diff --git a/openassessment/assessment/api/peer.py b/openassessment/assessment/api/peer.py
index 7018df121c..f86b2aecfe 100644
--- a/openassessment/assessment/api/peer.py
+++ b/openassessment/assessment/api/peer.py
@@ -62,6 +62,8 @@ def get_peer_grading_strategy(workflow_requirements):
     """
     Get the peer grading type, either mean or median. Default is median.
     """
+    if "peer" not in workflow_requirements:
+        return workflow_requirements.get("grading_strategy", PeerGradingStrategy.MEDIAN)
     return workflow_requirements.get("peer", {}).get(
         "grading_strategy", PeerGradingStrategy.MEDIAN,
     )