Task:

• The research project supervisor will mentor the MA student on synthesising knowledge and the discipline-specific formation of a substantial written output: a literature review. 
• In conjunction with the output from the Project Proposal unit, this unit scaffolds the two dissertation units that follow in the MA course. 

• Introduction clearly introduces the proposed project and defined the purpose of the literature review (i.e., identifying gap in the literature or contextualising the study in theory or positioning the methodological choices made for the study). 
• Introduction clearly defines the scope of the literature review. A clear description of the criteria used to select the literature (type of sources used, date range, inclusion and exclusion criteria).
• Introduction provided the analytical framework used to construct the literature review and outlined the structure of the body of the literature review.
• Literature review was divided into logical themes. Each theme highlighted a key aspect, for example, background studies or a major concept or influential studies or mainstream versus alternative viewpoints or agreements and disagreements.
• Used topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph that clearly identified the theme or aspect of the theme being discussed in that paragraph.
• Each theme concluded with a clear summary of the main arguments that were presented. Links were made to the proposed study.
• Demonstrated critical analysis of the references used in the literature review.
• Conclusion summed up the major contributions in the literature, in the context of the particular focus mentioned in the introduction. Provided a clear summary of the main agreements and disagreements in the literature, any gaps or areas for further research, identified the significance of the research topic in relation to the literature and linked the project to the literature.
• Correct style, format, and layout applicable to a literature review.
• Academic style, citations and reference list is consistent with stated referencing style.
• Well edited writing, correct spelling and grammar.
   

Task:

• The student will undertake a form of knowledge synthesis presentation as guided by their supervisor. 
• In the humanities disciplines, this may take the form of a presentation associated with their project, complementing Assessment 1 in this unit.
• In the creative arts disciplines, this assessment will provide evidence of the early development of the creative artefact, which in the final form may be a music recital, portfolio of compositions/sound installation, a theatrical performance, creative writing work, film project, or some type of displayed creative artefact in visual arts or digital media.
• The final form of this portfolio assessment will be determined in conjunction with the project supervisor and the Unit Coordinator/Head of Course.

The assessment criteria for this unit will be tailored according to the discipline within which the student is studying.

For creative and performing arts disciplines, the assessment criteria may include:

• significant progression in the development of the creative artefact such as:
  • preparation towards music recital, which may include public performance
  • preparation of a portfolio of compositions/sound installation
  • development of a theatrical performance, which may include public performance
  • creative writing work
  • development of a film project
  • preparation towards a displayed creative artefact in visual arts or digital media.

In the humanities disciplines, this assessment, and the associated criteria, will be developed with the research supervisor and may include:

• The student engaged an audience with a degree of public speaking confidence commensurate with the level of study.
• The student engaged an audience with the norms of public dialogue expected with the Humanities discipline in which the research project fits.
• The student covered the highlights of the Literature Review
• Conclusion - summary of the main points and justified how the Literature Review supports the research problem.  

The Head of Course will approve all marking rubrics in consultation with the research supervisor.