Information is presented here on progression though the degree (including how your final degree classification is calculated), and the marking criteria used both for individual modules and also in the consideration of final degree classification. The rubric which all staff follow when marking assignments is provided, which expands the marking criteria to give more detail on expectations in specific areas such as 'knowledge base', 'structure of the assignment' and 'referencing'.
Students are assessed using a variety of methods on the MMedSci (Speech and Language Therapy) programme. Written examinations take place within the Autumn and Spring semester exam periods, with deadlines for other forms of assessment distributed across the academic year, and in some cases the Summer semester.
There is a resit examination period in August of each year. Students must ensure that they are available during this period in the case of a resit being required.
Student results for completed course components are formally processed through Departmental Examination Boards, which occur following each exam period and additionally in October. Students receive formal statements of marks after each Board, typically within two weeks.
MMedSci (Speech and Language Therapy) students graduate with other Postgraduate students from the Faculty of Health. This typically takes place in the January following completion of the course.
During year 1, students must pass all mark-bearing components of the MMedSci to progress to year 2. During year 2, students must then pass all mark-bearing components of the MMedSci to receive the award.
As the MMedSci (Speech and Language Therapy) is a Postgraduate programme, the pass mark for all components is 50. Marks over 70 represent Distinctions.
For course components constituted by multiple assessments (e.g. two or three examinations or assignments), students only require an overall pass to progress. This means that students are not required to resit failed individual assignments or examinations as long as their overall aggregated mark within each course component is 50 or above.
HES412 - Professional Practice 1 - Students must pass all sub-components of the Professional Practice module to progress to Level Two.
HES406 Key Clinical Topics 1 – Students must pass both components in order to pass the module overall and engage with an online activity for the dysphagia component.
HES07 Key Clinical Topics 2 – Students must pass all components in order to pass the module overall.
HES413- Professional Practice 2 – Students must pass both the written portfolio for the motor speech disorders placement and the client based assignment for the schools placement in order to pass the module overall. Students must also receive a pass on both of their Practice Educator reports to progress, even if they pass the assignments.
HES414 Professional Practice 3 - Students must receive a pass on both of their Practice Educator reports and the final clinical video exam to pass the module overall.
The programme includes two formative modules, meaning they do not carry marks: Language, Cognition and Communication in Adults 1 and Participation and Society. Although these components do not bear marks, students must complete all associated tasks to progress through the programme. In the case of Language, Cognition and Communication in Adults 1, this unit must be completed prior to commencing Language, Cognition and Communication in Adults 2 in semester 2. Participation and Society must be completed in order for students to progress to level 2.
All of the clinical placement elements of the Professional Practice modules need to be passed to progress to the final Clinical Video Exam at the end of Level 2.
A student who fails any of the clinical placement elements of HCS6038, HC6417 or HCS6418 will be required to undertake an additional period of clinical work under conditions approved by the Professional Lead for Speech and Language Therapy in order to continue the unit.
On passing all components, students’ final marks are calculated by taking a straight average (mean) of all mark-bearing course components. Students with a mean mark of 59.5 or higher will be awarded MMedSci (Speech and Language Therapy) with Merit. Students with a mean mark of 69.0 or higher will be awarded MMedSci (Speech and Language Therapy) with Distinction.
In addition, students are able to achieve distinction in two of the course themes: Professional Practice and Research Methods. A mean mark of over 69.0 across the modules which comprise these themes is recognised on this letter as a Distinction in that given theme.
A student who fails to complete the MMedSci programme will not be eligible for the award of a MMedSci (Speech and Language Therapy) degree. If the student has sufficient credits they may be eligible to receive a non-clinical MSc or PGDiploma subject to approval from the University of Sheffield.
At master's level, marks are awarded within the following categories.
Distinction (70% and above)
Merit (60 - 69%)
Pass (50 - 59%)
Fail (49% and below)
MMedSci assessment descriptors are used to describe the criteria for each of these.
Further information about Assessment Preparation and Procedures is available from the School Handbook