General Guidelines for UNICAF University Tutors
Expected Level of Student Work per Grade Band and Extensions Policy
UU Grading Scale, the pass grade for each doctoral course, and programme graduation
requirement.
Number Letter Grade Quality Points
Grade
93 – 100 A 4.0
90 – 92 A- 3.7
87 – 89 B+ 3.3
83 – 86 B 3.0
80 – 82 B- 2.7
77-79 C+ 2.3
73-76 C 2.0
70-72 C- 1.7
67-69 D+ 1.3
63-66 D 1.0
60-62 D- 0.7
0-59 F 0.0
At the doctoral level the overall pass mark for each course is 70%. The graduating requirement
is a minimum CPA of 3.0, or 83% overall average across all doctoral programmes courses.
A. Expected Level of Student work: Marking and Grading
Students’ assignments at doctoral level are evaluated and graded according to the following
four scoring categories at five different levels of competence:
a. Content and argumentation
b. Structure and organization
c. Language clarity and accuracy
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d. Presentation
A: 90 -100% (Excellent)
Outstanding work in every aspect and thoroughly original. A piece of work that shows the
highest academic standards.
a. Content and argumentation
The work excellently addresses the assignment’s requirements and shows high level of
competence in critical thinking, including an in-depth development of arguments beyond those
available in the module’s suggested bibliography. Argumentation also shows intellectual breadth
combined with original approach to the subject and is supported by examples from observation
or evidence. Empirical data, connected to the conceptual framework of the course, are
excellently evaluated and presented. The work demonstrates an exceptional level of a wider
understanding of the course material.
b. Structure and organization
The work has an excellent, clear and orderly presentation structure and organization of ideas,
arguments and examples.
c. Language clarity and accuracy
The quality of written expression and writing style is of exceptional quality. The level of English
and the use of grammar and spelling are exceptional.
d. Presentation
Bibliographical and in-text citations and references in APA style are excellently presented. The
assignment’s format is perfect (e.g. cover page, table of contents, page numbers, line spacing,
font consistency, separation of paragraphs).
B: 80-89% (Very good)
a. Content and argumentation
The work is directly relevant to the assignment’s requirements and shows originality and
distinctive thinking in the development of arguments, supported by a wide range of sources
beyond those available in the module’s suggested bibliography. Argumentation also presents
innovation and persuasive reasoning, supported by well-chosen examples from observation or
evidence. Empirical data, connected to the conceptual framework of the course are very well
evaluated and presented. The work demonstrates a substantial knowledge and very good grasp
of the course material.
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b. Structure and organization
The work has a very good and clear and orderly presentation structure and organization of
ideas, arguments and examples.
c. Language clarity and accuracy
The quality of written expression and writing style are very good. The level of English and the
use of grammar and spelling are at a very good level with only minor lapses.
d. Presentation
Bibliographical and in-text citations and references in APA style are satisfactorily presented. The
assignment’s format is very good (e.g. cover page, table of contents, page numbers, line
spacing, font consistency, separation of paragraphs) with some minor inconsistencies.
C: 70-79% (Good)
a. Content and argumentation
There is a reasonable attempt to address the requirements of the assignment, but shows lack of
focus. The development of the argument is adequately supported by a limited range of material,
usually to the ones available in the module’s suggested bibliography or less. Argumentation is
satisfactory and the reasoning is acceptable, supported by limited examples from observation or
evidence. There is some independent thinking but the work is mainly descriptive. Empirical data,
connected to the conceptual framework of the course, are adequately evaluated and presented.
Moreover, there is a basic knowledge and grasp of the course material.
b. Structure and organization
The work has an adequate presentation structure. The organization of ideas, arguments and
examples presents some errors and flaws.
c. Language clarity and accuracy
The quality of written expression and writing style is simple but with some deficiencies in
expression. The level of English and the use of grammar and spelling suffer minor flaws.
d. Presentation
Bibliographical and in-text citations and references in APA style are adequately presented, but
with some errors and misrepresentations. The assignment’s format is acceptable (e.g. cover
page, table of contents, page numbers, line spacing, font consistency, separation of
paragraphs) with frequent inconsistencies.
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D: 60-69% (Fail)
a. Content and argumentation
The work is inadequate, not directly relevant to the assignment’s requirements and suffers from
lack of focus. The development of the argument is insufficient and not consistently clear
throughout. The use of appropriate sources is poor. There is no evidence of critical thinking.
Examples from observation or evidence are also limited and not sufficiently integrated into the
argument. Empirical data, connected to the conceptual framework of the course, are not
adequately evaluated and presented. Moreover, the work does not reflect a complete
understanding of the course material.
b. Structure and organization
The work does not have an appropriate and effective presentation structure. It lacks a coherent
organization of ideas, arguments and examples.
c. Language clarity and accuracy
The quality of written expression and writing style is not up to the expected standards. There are
major errors in the use of English and especially in the use of grammar and spelling.
d. Presentation
Bibliographical and in-text citations and references in APA style are not fully or consistently
presented. The assignment’s format is problematic (e.g. cover page, table of contents, page
numbers, line spacing, font consistency, separation of paragraphs).
F: 0-59% (Fail)
a. Content and argumentation
The work is weak and does not meet the assignment’s requirements. The development of the
argument is flawed and lacks focus, clarity and consistency throughout. The use of sources is
limited and simplistic or inappropriate. Examples from observation or evidence are also very
limited or absent. Empirical data, connected to the conceptual framework of the course, are not
adequately evaluated and presented or are absent. Moreover, the work reflects an incomplete
understanding of the course material.
b. Structure and organization
The work lacks coherent structure and organization. The sequence of ideas, arguments and
examples is heavily flawed and poorly planned.
c. Language clarity and accuracy
The quality of written expression and writing style does not follow the appropriate standards.
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There are frequent and major errors in the use of English and especially in the use of grammar
and spelling.
d. Presentation
There is a lack or limited use of bibliography in the assignment. Bibliographical and in-text
citations and references in APA style are not consistently presented.
Bibliographical and in-text citations and references in APA style are absent or limited and not
fully presented. The assignment’s format is very problematic (e.g. cover page, table of contents,
page numbers, line spacing, font consistency, separation of paragraphs).
B. Coursework extensions policy, late submissions and non-submissions.
Extensions on the grounds of extenuating circumstances:
Assignment submission extensions are optional and up to the discretion of the course tutor.
Extensions can be given for up to 30 days after the original assignment deadline and an
absolute maximum of 30 days after the end date of the course. Assignment extensions should
be given for genuine extenuating circumstances reasons.
Late submissions:
Coursework submitted outside the maximum extension period will receive a grade of 0 and the
student’s final course grade will be determined by the remaining submitted assignments.
Non-submission:
Finally, failure of the student to complete the work within this specific time or to submit the work
will result in 0.
