Student Achievement and Grading
Presumptive grade distribution in the JD
Melbourne Law School has approved a presumptive grade distribution in compulsory subjects (apart from Legal Method and Reasoning and Legal Research) in the JD. The distribution is based, in part, on the historic range of marks awarded in the JD. Grade distributions are monitored by Melbourne Law School's Board of Examiners. The Board is chaired by the Associate Dean (JD) and comprises the subject coordinators in the compulsory subjects. The role of the Board is to ensure the quality and consistency of marking practices between subjects and across the degree.
The presumptive grade distribution (excluding fails from the calculation) is as follows:
- H1: 10–15% (at least 2% at 85% or above)
- H2A: 15–20%
- H2B: 25–30%
There is no presumptive grade distribution for Pass and H3 grades.
JD grades
The following grade descriptions provide guidance as to the types and standards of learning outcomes that are attributed to each class of mark. Each set of descriptions (above a Pass grade) subsumes and builds on the learning outcomes applicable to the grade level below. When reading each description it is important to note that:
- The requirements of each class of grade will differ as a student progresses through the degree. For example, excellent communication skills for a first semester student may be considered competent against the expectations in final year.
- The descriptions require adaptation for particular pieces of assessment in individual subjects. For example, some forms of assessment may address oral presentation skills linked to the subject's communication learning outcomes, but may not assess research skills.
80%–100% H1 First class honours: excellent
This grade is awarded to work of an excellent standard which:
- Consistently demonstrates a deep knowledge and understanding of the subject as a whole, integrating the broader context where relevant (for example, legal, practical, theoretical or cultural)
- Consistently demonstrates independent, rigorous and appropriately creative engagement with relevant material and interprets and integrates material from a range of relevant primary and secondary sources
- Contains critical analysis, argument and problemāsolving that demonstrates originality and insight into the whole of the subject area
- Utilises sophisticated, effective and persuasive communication skills, including developing, structuring, editing and referencing relevant analysis, argument and conclusions tailored to the specific audience
- Identifies, analyses and responds appropriately to relevant ethical and professional conduct issues, integrating the broader context, including responsibilities to the court, client, profession and broader community (where relevant)
- Demonstrates a capacity to learn and work independently as well as collaboratively with a high level of accountability and professionalism.
75%–79% H2A Second class honours, level A: very good
This grade is awarded to work of a very good standard which:
- Evidences a deep knowledge and understanding of the subject as a whole, integrating, where relevant, its broader contexts (for example, legal, practical, theoretical or cultural)
- Evidences independent, rigorous and appropriate engagement with research sources and subject materials and interprets and integrates such sources and materials
- Contains critical analysis, argument and problemāsolving that demonstrates insight into the subject area as a whole
- Utilises effective and persuasive communication skills, including developing, structuring, presenting and referencing relevant analysis, argument and conclusions tailored to the specific audience
- Identifies, analyses and responds appropriately to relevant ethical and professional conduct issues with some appreciation for the broader context and responsibilities to the court, client, profession and broader community (where relevant)
- Demonstrates a capacity to learn and work independently as well as collaboratively with a high level of accountability and professionalism.
70%–74% H2B Second class honours, level B: good
This grade is awarded to work of a good standard which:
- Demonstrates an integrated knowledge and understanding of the subject area as a whole and some appreciation of its broader context (where relevant)
- Accurately summarises, interprets, synthesises and integrates relevant principles and theory from the full range of subject materials
- Independently identifies and critically analyses materials from a range of research sources that relate to the subject area
- Develops a clear structure that addresses the topic, and adopts communication methods appropriate to the specific audience
- Identifies, analyses and responds appropriately to ethical or professional conduct issues relevant to or raised by the subject area
- Demonstrates a capacity to learn and work independently as well as collaboratively with accountability and professionalism.
65%–69% H3 Third class honours: competent
This grade is awarded to work of a competent standard which:
- Demonstrates sound knowledge and understanding of the subject area as a whole and the way in which its component principles interrelate
- Selects from, interprets and accurately applies a range of subject materials
- Identifies and utilises materials from research sources that relate to the subject area
- Develops a clear structure that addresses the topic and utilises modes of communication appropriate to explain the law
- Identifies and responds appropriately to ethical or professional conduct issues relevant to or raised by the subject area
- Generally demonstrates a capacity to learn and work independently as well as collaboratively with accountability and professionalism.
50%–64% P Pass: satisfactory
This grade is awarded to work of a satisfactory standard which:
- Demonstrates understanding of the key features of the subject area
- Selects from, interprets and appropriately utilises core subject materials
- Relies primarily on relevant content and analysis found in the subject material
- Generally addresses the topic, summarises and organises the chosen material sufficiently clearly to restate the law
- Generally identifies and responds appropriately to clear ethical or professional conduct issues relevant to or raised by the subject area
- Generally demonstrates a capacity to learn and work independently and collaboratively with a satisfactory level of accountability and professionalism.
0%–49% N Fail: unsatisfactory
This grade is awarded to work of an unsatisfactory standard which:
- Demonstrates a lack of knowledge or understanding of key features of the subject area
- Incorporates irrelevant subject materials, research sources or opinions
- Fails to address the topic adequately or at all, has an unclear structure and derives unsustainable, incoherent or no conclusions on the relevant issue
- Tends to restate propositions derived from the subject materials without discrimination
- Does not identify or address adequately or at all clear ethical or professional conduct issues relevant to or raised by the subject area
- Fails to demonstrate a capacity to learn and work independently or collaboratively with a satisfactory level of accountability and professionalism.