C
Grade C is the average grade. It is awarded for a consistently good academic thesis based on independent research with a sound basis in the most significant literature in the field and which, in addition to being satisfactorily formulated, makes satisfactory use of empirical observations, research method and analysis.
- Presentation of topic: clearly formulated and based on a thorough reading of relevant academic literature; demonstrates a clear connection between the results of this reading and the topic and formulation of the thesis.
- Empirical observations and/or primary sources: parts of the thesis are based on the author's own empirical observations and/or primary sources (written or oral) in the original language.
- Theory and academic literature: displays knowledge of relevant academic literature, including a certain breadth of knowledge; shows awareness of necessary theoretical concepts and ability to apply them.
- Analysis: shows a certain level of independence of thought and an ability to adopt a reflective approach to the topic.
- Use of research method: clear explanation of author's use of chosen research method; discussion of strengths and weaknesses of chosen method; ability to apply chosen method for purposes of analysis.
- Structure and formulation: the thesis is structured to provide a satisfactory coherence between the presentation of the topic, the analysis and the conclusions.
- Use of language: satisfactory with no material errors or deficiencies.
- Use of academic transcription: generally satisfactory.
- References: no significant errors.
A
Grade A is awarded for a thesis of exceptionally high quality. It is awarded for an outstanding academic thesis that is remarkable for its independent approach to the use of sources, analysis and presentation.
An A-grade thesis should be convincing in nearly all respects, but may contain minor defects provided these do not detract from the overall impression.
- Presentation of topic: clearly formulated and with clear relevance to the current state of the relevant academic field; soundly based on the most significant literature in the field and, to the extent necessary, demonstrating a clear understanding of relevant theory.
- Empirical observations and/or primary sources: makes use of the author's own empirical observations and/or primary sources (written or oral) in the original language; demonstrates a sound mastery of the language and a convincing understanding and use of primary sources.
- Theory and academic literature: makes active use of theory to the extent relevant for the topic; critical and clearly argued independent discussion of parts of the academic literature in the field.
- Analysis: shows a clearly independent approach combined with an ability to reflect over academic issues.
- Use of research method: a clear presentation of the chosen research method, exhibiting a critical and reflective approach to the author's own use of research method.
- Structure and formulation: the thesis is structured to provide a clear coherence between the presentation of the topic, the analysis and the conclusions. Use of language: extremely good with no material errors or deficiencies.
- Use of academic transcription: no significant errors.
- References: no significant errors; evidences a wide range of reading.
B
Grade B is awarded for a thesis that is of above average quality and that exhibits a sound mastery of the relevant field, together with a good ability to evaluate material and an independent approach to analysis.
- Presentation of topic: clearly formulated and with a sound basis in the most significant literature in the field; exhibits, to the extent necessary for the topic, a good level of insight into relevant theory.
- Empirical observations and/or primary sources: the thesis is partially based on the author's own empirical observations and/or a good use of primary sources (written or oral) in the original language, and demonstrates a good understanding and ability to make use of such observations/sources.
- Theory and academic literature: demonstrates a broad knowledge of academic literature in the field; demonstrates independent discussion of and insight into theory, to the extent relevant to the topic.
- Analysis: competent and reflective discussion of academic issues relating to the material.
- Use of research method: clear presentation of research method; discussion of strengths and weaknesses of chosen research method.
- Structure and formulation: the thesis is structured to provide a good flow between the presentation of the argument, the analysis and the conclusions.
- Use of language: good and with no material errors or deficiencies. Use of academic transcription: only minor errors.
- References: no significant errors.
D - F
Key criteria
- Presentation of topic
- Empirical observations
- Theory and academic literature
- Analysis
- Transcription
- Use of research method
Other criteria
- Structure and formulation
- Mastery of language
- Scope and time spent
- References
Grade D is awarded for a thesis that has significant defects, but which is of serviceable quality. While a D-grade thesis will have obvious weaknesses, also in relation to key criteria, the thesis will nevertheless perform strongly in some respects.
Grade E is awarded for a thesis that merely satisfies the minimum requirements, but that is still of adequate quality. An E-grade thesis will have obvious weaknesses with regard to most, but not all, key criteria.
Grade F is awarded for a thesis that fails to satisfy the minimum requirements and which evidences inadequate academic performance. An F-grade thesis will be weak in relation to all criteria or unsatisfactory in key areas.