Appendix 1: Assessment board terms of reference Establishment Assessment boards are established by and within faculties, subject to the approval of the Faculty Academic Committee (FAC). They have the formal status of standing committees of the FAC and are subject to such standing orders as are determined by the Academic Board. It is the responsibility of each FAC annually to approve the membership for each assessment board and to determine that each assessment board is properly constituted, with a chair, deputy chair and external examiner(s). The name of the assessment board will be determined by the programme grouping(s) associated with the board, for example fine art assessment board. The assessment board has the responsibility for confirming marks at module level, reviewing student performance at module and programme level, making decisions in relation to student progression between levels of study and recommending awards and degree classifications in all programmes leading to named awards which are allocated to the assessment board. Terms of reference Working within university rules, regulations and protocols, each assessment board is responsible for: Arrangements and processes for module assessment and moderation, including draft examination papers, coursework assignments, project briefs, work experience programmes (where intrinsic to studies), schedules for submission of assessed work etc. The assessment of modules for which the board has responsibility and determining of module marks. Arrangements for the retrieval of failure. The application of university and programme regulations relating to progression and eligibility for reassessment. Reviewing, checking and approving assessment profiles leading to named awards and determining awards and degree classification for confirmation by the Executive Director of Student and Academic Services. Ensuring compliance with professional, statutory and regulatory body requirements, where appropriate. Making decisions regarding the suspension or ending of registration of students who do not meet progression or award requirements. Conflicts of interest If a member of the assessment board is aware of any potential conflict of interest, for example being related to or a close friend of a student under consideration, this must be declared and recorded in the minutes of the meeting, and the member of the board will not take part in any discussion covering the areas or student(s) concerned. At the discretion of the chair the member concerned may be permitted to remain in attendance for the duration of these discussions and invited to respond to queries of a factual nature relating to them.
Postgraduate awards Master’s degree Student profile Credits Level 7 Counts towards classification Module mark Classification banding 15 x1 73% Distinction 15 x1 68% Merit 15 x1 66% Merit 15 x1 70% Distinction 15 x1 50%* Pass *capped after reassessment 15 x1 84% Distinction 15 x1 76% Distinction 15 x1 88% Distinction 60 x4 67% Merit 180 12 843 Overall average mark for classification calculation: 73 + 68 + 66 + 70 + 50 + 84 + 76 + 88 + 67 + 67 + 67 + 67 = 843 ÷ 12 = 70.2, rounded down to 70 (distinction) How the classification is calculated Which classification banding does … Pass Merit Distinction The major/final piece (60 credit module) sit in? and either: At least 120 credits sit in? or The overall average mark for classification sit in? Outcome Although the overall average mark for classification is at distinction level, the student is awarded a master’s degree with merit as the mark for the major/final piece is in the merit band. The major/final piece is the first test for calculating the classification outcome, as an award in a higher band than the mark for the major/final piece cannot be made. Postgraduate diploma (PgDip) Student profile Credits Level 7 Counts towards classification Module mark Classification banding 15 x1 68% Merit