Exams

Examinations

Exam periods

For maths modules:

• January exams (usually the first day of Term 2, in January): MA141 Analysis 1, MA140 Mathematical Analysis 1 and MA142 Calculus 1.
• April exams (within the period of 2 weeks immediately after Easter vacation, in April/May). All MA modules taught in Term 1 are examined in this period.
• Summer exams (from week 5 of Term 3, in May-June). All MA modules taught in Term 2 are examined in this period.

Exam timetables

Information on timetables, which are created by the Examinations team at the University, is available on the Exams web pages, where you can also find exam timetable release dates.

Your personalised exam timetable (with locations and seat numbers) will become available on Tabula shortly after the publication of the exam timetable.

We do not have the remit to move exams after the timetables have been published. This is because exam timetabling is done by a central University team, not by us.

It is your responsibility to find out when your exams take place. Misreading the timetable, or not having an exam on your personalised timetable (and not querying it) cannot be considered as mitigation and you will receive zero for that exam.

Exam venues

Most maths exams are held in Junction Halls 1 and 2, or the Panorama Room in the Rootes building, although there are many other venues.

Students with reasonable adjustments may have their exams in the department. The Taught Programme Office will tell you the exact room for your exams nearer the date. If in doubt, go to the Taught Programme Office.

It is your responsibility to find out where your exams take place. Going to the wrong venue cannot be considered as mitigation and you will receive zero for that exam. We have had students going to the wrong venue and taking the wrong exam in the past.

If you arrive 30 minutes or later than the exam start time, you will not be allowed in the exam hall.

Exam duration and format

With rare exceptions, a 10-CATS module will have a 2-hour exam. A 15-CATS module will have a 3-hour exam.

Each exam may contain all compulsory questions, or there may be a choice (e.g. attempt N out of M questions). This depends on the module lecturer, who will make it clear what the format will be. The format can change from year to year.

Examination FAQs

• What should I bring or not bring into the exam hall?
  Bring: stationery, university ID. Optional: a (non-smart) watch, a water bottle.
  If you forget your ID, you will be asked to remain behind after the exam to verify your identity.
  Do not bring: phones, smart watches, electronic devices. For all maths exams, calculators are not allowed.

• What should I use to write? Can I use a pencil? Can I use colour pens?
  We recommend using a pen rather than pencil. It is worth checking that your pen is not easily smudged, easily erasable or highly heat-sensitive (for example, Pilot Frixion pens are not recommended).
  Use blue or blank ink - not red or green.
• I think there is an error in the exam paper. What do I do?

  Each exam paper would have been checked by a checker and an external examiner, but on rare occasions errors do slip through into the actual paper. If you believe a question contains an error, do raise your hand and query. The invigilator will then contact the lecturer to clarify and a correction may be announced.
  However, this process can take a while, so in the meantime, attempt other questions. If there is no time to query or you simply cannot afford to wait, you can write down something like: "I believe the question should read .... instead, and the answer would then be...."
  When an error actually occurs, the markers would be told to mark generously.

• What happens if I have to leave an exam unexpectedly? (e.g. due to illness)
  See a medical professional as soon as possible to obtain a medical note (or, for mental health emergencies, obtain a note from University Wellbeing Services). Submit a mitigation on Tabula along with evidence.
  If the mitigation is approved, you will be granted a first-attempt resit at the next available exam period.
• What happens if I have to miss an exam due to personal reasons? (e.g. illness or bereavement)
  Speak to a Student Support Officer in the Taught Programme Office as soon as you are sure you cannot attend an exam. You will be required to submit a mitigation with evidence.
  If the mitigation is approved, you will be granted a first-attempt resit at the next available exam period.
• I'm not feeling well. Should I try to power through and take the exam anyway?
  It is very important to remember the University policy that you cannot be re-assessed on a module that you have passed, even if you have a valid mitigation. For this reason, we do not recommend taking an exam if you are feeling unwell. Submit mitigation with medical evidence instead.
• What happens if I've been accused of cheating during an exam?
  You will be contacted by the Academic Conduct Panel (ACP). More info here.
  Your exam script will be marked as usual without prejudice. Any mark adjustments will only be made after the outcome of the ACP investigation.