The moderation of assessed work is a quality assurance process that ensures marking procedures remain transparent, consistent, and impartial. Where two markers independently come to an agreement on a student’s mark, there is greater confidence in the reliability of the mark.
In the case of a module taught by more than one tutor, moderation amongst members of the module team will be adequate so long as the process is clearly evidenced. In the case of a module taught by only one tutor, the Head of School/Associate Head of School will appoint an internal moderator.
Internal moderation methods may vary across Faculties depending on the nature of assessment. In certain circumstances (e.g. to assist a new member of staff or where the marking practice of a member of staff is being developed), double marking rather than monitoring may be preferred and/or the typical sample size may be exceeded.
Module descriptors will indicate and describe the method of moderation.
Moderation requires:
- an explicit set of marking criteria
- a set of weightings for each criterion
- in many cases, an indication of the content of the answer (but not for example, in a dissertation); and an explanation of standards required e.g. for each degree classification
Typical moderation variations are identified below (note that specific disciplines can have alternative moderation methods):
- Dual marking: where two markers are assigned to assess different aspects of an assessment, e.g. in student projects, one marker assesses for process and the other for content.
- Sampling: In this instance, a moderator will receive a sample of marked work with grades and feedback attached. The moderator will review this sample to validate the marks and to check the overall standards and consistency of marking, and the quality of feedback.
- Double Marking: each script is marked by two markers (same as 100% monitoring). The second marker has sight of the first marker’s marks. The final mark is determined by agreement between the two markers.
- Double Blind Marking: similar to double marking except that the second marker does not have sight of the marks awarded by the first marker.
- Arbitration: In individual cases where the marker and moderator are unable to agree a mark, the Course Director will identify an arbiter who will determine the mark and feedback recorded. In this case, the feedback sheet will include the arbiter’s name.
Projects/Dissertation
All projects/dissertations (Level 6 undergraduate and Level 7 postgraduate) shall be double marked.
For all work except project/dissertation:
At all levels and for both coursework and written examinations, the assessment of all work which is first marked as failed shall be moderated.
In addition, a sample of at least 10% of the remainder across grade boundaries shall be selected for moderation, subject to the following:
- where there are fewer than 12 scripts in total, all scripts shall be selected
- where there are 12 or more but fewer than 60 scripts in total, a minimum of 12 scripts shall be selected
- where there are more than 150 scripts in total, normally a maximum of 30 scripts shall be selected
- the scripts shall be selected in a random manner subject to at least two being selected from each of the classification bands
- the sample shall include work at classification/grade boundaries, and all fails
Following moderation, an internal moderation form should be completed for each module assessment confirming that:
- marks are consistent, fair and appropriate for the level of study
- appropriate feedback has been provided to all students including clear guidance on strengths, areas for development and the extent to which the learning outcomes have been achieved
Coursework feedback sheets will indicate where internal moderation has taken place and provides further evidence of quality assurance for the External Examiner.
Additional external moderation is achieved through the role of appointed External Examiners, whose role is to:
- Protect standards and ensure comparability and consistency
- Act as an expert in providing critical review
- Ensure fairness and transparency in assessment
- Maintain the currency of subject knowledge
- Support inclusivity and equity in learning, teaching and assessment
- Confirm internal moderation has taken place and that appropriate feedback is being provided to students.
Moderation must be completed during the 20-working day marking period and any alterations to marks must be made before marks are released to students.
Moderation and marks release will be concluded before Examination Boards.