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Section 24 - Procedures for Passing and Failing Examinations

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Marking

Each exam question is marked separately. The overall mark for the paper is arrived at by taking the average of the marks for each individual question.

All exam papers are marked by two markers; all marking is ‘blind’ in that examiners do not know the identity of the candidates. After they have completed their marking the examiners confer and agree marks. A selection of papers from each exam is sent to an external examiner along with the assigned marks. This ensures that marking standards are fair, and in line with the standards applied on other courses.

The categories below apply both to individual answers as well as the overall mark for the paper.

Marking categories

Excellent (70%+)

This mark indicates a first class answer which shows thorough knowledge of the topic and demonstrate some originality of thinking. Any omissions or errors are minor.

Good (63-69%)

The answer demonstrates good knowledge of the topic and indicates that the candidate has most of the relevant facts at her or his disposal. While there may be some errors of omission or commission, the central issues are dealt with appropriately.

Acceptable (56-62%)

The answer shows awareness of the topic, but this is limited.  This would be manifested by factual errors, or by the omission of important issues. Despite this there are no major misapprehensions, and there is sufficient information present to assure the examiner that the candidate has an adequate grasp of the issues.

Borderline Pass (50-55%)

The answer shows limited awareness of the topic. Though it indicates some familiarity with the central issues, there may be serious areas of commission or some major omissions. Although much of the answer will be relevant, some central issues will not be covered.

Fail  (49% or below)

This mark indicates a very weak answer which does not address any of the central issues. There are misunderstandings and errors of commission which suggest the candidate has the wrong idea about the topic.

Procedures for candidates who receive an overall mark of “fail”

Scripts which receive an overall mark of “fail” will be discussed by the Board of Examiners. Unless there are extenuating circumstances which may influence the exam board’s final decision, the candidate will automatically be asked to re-sit the paper.  This must be passed in order for the candidate to continue on the course.

Appeals

Section 30 details appeal procedures. Briefly, trainees with concerns about the procedures which have been followed in marking their exams should initially raise this with the Chair of the Examination Board, who will consider the complaint and the steps to be taken, usually in conjunction with the course’s head external examiner.

If trainees are not satisfied by the outcome of this internal procedure they can invoke the UCL appeals procedure.

Page last modified on 18 sep 12 11:32