Assessment Boards External Examiner Training 6 Nov 2013

1. Assessment BoardsExternal Examiner Training6 Nov 2013

2. Assessment Boards • Two-tier system for the determination of marks and results: • First tier: Module Assessment Board (MAB) considers module performance and determines the mark • Second tier: University Assessment Board (UAB) considers the progress of students through awards and end of session results (for continuing students) • Academic standards matters should be discussed initially in the MAB and brought to the attention of the UAB.

3. Module Assessment Boards [Regs F11.7] • Confirm the marks to be awarded for each module. • Consider and make recommendations to the second tier board on the operation of condonement or discretion. • Consider and make recommendation on failures, malpractice, special cases and deferred assessment to the second tier board. • Identify and consider standards issues arising from the assessment exercise. • Special consideration of 20% failure rate. • Special consideration to mean and standard deviation.

4. Module Assessment Boards • Prior to the MAB, External Examiners must have: • Completed the moderation of all modules for which they are appointed. • Confirmed that marking standards are accurate. • Liaised with the Head of Department or Programme Leader as appropriate, on recommendations for fails or special cases. • Communicated to the Head of Department or Programme Leader on appropriate comments they wish to draw to the attention of the Board.

5. MAB Mark Sheets • Mark sheets will include: • The weighting of each item of assessment within the module. • For each student, the raw marks for each component of the total assessment, and the total module mark (calculated in accordance with the validated weighting scheme). • The mean mark per cohort and the standard deviation demonstrating each of the component marks and how the overall mark has been arrived at. • In the case of courses containing a professional element, professional performance should be included. • For reassessment, both the initial and resit marks (both actual and capped marks).

6. University Assessment Boards [F11.9] • The UAB considers the profile of marks for each continuing and completing student. • University Award External Examiners are required to attend UABs and will be invited accordingly. • For continuing students the UAB: • Confirms the results for each student in relation to progress through the programme. • Exercises condonement provisions in accordance with Regulations. (Reg F14 and F15) • Resolves fails, deferred assessment, malpractice and other special cases.

7. University Assessment Boards • Undergraduate programmes offer two reassessment opportunities, unless professional body requirements prohibit this or a programme has specifically validated a programme to only allow one reassessment. • Postgraduate programmes offer one reassessment opportunity. • Providing there is no conflict with a PSRB, the UAB has discretion to approve an exceptional third reassessment opportunity (second opportunity for postgraduate level) where there is a reasonable chance of successful completion and within the limits of 1 x 20 credits at each Level. • Part-time deferred status is implemented when a student does not have enough credit to progress to the next level of study. • An Assessment Contract will be required for any student with 40 or more credits in reassessment or 2nd reassessment.

8. University Assessment Boards • For finalists the UAB: • Identifies the final award outcomes. (Regs H3-H7) • Applies approved rules in relation to borderline cases and determines the final award. • Ensures comparability of treatment for students in the interpretation of the Regulations.

9. University Assessment Boards • Award classifications are calculated on the arithmetic mean of module marks achieved as follows: • Honours Degree • Level 4 marks are excluded • Level 5 and Level 6 marks are weighted 30:70 • The weakest 20 credits is discounted • Where the mean percentage mark (MPM) is less than 2% below the next higher classification and at least 100 credits are in the higher band the student will be awarded the higher classification. • Top-Up Degree • All marks contribute towards the MPM • Where the MPM is less than 2% below the next higher classification and at least 40 credits are in the higher band the student will be awarded the higher classification.

10. University Assessment Boards • Foundation Degree & Target DipHE • Level 4 and Level 5 marks are weighted 30:70 • Merit is awarded when the MPM is 59.5% or above. • Distinction is awarded when the MPM 69.5% or above. • The weakest 20 credits is discounted • Masters Degree • All modules contribute towards the MPM. • Merit is awarded when the MPM is 59.5% or above. • Distinction is awarded when the MPM 69.5% or above and the dissertation is not less than 65%. • Alternative Awards • UAB may award an alternative award and award title to students who have failed the target award or leave at an interim progression point.

11. And finally … • Thank you - any questions?