Examination - Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do before my exam?
Check the time and venue of your exam and your travel arrangements. Wear a wrist watch and remember to take your Student ID with you.
What time should I arrive at my exam?
Arrive 20 minutes before the start of your exam.
What should I do once I arrive at the exam venue?
Check that your name is on the register and make a note of your seat number.
My name isn’t on the register what should I do?
Speak to the Invigilation Supervisor in the exam room immediately.
What happens if I arrive late?
If you arrive late, you will not be given extra time. You will not be allowed to sit the exam if you arrive over 45 minutes after the exam has started.
What can I have on my desk?
You can have a transparent (see-through) pencil case, pens, pencils, rulers and non-programmable calculators and a non-fizzy drink (food is not permitted). You can also take permitted departmentally stamped dictionaries (without any notes in them). You must have your student ID card on your desk at all times.
Where can I put my coat/bag?
These must be left in the designated area. Do not bring valuables to the venue as the area is unsupervised and the University is not liable if they are lost.
What do I do if I have brought my mobile phone into the exam?
You should turn your phone off and leave it in your bag. The matter will be noted if your phone rings during an exam.
What do I do if I need the toilet or I want to leave early during an exam?
Put your hand up and speak to an invigilator. You cannot leave the exam room in the first 60 minutes or final 30 minutes of your exam unless you feel unwell. If you do feel unwell raise your hand and an invigilator will attend to you.
What should I do if the fire alarm goes off during the exam?
Follow the Invigilation Supervisor’s instructions and remember that you are still under exam conditions.
What should I do if something unusual happens in the exam venue?
If something unusual happens during the exam and you feel it has affected your performance then notify an invigilator of the occurrence, they will report it to the Chair of the Examining Board for appropriate action.
What is an examination unfair practice?
Unfair practice is when a student tries to dishonestly gain an unfair advantage in an exam. For example, opening or writing in your answer book before the exam has started or after it has finished; using materials that are not allowed (such as notes or mobile phone); or trying to talk to other students. Students who are suspected of an unfair practice will have the matter investigated further.