First Assessment Essentials

Understanding the assignment brief

Read the assignment brief carefully and check for:

• Subject-specific key words and terminology
• Assessment command words/phrases: ‘evaluate’, ‘describe’, ‘assess’ etc.
• Assignment type: essay, report, presentation etc.
• Word count and submission deadline

If you have any questions about the assignment brief, ask your module tutor.

Assignment support

• Attending lectures and seminars = accessing most of what you need to know about your assignments.
• Ask your Module Tutor/Leader if you are unsure of any elements.
• Your Personal Tutor can help with broader skills: time management, understanding assignment requirements, and your own approach.

Central services, such as Study Skills and the Library, offer assignment support too…

Submitting assignments via Moodle

• Find your submission portal on Moodle: open your module page and then the Assessments section on the right.
• Read all the terms and conditions carefully.
• Make sure that your file format is appropriate: check your brief.

• Be sure to submit your assignment in advance of the deadline and download the file afterwards; this means you can check you’ve uploaded the correct file in a timely manner, as this will be your final submission.
• Check your student email account for a submission receipt.
• Turnitin will check your assignment for similarity; find out more here.

Assessment regulations

• Being able to continue to the next academic year (Level 5) is dependent on your Level 4 assessment performance.
• L4 students must achieve an average mark of 40% across all modules and a ‘Pass’ in at least 90 credits (here are the official regulations).
• Late submissions are accepted up to 7 days after the deadline. However, these will be capped at 40%.
• Extensions may be available (check before the deadline). There are 3 main extension types of you can apply for directly in your Moodle module areas: evidenced extensions, non-evidenced extensions, and Personal Learning Plan (PLP) extensions. Student Hub and Digital Student Hub can advise on these.

Accessing feedback via Moodle

• Individual assignment results will become available in the Online Submission area on the feedback date specified. 
• Your feedback date may be different if you have a PLP or extension.
• Feedback will generally be available to you via Moodle/Turnitin via the Assessments section (More details…) or the coursework area (pencil icon)…

5 tips for successful assignments

What is the assignment asking me to do?

Check your brief for the verbs (action/command words); these are the signposts for success.

Understanding these = understanding the assessment.

What knowledge do I need to show?

This is your opportunity to demonstrate you have understood the module material. Make sure you keep your assignment response focused on that.

What is the scope?

A strong submission is not writing everything you know about the subject.

Identify the key words in the brief to make your response focused and relevant.

How do I strengthen my response?

Use the module material and your own reading to provide evidence to support your claims.

Show you can make strong, reasoned and informed arguments – with correct referencing, too.

How do I demonstrate criticality?

Use language that shows you have considered the evidence, and that you are not just stating your opinion.

•‘It could be argued that…’

•‘This suggests that…’

•‘This implies that…’

So finally:

• Check when your deadlines are and plan towards them.
• Ask questions and access support, if you want and need it.
• Understand how marks are awarded (read your marking rubric) and how you can utilise this.
• Submitting something on time is vital; if it is late, the maximum mark you can achieve is 40%.
• You must achieve an average mark of 40% across all modules and a ‘Pass’ in at least 90 credits to progress onto Level 5.