrates a very
high level of originality
and creativity in the
student’s approaches
to synthesising current
research and
advanced scholarship
within the subject area
An excellent level of
originality and
innovation in the
application of
knowledge and theory
to professional practice
within the discipline.
Demonstration of
excellent critic al
awareness and
evaluation and the
ability to effectively
critique
and employ
current academic
literature in making
reasoned judgements
and decisions in
relation to complex
issues and problems at
a professional level
A very high level of
critical engagement
across an
extensive range of
relevant and
current academic,
research, policy-
and practice-
related literature
demonstrating
deep and
appropriate reading
and initiative along
with highly
consistent accurate
referencing
Outstanding
presentatio n of
work that is
logically and
coherently
structured with a
strong or original
central
argument(s),
conveyed with a
high level of
fluency and
eloquently
communic ates
compelling,
coherent
conclusions to
specialist and
non-specialist
audiences
