Assessment criteria and standards of the Geography Dissertation in the UK

Abstract

Abstract Undergraduate dissertations may provide up to one third of the weighting of the final year of a degree in Geography and are seen as important indicators of graduates’ independent research ability by prospective employers. This project examines the standards, criteria and assessment of the Geography dissertation in the UK. All Geography Departments in the UK were invited to complete a questionnaire survey that explored a range of aspects related to dissertations including format, assessment criteria and marking procedures. Responses were received from 24 Departments. The findings suggest that there is broad consensus in many areas including product format, study period, assessment criteria, and rigour and transparency in marking procedures. However, in other areas, including credit weighting, procedures followed in the event of a disagreement over marks, and interpretation of assessment criteria to students, there is wide variation in practice. Some suggestions are made to enhance equivalence and consistency in dissertation work.