All written work for credit-bearing HSS modules is second marked (Years 2, 3 and 4). Marks remain provisional until they have been seen and approved, or adjusted, by the external examiner and the Board of Examiners. The Board of Examiners take place in mid-June at which point marks are finalised and released to departments.
Feedback is normally provided after submission, within 2-3 working weeks. If your feedback is going to be late, your lecturer will inform you directly.
Making the most of your feedback
There is a strong correlation between students who take feedback on board and academic attainment. Please take time to look at your feedback carefully, not just the grade, and to communicate with your module lecturer if you are unclear about how you could improve.
Your feedback has two main purposes:
- To help you improve: feedback highlights areas for development, transferable skills such as responding to the assignment brief, writing clearly, developing arguments, referencing and proofreading.
- To explain your grade: markers assess your work against the assignment brief and grading criteria. Comments explaining where marks were gained or lost should be viewed as opportunities to improve, rather than simply a list of mistakes.
How should you use your feedback?
- Give yourself time: if you feel disappointed or frustrated, set the feedback aside and return to it when you are ready to engage with it objectively. Remember that your work is being assessed, not you as a person.
- Reflect on your process: consider what helped or hindered your performance. Did you allow enough time? Were you able to focus? Did you review and improve your work?
- Identify key learning points: note what went well and what you could improve. Focus particularly on issues that are relevant to future assignments and ask for clarification if you do not understand any feedback.
If, after carefully considering your feedback, you believe your work has been marked unfairly, speak with your lecturer.