First Class (70+)
A well argued and perceptive piece of work, showing independence of thought and originality as well as an ability to locate a topic within the historiography; well written. Shows the capability to articulate and defend a clear thesis.
90+
Outstanding work in all aspects that is thoroughly independent, original and insightful; suggests significant revisions to our understanding of the topic; writing that has attained the highest professional standards in the discipline.
80-89
Exceptional insight, weight and sophistication. Indicates an ability to undertake advanced historical study with imagination and tenacity. Highly accurate work, innovatively analytical and critical.
75-79
High level of critical and original thought. Evidence of a capacity to pursue independent lines of enquiry and to conduct perceptive and scholarly research.
70-74
Shows a clear awareness of the salient points and an ability to discuss them analytically and incisively as well as with some originality. Undoubted quality in the use of supporting evidence, but not sustained across the entire range.
Upper Second Class (60-69)
Well argued and clearly focused, based on wide reading; well structured, revealing a clear logic; shows breadth of knowledge but lacks real original thought; weighs up and evaluates evidence and identifies key issues. Well written with few technical errors. A mark at the top of this range suggests thoughtfulness, good use of evidence and the ability to develop a cogent and nuanced argument. A mark at the bottom end indicates proficiency, coherent and defensible arguments and adequate examples, but a bit mechanical.
Lower Second Class (50-59)
A competent delineation of a subject using an adequate amount of evidence but with a poorly developed argument. More descriptive than analytical. Based on more limited reading. Provides a reasonably structured account but with some signs of confusion; may contain errors of fact or interpretation. Some grammatical and spelling errors. A mark at the top of this range suggests a reasonable degree of competence and knowledge but an insufficiently developed argument with one or more key points neglected; a mark at the bottom end indicates a thin argument with little analytical awareness, reliant on a small range of evidence.
Third Class (45-49)
A thin piece of work which nevertheless demonstrates some knowledge of relevant material and an ability to marshal it. Includes failure to address key issues; insignificant or no argument; superficial. Inadequately informed, erroneous in matters of fact and interpretation, poorly organised. Poorly written with numerous grammatical and spelling errors.
Pass without Honours (40-44)
Signs of some knowledge but at an elementary level. For the most part confused and poorly expressed. A small element of analysis.
Fail (0-39)
20-39
Failure to carry out the task assigned. Negligible or wholly irrelevant content. Some attempt at analysis, but misconceived and/or incoherent. Plagiarism.
1-19
No serious attempt to carry out the task assigned. No attempt at analysis. No understanding or knowledge of the course. Plagiarism.
0
Indicates work either not submitted or unworthy of marking.
