Assessment

Students are assessed both orally and by written report for each of the two projects (in March and September), and by performance in a grant-writing exercise. The Project 1 written report (thesis style) and the Project 2 report (in the form of a scientific paper) are independently assessed by two internal examiners. The marks for each project are equally weighted, each contributing 50% of the final aggregate mark.  Within each project the assessed components are weighted as follows:

The grant writing exercise (part of the core programme) is independently assessed by two examiners.  The grant writing exercise is a pass or fail element (pass mark 50%) and does not contribute to the final aggregate mark. In order to graduate, students must pass the grant writing exercise.

In order to gain the award of Pass, all assessed work must be passed with at least 50% marks.

In order to gain the award of Pass with Merit, an overall aggregate mark of at least 60% must be attained, all assessed work must be passed with at least 50% marks and one project must be passed with at least 60% marks.

In order to gain the award of Pass with Distinction, an overall aggregate mark of at least 70% must be attained, the grant writing exercise must be passed, both projects must be passed with at least 60% marks and one project must be passed with at least 70% marks.

Final Viva Voce

At the end of the year students are examined viva voce by internal and the external examiners (from outside Imperial College).  The examiners will be given the student’s project reports after they have been assessed internally.  The external examiners will moderate the marks awarded to the projects, examine the students understanding of their research and of the taught part of the course and recommend the level of award.