DIVISION OF MEDICINE
MSc/MRes Research Project Assessment Criteria
Basic Criteria
1. The research question is clearly stated, and the student demonstrates an understanding of the broader
academic terrain within which the research question is framed.
2. The student demonstrates that they adopted an appropriate method in answering the research question. (E.g.
that they measured, recorded and analysed the results appropriately)
3. The work is complete and appropriately structured: it contains all the elements you would expect in a work of this
kind, and in a logical sequence.
4. The presentation of the project is of an adequate standard: referencing should be thorough and accurate and the
English readily understandable.
Additional Criteria
1. The student demonstrates extensive knowledge of the literature.
2. There is an excellent critical evaluation of previous work.
3. There is a critical evaluation of the student’s own work.
4. There is sound justification of design decisions.
5. There is a novel solution of conceptual problems.
6. The amount of work undertaken is more than one would expect, in the time available.
Exceptional Crit
eria
1. There is evidence of outstanding merit, for example, elegance in research design or originality.
2. Demonstrates particularly insightful understanding.
3. The project as written includes material worthy of publication in peer-reviewed journal.
Distinction 80 -100 Project is excellent on each of the basic and additional criteria and also has
elements of the exceptional criteria.
70 – 79 Project is excellent on all of the basic criteria, and good or excellent on all or
nearly all of the additional criteria.
Merit 60-69 The project is at least good on each of the basic criteria and at least fair on
each of the additional criteria. More of the additional criteria are required as the
mark approaches closer to 69%.
Pass 50-59 The project is at least fair on each of the basic criteria. As the mark approaches
a merit (60%), the project will need to be good on more of the basic criteria and
at least fair on some of the additional criteria.
Fail 40-49 The project fails to reach the level required for an MSc/MRes pass, because it
is poor in some of the basic criteria.
0 – 39 The project is inadequate in each of the basic criteria.