Assessment

Assessment and Grading Criteria for the Master of Arts Dissertation
Note that all the following points may not be relevant, or equally important, for all dissertations. Consequently the individual points do not form criteria in themselves

• Ability to articulate and explain the topic of dissertation
• Quality of scholarship and research
• Coherence of argument
• Quality of structure and organisation
• Standard of presentation

Ability to articulate and explain the topic of the dissertation
Does the dissertation clearly articulate and explain the research question or scholarly problem that it considers?

Quality of scholarship and research
How well has the thesis articulate previous scholarship in its areas of study?
Does the thesis engage confidently and competently with relevant theoretical literature?
Does the dissertation show evidence that appropriate theoretical and/or methodological texts have been read, and relevant concepts understood?

Coherence of Argument
Does the dissertation formulate a coherent and developing argument?
Does it lead to a well-formed, conclusive statement incorporating the major findings of the project?

Structure and Organisation
Does the dissertation have a logical structure given its course matter and overall approach?
Does this structure assist the overall development of the argument and/or the presentation of the scholarly project?
Is it within the word limit?

Standard of Presentation
Is the dissertation written in English at a high standard of expression, and at an appropriate level of academic discourse?
Does it correctly cite and reference all source materials used the project? The cover and title page should clearly state the candidate's name, the full title of the thesis, the degree for which it is submitted, and the year.