Grading System
Al-Mustafa International University employs either a grading scale with letter values or a grading scale with only pass/fail values in the assessment of examinations.
Pass/fail
The pass/fail scale is applied as an independent scale with only two possible results, and is not connected to the letter grades.
Letter grades
The grading scale with letter values is a descending scale where A is the best grade, E the lowest pass grade and F is fail. The assessment is based on defined, qualitative criteria for each grade in the grading scale.
Below you find the general, qualitative descriptions of the criteria used in the assessment of examinations.
A – Excellent
An excellent performance, clearly outstanding. The candidate demonstrates excellent judgement and a high degree of independent thinking.
B – Very good
A very good performance. The candidate demonstrates sound judgement and a very good degree of independent thinking.
C – Good
A good performance in most areas. The candidate demonstrates a reasonable degree of judgement and independent thinking in the most important areas.
D – Satisfactory
A satisfactory performance, but with significant shortcomings. The candidate demonstrates a limited degree of judgement and independent thinking.
E – Sufficient
A performance that meets the minimum criteria, but no more. The candidate demonstrates a very limited degree of judgement and independent thinking.
F – Fail
A performance that does not meet the minimum academic criteria. The candidate demonstrates an absence of both judgement and independent thinking.
Explanations and Appeals
It is recommended to request an explanation of your grade before you decide to appeal.
Appeal
You can submit an appeal against your grades for all written examinations. You cannot submit an appeal against the grades of oral or practical examinations when the performance is not documented for future purposes.
Explanation
The deadline to request an explanation is one week after the grade is published. For oral and practical examinations, the deadline is immediately after you have received your grade.
The explanation should normally be given within two weeks after you have asked for it. The examiner decides whether the explanation is to be given in writing or verbally.
Re-sit an Examination
If you are sick or have another valid reason for not attending the regular exam, we offer a postponed exam later in the same semester.
Withdrawal from an Examination
If you wish to withdraw from the exam you must inform to the Head of the Department with a written letter at least two weeks prior to the exam date. Failure to do so will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special Examination Arrangements
Students can request from the Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations if they need some special examination arrangements.
Exam results
Ask for an Explanation of Your Grade
We recommend that you ask for an explanation of your grade before deciding to submit an appeal.
The result from the appeal process is final and may be the same as, better or worse than the original grade. You can ask for an explanation of the new grade, but you cannot appeal against the new grade.
Deadline
One week after the grade was published. If you have asked for an explanation of your grade, or made a complaint based on formal examination errors, the deadline runs from the date you have received the explanation or an answer to your complaint.
Processing time
You will normally receive an answer within one month. If it takes longer, you will be notified. The results are given by letter or by e-mail.
How to submit an appeal
Use the form to submit an appeal against grades for written examinations:
you can download the form our website.
print and fill out the form and send to info@miu.lk
How is the appeal processed?
After we receive the appeal form you will receive an e-mail receipt.
Your answer papers are reassessed by two new examiners. At least one of the new examiners is external, i.e. from outside the al-Mustafa International university Sri Lanka Branch.
The new examiners have access to your answer papers, the examination question paper and any assessment guidelines. They do not have access to the original grade or the original examiners’ explanation of this.
You have the right to withdraw your appeal until the case is settled.
Questions?
Examination
3 hour written exam and term paper.
The term paper must:
You receive one overall grade for written exam and the term paper. You must pass the term paper and your written examination in the same semester.
Use of Sources and Citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Examination Support Material
The English medium students may use dictionaries at this exam. Dictionaries must be handed in before the examination. Please read regulations for dictionaries permitted at the examination.
Language of Examination
The examination text is given in English/Tamil/Sinhala, and you submit your response in one of the languages.
What is a Postponed Exam?
Postponed written exams are arranged for you if you are ill or have another valid reason for not attending an exam. The postponed exam is held in the same semester as the regular exam or before tuition commences in the next semester.
In courses which are offered each semester, students with an approved reason for absence may be directed to the next ordinary examination.
With home exams or assignments, you may in some cases be granted an extended deadline instead of a postponed exam.
Do I qualify for a Postponed Exam?
Valid reasons for absence must be documented and include the following:
Other weighty reasons outside of your own control may include for instance military service, trials or political representation. High-level sports or cultural events may also be approved.
Nervousness, insomnia, traffic delays, private travels or similar are not accepted as valid reasons for absence. In the case of illness during the preparation period, you should consider applying for a leave of absence.
Assignment Writing and Submission
Technical standards
The front page should contain
How to submit the assignment
References
Use of Sources and Citations
In order to write a good assignment, it is essential that you use sources correctly. Using other people’s material without declaring it properly may be considered as cheating or attempted cheating.
Main rules
Academic integrity
Scientific arguments and claims should be open to testing and criticism. Correct use of sources and citations are elements in ensuring this.
Cheating
Failure to properly cite sources or highlight quotes in any assignments that are handed in may be considered as cheating or attempted cheating. Cheating can have serious consequences for students.
How to cite
