Types of Exams

24-hour Online Exams are open book and to be completed and submitted online within 24-hours of release.

What does 'open book' mean?

Open book exams are an assessment method that allows you to access materials (module notes/readings/other material) whilst answering the questions. These exams are not invigilated (supervised).

Open book exams are designed to assess higher-order learning and typically require you to apply knowledge, analyse, compare or evaluate information. Their design focuses on your ability to identify and utilise relevant information to present a solution or argument rather than draw upon knowledge through memory.

Why 24 hours?

The 24-hour assessment is designed to help you to plan and complete each exam at a time that is most convenient to you, and to break up the exam into smaller segments over the 24-hour period if this suits you better. 

Open book exams are not designed to take 24-hours to complete. You are expected to spend 2 or 3 hours on the exam, as stated on the exam cover page.

Will I get extra time if I have an ILP (Inclusive Learning Plan)?

No, there is no extra time beyond the 24-hour period, this timescale includes any additional time given if you have an Inclusive Learning Plan (ILP) for exam adjustments.

Do I have to remain online for the 24-hour window?

No, you don't need to be online for 24 hours - you can log in to download the exam papers and answer templates (scripts), and then complete them and upload them at any time within the 24-hour timeframe. See our technical guidance on how to do this.

How do I submit?

Exam answer books for online exams must be submitted via Turnitin and in accordance with University regulations.

Please see notes on maintaining academic integrity during online exams which are not invigilated (supervised).

Timed online exams are designed to be completed in one sitting starting immediately after the exam paper is released and completed by the end time indicated. They are commonly used for subjects with professional and regulatory body or specific course requirements.

Can I access other materials during the exam?

Timed online exams are designed so that you don't need to access materials whilst completing the exam. To make the most of the limited time you have, answer questions from memory rather than looking up answers via other resources

Do I have to remain online for the specified time frame?

No, you don't need to be online for the duration of the exam - you can log in to download the exam papers and answer templates (scripts), and then complete them and upload them at any time within the specified timeframe. See our technical guidance on how to do this.

An exception to this is an exam using a Moodle Quiz where you will be expected to remain online throughout the duration of the exam. Where an exam (or part of) takes this form, you should confirm the arrangements for the Moodle Quiz with the Module Convenor, as this may vary in design across taught modules.   

How long do timed exams take?

With the exception of Moodle Quizzes, timed online exams usually take 2 or 3 hours, plus any additional time granted within an Inclusive Learning Plan, plus an additional 30 minutes to facilitate uploading. The time limit for each exam will be clearly stated in the Examination section on each Moodle module.

For Moodle Quizzes, the time you have for your attempt will be clearly stated in the Examination section on the Moodle module, and on the Moodle Quiz activity itself.

When do timed online exams start?

All Timed Online Exams will be released at 10:00 British Summer Time.

Please see notes on maintaining academic integrity during online exams which are not invigilated (supervised).

In-person exams are invigilated closed book exams to be completed on campus within a restricted time window.  

Invigilated = supervised by staff who check you are not consulting notes not permitted, or other people.

Closed book = you cannot access additional materials, unless explicitly stated.

Restricted time window = You start at the same time as all other students taking the exam and have to finish within the time slot given. 

In person exams take 2 or 3 hours plus any additional time granted within an Inclusive Learning Plan.

We understand for some of you this might be the first time you are sitting in-person exams, but please don’t panic, there are lots of skilled staff members ready to help. Your Division will be providing some exam preparation sessions and/or other support measures ahead of the Summer Exams. You may also speak to your Academic Adviser for exam concerns related to content and format. See our exams support webpages for full details.

Please get in touch with Student Support and Wellbeing as soon as possible if you think you require an Inclusive Learning Plan (ILP) with adapted exam arrangements. For the ILP to be in place in time for exams, it needs to be finalised by 24 March.

See our In person exams guide.