MA marking criteria
MA marking criteria for the HST6560 Dissertation (60 credits)
Please note that these criteria apply to the HST6560 Dissertation (60 credits) only. If you are taking HST405 Dissertation (75 credits) please see the HST405 dissertation marking criteria.
The dissertation is a piece of independent historical research. It will have an identifiable primary source base.
The dissertation will be assessed on four criteria:
quality of the primary source interpretation
argument
breadth of knowledge and contextualisation, both in the secondary literature and in the contemporary historical context
organization and presentation.
Examiners will consider all of these areas when they mark the dissertation. These marking criteria are to be read in conjunction with the advice given to students about the nature and purpose of the prescribed tasks in the module descriptions.
Distinction
90+
Work in this range will demonstrate all of the qualities required for a distinction in the 70-79 range. A dissertation marked in this range will in addition push the boundaries of existing historiography and suggest major revisions to our understanding of the topic studied.
80-89
Marks in this range will demonstrate all of the qualities required for a distinction in the 70-79 range. Work marked in this range will in addition demonstrate intellectual originality and an imaginative approach, and include highly perceptive analysis of primary source material. Any argument that convinces the examiner to think differently about a subject should be marked above 80.
70-79
The research of the dissertation should be derived from a well-defined and identifiable primary source base. This research will inform the argument at every stage, and the dissertation will display some sophistication in source criticism. The argument offered in the dissertation should be sustained and convincing, offer perceptive and independent insights, and demonstrate an ability to handle historical concepts and methods with confidence. The topic is situated within the wider literature, showing extensive breadth of knowledge, an awareness of current historiographical debates and an ability to offer well informed and constructive analysis of scholarly work. The dissertation should be written in fluent, lucid and stylish English, engaging the reader's interest, and presented accurately in line with departmental style.
Merit
60-69
The dissertation should have an identifiable and well-focused primary source base and makes effective use of this primary material in presenting the argument. This argument should be clear and cogent, making a plausible, if not necessarily a compelling, case. The contextualisation of the topic will demonstrate a considerable breadth of knowledge, an ability to evaluate historiographical debate and show some confidence in handling conflicting scholarly opinions. The dissertation is clearly and effectively written, and presented accurately in line with departmental style.
Pass
50-59
The dissertation should advance a case, but any attempt at argument is insufficiently developed or supported, one-sided, or lacks coherence or clarity. Primary source material may be employed descriptively or serve simply as illustration for a pre-conceived argument. There should be some attempt to situate the dissertation within the historiography, but the understanding of different strands of scholarship is limited. The dissertation is limited in its breadth of knowledge, and is based on relatively narrow reading. The prose is clear, yet lacks fluency and may contain awkward or incoherent formulations; there may be inaccuracies in the organisation and technical presentation of the dissertation.
Fail
40-49
The dissertation fails to engage with historical argument and offers little or no critical discussion of the significance of the readings and the primary source material. Contains a very small element of analysis and some relevant information. Some evidence of organisation and structure, but muddled or unclear; based on very limited or tangential reading; contains repeated grammatical and spelling errors; weaknesses in presentation.
30-39
The dissertation contains very little or no relevant information, no relevant analysis, and shows no engagement with an identifiable body of primary sources. The dissertation is erroneous in matters of fact and interpretation; poorly written with numerous errors; very poorly organised.
1-29
No serious attempt to carry out the task assigned. No attempt at analysis. Little understanding or knowledge of the topic at hand.
0
Indicates work either not submitted or unworthy of marking.