GENERIC ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Level 6

In accordance with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, at the end of Level 6 students should have coherent and detailed knowledge and a systematic understanding of their subject area, at least some of which is informed by the latest research and/or advanced scholarship within the discipline. They will be able to accurately deploy established techniques of analysis and enquiry within a discipline, using their conceptual understanding to devise and sustain arguments and/or to solve problems. They should be aware of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge. They should be able to critically evaluate evidence, arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions. They will apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects. They will have the ability to manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to the discipline). They will demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts; the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature. Choose one UK-based company or an organisation of your choice, comment on their existing strategy, taking into account the External and Internal environments. State the pros and cons of their current strategy.

Engagement with literature (including reading, referencing,

academic conventions and

academic honesty)

Little or no evidence of reading and/or reliance on inappropriate sources.

Views and findings mostly unsupported and non-authoritative.

Referencing conventions used incoherently or largely absent.

Poor engagement with essential reading. No evidence of wider reading. Reliance on inappropriate sources, and/or indiscriminate use of sources. Heavily reliant on information gained through class contact. Inconsistent and weak use of referencing.

Engagement with a limited range of mostly relevant and credible sources. Some omissions and minor errors.

Referencing conventions evident though not always applied accurately or consistently.

Engagement with an appropriate range of research-informed literature, including sources retrieved independently. Some over-reliance on texts. Referencing may show minor inaccuracies or inconsistencies.

Engagement with a wide range of research-informed literature, including sources retrieved independently.

Selection of relevant and credible sources.  Very good use of referencing, with no/very few inaccuracies or inconsistencies.

Engagement with an extensive range of relevant and credible literature, informed by the latest research. Consistently accurate application of referencing.

Exceptional engagement with an extensive range of relevant and credible literature, informed by the latest research. High-level referencing skills consistently and professionally applied.

Knowledge and understanding (Coherent and detailed knowledge and systematic understanding of the subject area, at least some of which is informed by the latest research and/or advanced scholarship within the discipline.)

Major gaps in knowledge and systematic understanding of the subject matter. Substantial inaccuracies. No awareness of knowledge of the latest research and/or advanced scholarship within the discipline.

Gaps in knowledge, with only superficial systematic understanding. Some significant inaccuracies and/or irrelevant material.  No awareness of knowledge of the latest research and/or advanced scholarship within the discipline. LO1: Demonstrate knowledge, comprehension and application of the taught theory through active and consistent contribution to organisations.

Limited knowledge and systematic understanding of the relevant concepts and principles within the subject area which to some limited extent, is informed by current research and scholarship.

Knowledge is reasonably detailed, accurate with a good systematic understanding of the field of study and to some extent, current research and scholarship.

Knowledge is reasonably extensive coherent and detailed.  Exhibits very good understanding of the breadth and depth of established views, and the work is, at least in part, well-informed by current research and scholarship.

Excellent coherent and detailed knowledge and systematic understanding of the principles and theories of current research and scholarship. Clear awareness of challenges to established views and the limitations of the knowledge base.

Exceptionally coherent and detailed knowledge and systematic understanding of the principles and theories of the subject, well-informed by current research and scholarship. A critical, sophisticated and nuanced awareness of the ambiguities and limitations of knowledge.

Cognitive and intellectual skills

(Conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of research, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete); logic, argument and judgement.)

Wholly or almost wholly descriptive work. Little or no analysis, synthesis or evaluation.

Failure to develop arguments, leading to illogical or invalid judgements. Unsubstantiated generalisations, made without use of any credible evidence.

Largely descriptive work, with superficial use of critical evaluation. Weak development of arguments and judgements. Information accepted uncritically, uses generalised statements made with scant evidence and unsubstantiated opinions. Ideas sometimes illogical and contradictory.

Limited attempt at critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation, tending towards description.

Some evidence to support emerging arguments and judgements but these may be underdeveloped or with a little inconsistency / mis-interpretation.

Asserts rather than argues a case.

Some critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Can analyse new and/or abstract concepts and data without guidance.

An emerging awareness of different stances and ability to use evidence (that may be incomplete) to support the argument.

Mostly valid arguments and logical judgements. Some tendency to assert/state opinion rather than argue on the basis of reason and evidence.

Sound critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation demonstrating critical thinking. Ability to devise and sustain persuasive arguments, and to review the reliability, validity and significance of evidence (that may be incomplete) to make mostly appropriate and valid judgements.

Excellent critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Ability to investigate contradictory or incomplete information and make strong, persuasive, arguments and sophisticated judgements. Some evidence of independent thought and ability to ‘see beyond the question’, suggesting a grasp of the broader field and wider concepts.

Exceptional critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation based on judiciously selected evidence.

Ability to investigate contradictory or incomplete information and make strong, persuasive, arguments and sophisticated, nuanced, judgements. Evidence of independent thought and ability to ‘see beyond the question’, suggesting an outstanding grasp of the broader field and wider concepts.

Practical skills

(Apply/deploy accurately established tools and techniques; initiate and carry out projects; formulate solutions to solve problems in complex and unpredictable contexts.) PS1: Develop a strategy for using skills in problem solving, for a short-term routine problem and a longer term extended problem.

Limited or no use of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Little or no appreciation of the context of the application.

Limited understanding of the application of theory to practice or making appropriate links between the two.

Very weak problem-solving skills in complex and unpredictable contexts.

Rudimentary application of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques but without consideration and competence. Flawed appreciation of the context of the application.

Weak understanding of the application of theory to practice, with only occasional evidence of making appropriate links between the two. Weak problem-solving skills in complex and unpredictable contexts.

An adequate awareness and mostly appropriate application of well-established methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Basic appreciation of the context of the application. Theoretical knowledge and understanding applied in practice, but not always making logical links between the two.

Can identify problems and propose basic solutions in complex and unpredictable contexts without fully appreciating the complexity.

A good and appropriate application of standard methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Clear appreciation of the context of the application. Mainly consistent, accurate and logical application of theory to practice, making appropriate links between the two

Can identify problems and propose mostly appropriate solutions in complex and unpredictable contexts.

A very good application of a range of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Very good consideration of the context of the application, with perceptive insights. Can identify problems and propose appropriate solutions in complex and unpredictable contexts.

Evidence of some innovation and creativity.

An advanced application of a range of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

The context of the application is well considered, and insightful.

Application and deployment extend beyond established conventions.  Can identify complex problems and propose excellent solutions. Innovation and creativity evident.

Exceptional levels of application and deployment skills in unpredictable, practical contexts, drawing skilfully on the latest research within the discipline. Can identify complex problems and propose sophisticated solutions. Assimilation and development of cutting edge processes and techniques.

Transferable skills for life and professional practice

(Exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; professional development; initiate and complete tasks and procedures: individually and/or collaboratively; use appropriate media to communicate effectively; fluency of expression; clarity and effectiveness in presentation and organisation.)

Communication medium is inappropriate or misapplied.

Work is poorly structured, disorganised and/or confusingly expressed. Very weak use of language and/or very inappropriate style. Little or no evidence of autonomy (or collaboration, where relevant) in the completion of tasks. Little or no evidence of the skills required in graduate employment.

Communication medium is poorly designed and/or not suitable for the audience.

Work is poorly presented in a disjointed manner. It is loosely, and at times incoherently, structured, with information and ideas often poorly expressed. Weak use of language and/or inappropriate style. Weak independent initiative (or collaboration, if relevant). Limited evidence of the skills required in graduate employment.

Can communicate in a suitable medium but with some room for improvement.

Mostly ordered presentation and structure in which relevant ideas / concepts are reasonably expressed. Work may lack coherence in places. Can work as part of a team, but with limited involvement in group activities.

Demonstrates the basic skills required in graduate employment, with some areas of minor weakness.

Can communicate effectively in a suitable format, but may have minor errors.

Mostly coherent, organised work, in a suitable structure and is for the most part clearly expressed. Can work effectively independently and/or as part of a team, with clear contribution to group activities.

Demonstrates the skills required in graduate employment, with some areas of strength and some of minor weakness.

Can communicate well, confidently and consistently in a suitable format.

Work is coherent, fluent, well-structured and organised. Can work very well autonomously and/or as part of a team, with very good contribution to group activities.

Demonstrates very good graduate employment skills, with just occasional minor weakness.

Can communicate professionally confidently and consistently in a suitable format.

Work is coherent, very fluent and is presented professionally. Can work autonomously with initiative. Where relevant can work professionally within a team, showing leadership skills as appropriate, managing conflict and meeting obligations. Demonstrates excellent graduate employment skills and an appetite for further development.

Can communicate with an exceptionally high level of professionalism.

Work is exceptionally coherent, very fluent and is presented professionally. Can work exceptionally well and professionally within a team, showing advanced leadership skills. Demonstrates exceptional graduate employment skills and an appetite for further development.