A Sample Dissertation Marking Scheme
The table below is a guide to what assessors look for against the available marks.
| Dissertation Assessment Aspect | Marks |
| The Macro Structure | |
| Clear, informative title | 1 |
| Divided into appropriate sections (Intro, Method, etc.) | 2 |
| Informative headings and subheadings | 2 |
| Complete references (in-text and bibliography) | 4 |
| Appropriate appendices | 1 |
| The Micro-Structure | |
| The Abstract | |
| Concise | 1 |
| Outlines aims, approach, results, and recommendations | 2 |
| Introduction | |
| Introduces the topic | 2 |
| Logical progression of information | 3 |
| Justified choice of methodologies | 2 |
| Clear aims, objectives, and hypotheses | 1 |
| Method | |
| Appropriate internal structure (e.g. Participants, Design, Apparatus, Procedure) | 2 |
| Lists and explains research resources | 1 |
| Explanation of study participants | 1 |
| A present experimental design section | 1 |
| Procedures with enough details to allow replication | 2 |
| Indicates both intended and unintended data | 1 |
| Results | |
| States the kind of data you collected | 1 |
| A descriptive summary of research findings | 2 |
| Correct use of tables, images, formulas, and figures | 1 |
| Informational relevance and the content of infographics | 1 |
| An objective exploration of research data | 3 |
| Clear statement of findings supported by data analysis | 2 |
| Results reflect the hypotheses | 2 |
| Discussion | |
| Brief summary of major findings | 2 |
| Findings relate to the topic, aims, and objectives | 2 |
| No new knowledge in the discussion | 2 |
| Findings relate to literature review | 1 |
| Justifiable conclusions | 4 |
| Acknowledges methodological limitations | 3 |
| Objective research findings’ implications | 2 |
| Suggests future research / improvement | 2 |
| Content | |
| Mainstream accounts literature linked to field of study | 2 |
| Uses accounting-specific literature | 4 |
| Core texts from approved faculty reading lists cited | 4 |
| Use of additional information sources | 4 |
| Authenticity | |
| Evidence of creative, independent, and original thoughts | 4 |
| Writing Style | |
| Clear and concisely expressed ideas | 10 |
| Appropriate use of field-specific register | 3 |
| Precise punctuation and spelling | 2 |
| Clear, logical paragraphs that support comprehension | 2 |
| Adherence to presentation instructions (font, spacing, indents, etc.) | 2 |
| Good grammar | 2 |
| Precise figures and tables | 2 |
| Total Marks |
