MSc Mathematical Sciences Exam Conventions 2025-26

10. Marking of Examinations

All mathematics, statistics and computer science examinations are marked by a single assessor or examiner according to a pre-agreed mark scheme which is strictly adhered to. The examination scripts are then checked by an independent checker to ensure that all work has been marked, and that the marks have been correctly totalled and recorded.

The dissertations are independently double-marked, normally by the dissertation supervisor and one other assessor. The two marks are then reconciled to give the overall mark awarded.

Mini-projects are independently double-marked, normally by the course lecturer and one other assessor. The two marks are then reconciled to give the overall mark awarded for the mini-project. The exception to this is that mini-projects which have pre-agreed model solutions and marking schemes are marked by a single assessor. The mini-projects are then checked by an independent checker to ensure that all work has been marked, and that the marks have been correctly totalled and recorded.  

Please see the appendices for the qualitative descriptors for mini-projects (Appendix B) and dissertations (Appendix C).

Reconciliation of Dissertation and Mini-Project Marks

Where a piece of work has been independently marked by two assessors, they will adhere to the department's reconciliation process. If the assessors' marks do not differ by more than 10, the final mark will usually be the average of the two marks, symmetrically rounded if necessary (for example, 75.49 will be rounded down and 75.50 will be rounded up). However, if the marks differ by more than 10 marks the assessors will be required to have a further discussion about the assessment in order to try to reach a decision on the final mark. In the unlikely event the two assessors are unable to agree on a mark, the examiners will be consulted and, if necessary, a third assessor appointed in order to help make a final decision on the mark.