How the course is assessed

If you've been away from study for some, you may be a little concerned about the assessment of your work.  Please do not worry - you will probably be pleasantly surprised!

Our assessments are designed to help you employ the skills, you will have learnt by completing the training materials.   Our tutors have developed a range of assessable tasks that are both rewarding and challenging.   Completing the assessments helps you to reinforce your knowledge and consolidate your knowledge.

What type of assessments are you likely to come across?

Firstly there are no exams!  All assessment is coursework based. Nor is there any need to visit the University. The assignments will vary according to subject area and module, but three of the more common types include:

  • tasks - you will be set real-world tasks to carry out, based on a fictitious setting.  
  • reports - you may be required to write short reports on how you carried out a particular task.
  • essays - you may be asked to write about a specific topic in a reasoned manner, carefully using evidence to justify the views you express.

Assessment Marking Procedure

The assessment procedure operates as follows:

On completing an assignment, e-mail it to the Course Administrator.

Before you send off you work – ensure that you have a good backup copy of your work, and that you are able to open and read your back-up file. You may also like to keep a copy of all your work in the folders provided, and which will be referred to as your Portfolio.

When your work has been received, the Course Administrator will forward it to your tutor for marking. Once your tutor (and moderator) has marked your work, you will be sent a completed assessment feedback form. At this point, you may wish to contact your tutor to discuss your performance.

The Course Administrator will retain your assignment, as it may be required for scrutiny by the external examiner and the Award & Progression Board.

The Award & Progression Board acts under the general University of Plymouth rules and regulations, and only the Board can award credits. It meets twice a year, in February and July, to review the work undertaken and award the credits for your work submitted. After the Board meeting you will receive a formal record of module credits awarded.