Internal moderation

Moderation is the name given to procedures for checking the accuracy and appropriateness of academic assessment. It usually involves a person ‘new’ to the item being moderated. That may be a person external to the University or a member of staff who has not been directly involved in the assessment artefact being moderated.

In a similar manner to the co-ordination of examination papers, it is the responsibility of the Programme Director (or where appropriate the SGL/HSG) to coordinate the moderation of work on their programme. Again, this coordination can be achieved either directly with the Module Leaders or via year tutors using, for example, the ‘partner reviewing’ system (or similar).

It is likely that, if there is a large discrepancy between the two marks (for example, 10% or more), the Programme Director (or suitable nominee) will mediate a discussion between the two markers to agree a recommendation on the final mark to be made to the module board . If no agreement can be reached a third internal marker will normally mark the work.

Regulations specify that at least 20% of examinations and coursework contributing to the final degree should be sampled. All first markers (for example, if a team of markers is involved) should be sampled. A sample will usually contain scripts at the boundaries of mark bands, for example, 40%, 60% etc. and a few scripts from the centre of bands, for example, 45%, 65% for comparison as well as all fails. This pattern is normally repeated for each marker sampled.

The above is a guide, for more on information on moderation, please see the Assessment Regulations and Policies Guide.