This set of descriptors is designed to support module teams as they consider the marking of their undergraduate students’ work.
These general descriptors were developed in consultation with staff who teach on a range of undergraduate courses to address grade inflation and to create more banding clarity. Staff focus group discussions were used to explore assessment practices at undergraduate level. Staff provided example descriptors from a wide range of subject areas, and marking criteria used at other institutions were also examined. Following the consultation process, a set of general descriptors were then developed to support a range of assessment modes (e.g. written, video, podcast) in all subject areas.
These descriptors are not designed to be prescriptive, but rather to be used as an adaptable flexible framework for staff as they develop and write their own assessment modes and marking criteria. These general descriptors are not intended to be student facing, or to be used in module handbooks. The wording of the general descriptors can be selectively modified and/or repurposed to suit staff’s own assessment criteria, subject / disciplinary values, and assessment marking weightings.
The descriptors should also be considered by staff as they design course specific marking descriptors, review assessment processes and modify assessment design.
