Exam guidance for Candidates
Frequently asked questions
Conduct in the Exam Hall
- You must not talk or otherwise disturb other candidates in the Exam Hall, either before, during or after your exam.
- You must not do any of the following:
* Sit an exam in the name of another candidate.
* Have in your possession any unauthorised material, including notes, electronic devices (including smart watches, exercise and fitness trackers) and mobile phones, this includes on or near your person.
* Have in your possession any unauthorised equipment which might give you an unfair advantage, this includes on or near your person. - Possession of any unauthorised material/electronic device is breaking the rules and is therefore treated as a strict liability offence. This means that where a student is found to have taken unauthorised materials or an electronic device to their desk, the student is guilty of an offence, irrespective of that student’s intent either to deceive or gain advantage.
- You must not take anything to your desk except those things that are permitted on the front of your exam paper.
- You must leave all coats, hats, bags scarves etc. in the designated space as instructed by the invigilators.
- You must not take any correction fluid or correction tape into the Exam Hall. Any corrections to the text on your exam answer sheets must be made by crossing out the error and rewriting.
- You must not attempt to look at the exam papers or start to write anything on the exam paper or the answer booklet, other than to complete the cover sheet of the answer booklet, before the exam has started.
- You must stop writing immediately at the end of the exam as soon as instructed.
- You must not try to communicate with any other candidate during the exam or try to look at any other candidate’s work during the exam.
- You must listen carefully and follow instructions given to you by invigilators.
- You must not take your script or any rough workings out of the exam hall.
- At the end of the exam you should remain in your seat, until your script has been collected and the Invigilators then release you.
Important information
- You must read the full version of Guidance for Candidates below.
- You must ensure that you are on time for your exam, and ensure that you bring your Unicard or other photo ID.
- You should ensure you have checked the floorplan outside the hall, which indicates the location of your module within the hall. (Floor plans are only provided for large exam halls).
- Should you inadvertently bring a mobile phone with you to the exam hall, it must be switched off and left at the back of the hall or handed to invigilation staff. Any device sounding or causing a noise will result in a minimum £50 fine being applied, for the disturbance to other candidates. Please ensure you have no pre-set alarms. Changing the phone settings to silent is not an option.
- You should carefully read the instructions on the front of your exam paper and answer booklet, and understand what you are required to do.
- Should you wish to go to the bathroom, or leave early, then please raise your hand and seek permission from an Invigilator.
It is very important that you read all of the following information carefully as the key points given above are just an outline of the exams process; it offers help and guidance on the whole exams process and hopefully answers any questions you might have.
Please note: Students are only permitted to use a completely clear case or clear plastic bag for their pens, pencils, etc in exam halls.
Jackets, coats, bags, brief cases, handbags and non essential headwear i.e. hats/caps/scarves, etc. are to be left in the designated area at the rear of the exam hall, together with books and notes not required for "open note", "open book" or "restricted note" exams.
Exam Timetable
Exams for all courses will be held from Monday to Sunday. This includes both online exams, which will be administered through Exams ELE, and on-campus exams, which will take place at designated examination venues.
Please ensure that you check the exam timetable for specific dates, times, and locations of your exams. It is essential to be well-prepared and familiarise yourself with the details to avoid any confusion or last-minute issues.
To obtain (view and print) your personal exam timetable you will need to access MyTimetable using your IT login and password.
Your timetable will also be available via the MyExeter app.
In addition to the exam dates published, in the case of unforeseen exam disruption an exam might be re-scheduled to be sat towards the end of the main exam period.
Exam Halls
Locations which may be used for exams are:
• Amory Rooms 417 and 501
• Baring Court, St Luke's Campus
• Great Hall
• Harrison Rooms 101 / 102 / 103 / 106 / 107 / 203 / 207 / 208
• Peter Chalk Centre / Newman Rooms
• South Cloisters 2.13, St Luke's Campus
• Sport's Hall, Streatham Campus
• Tennis Centre, Streatham Campus
• The Sanctuary
• Amory 105 / 106 / 315 / 316 – Specific Provision students only
• Computer Suite Old Library – Specific Provision students only
• Hatherly Pods - Specific Provision students only
• Laver 320 – Specific Provision students only
• Old Library - Specific Provision students only
• Queen's Building - Specific Provision students only
Due to unforeseen circumstances it might be necessary to use rooms other than those listed, but advanced notice of this will be given.
Personal Timetables
Please check the information shown on your personal timetable carefully. If you discover any incorrect information, in the first instance, please contact your Faculty Hub to ensure that the relevant module/programme change form has been completed and that this information has been updated on your record and relayed to the Exams Office. Do not assume that a spare desk will be available, space for some sessions may be limited; ensure that the problem is sorted out well in advance of your exams.
If you have requested specific provision via Wellbeing Services - AccessAbility and this is not reflected in the location of your exam(s) on your timetable please contact Wellbeing Services - AccessAbility as a matter of urgency. Any specific provision location will be labelled (SP) on your timetable. NB. Online exams requiring ELE or other web-based applications may take place in standard venues not specific provision ones.
Times of Exams
Exam start times will vary throughout the academic year, so it is imperative that you use only the times specified on your personal timetable. You must ensure that your device is set to UK time. Unless special arrangements have been made the standard start times for exams in January, May and during the Referred/Deferred exam periods are 09:30 and 14:30.
Candidates requiring specific exam arrangements
If for some medical reason you are not able to write your answers in the usual way, or if you are disabled or suffer from any injury or condition that will require special exam seating preparation, you must book an appointment with Wellbeing Services - AccessAbility.
For more details and the latest application deadlines please see the Specific Provisions for Exams section.
Prior to the appointment you will need to obtain medical evidence which you will need to bring along to your appointment.
This will ensure that any required needs assessment can be carried out in time for your exams. We may not be able to accommodate any requests received after these dates, especially if the condition is a long-standing one.
Time of Arrival for an Exam
You should present yourself outside the exam hall at least fifteen minutes before the exams are scheduled to commence. You are strongly advised to allow for delays caused by traffic, weather conditions etc. when planning your journey to the exam hall. If you are unable to make the journey due to bad weather, please contact you Info Point/Hub and the Exams Office to let them know, and they will advise on mitigation procedures.
If you arrive late you will be admitted to the exam hall without question during the first half-hour of the exam period, but you will not be allowed extra time in which to complete your exam. If you arrive after this time, or find you are not well enough to begin the exam, please report to your Info Point/Hub who will be able to note your arrival time and advise you on mitigation procedures.
To be Brought to Each Exam
- Candidates should bring their University (ID) Card to each exam for checking by the invigilators.
If you have lost your University card you may obtain a replacement from the Student Information Desk in the Forum or via the online store at a charge of £10 or bring a current passport or some other form of official ID which shows your name and photograph. If you fail to bring any form of approved identification, you will be required to complete an Identity Check Form, which will be checked against your registration documents.
- Students are only permitted to use a completely clear case or clear plastic bag for their pens, pencils, etc.
- Valuables should NOT be brought to the exam hall – no responsibility will be taken for their safekeeping.
- Please note that mobile phones, smart watches, exercise/fitness trackers or any other means of sending/receiving messages are not allowed within the exam halls. Any such devices accidentally brought into the Exam Hall must be switched off and put in a bag in the designated bag space or handed over to supervisory staff. You must also ensure that no alarms have been programmed into the phone/device, if so the battery must be removed. No responsibility will be taken for their safekeeping. There is a possibility that either academic or financial penalties could be levied against a candidate should their mobile phone or electronic device cause disturbance during the course of the exam. Any such electronic device found on desks/about the person after the exam has commenced will be confiscated and a report sent to the Student Cases Office and a penalty will be applied. Non smart watches are permitted but they must be removed and placed next to your desk card.
- Reasonable quantities of soft drink/water and food may be brought to the exam hall. The consumption of these should not cause disturbance to other candidates.
- Any item considered to be causing a disturbance to other candidates will be confiscated by the Exam Hall Invigilator. Exceptions may be made for certain medical conditions; this must be previously agreed by the Exams Office.
Entry into the Exam Room
Candidates will be told when to enter the exam hall, both verbal and non-verbal communication is strictly forbidden on entry and whilst in the exam hall. SILENCE SHOULD BE OBSERVED THROUGHOUT THE EXAM SESSION.
Seating Arrangements for Main Exam Halls
In the exam halls for January and May exams your allocated desk can be identified as follows:
- Look at the Exam Hall Floor Plan displayed outside all large main exam halls (Sports Hall, Great Hall, Tennis Centre and The Sanctuary) to locate seating area of each exam. For all other venues please enter when advised and locate your desk.
- You will find your name and candidate number written on a desk card, the same colour as noted on the floor plan, and laid on a desk with an exam paper, answer book etc. The desk cards within the area are set out from side to side in alphabetical sequence by module.
- If you have difficulty in finding your seat, ask one of the invigilators for help. On no account should you occupy any seat that does not have your candidate card on it.
- Once seated you should place your University Card on the desk where it can easily be seen and verified during the exam by an invigilator.
- For Referred/Deferred exams the hall will be laid out alpha numerically by duration, then module code, then family name with a separate colour indicating each duration.
Answer Booklets and Other Stationery
You will find answer booklets and other necessary stationery on your desk. You should read carefully the instructions on the answer booklet cover and complete details as requested including your registration number and candidate number for each booklet used. The top corner should be completed, signed and fully sealed. Failure to complete the corner flap will not invalidate any misconduct proceedings, if required.
Rough work may be written on the back cover of each booklet used.
"Open Note", "Open Book" and "Restricted Note" Exams
These are exams which allow candidates the use of notes or reference books approved by the relevant Faculty.
Dictionaries
The use of dictionaries during exams is NOT allowed unless specified on the exam paper. International and Erasmus students are allowed to use foreign language - English dictionaries provided they have written authorisation from their Faculty(using the appropriate blue form). Candidates should bring a copy of the authorisation to the exam hall. Please note that the use of Electronic Dictionaries in Exam Halls is not permitted. It is your responsibility to check that there are no notes/manual additions in the dictionary. If any are found further action will be taken. No student is permitted to use a dictionary in any exam set by the Business School.
Regulations for the use of Electronic Calculators during On Campus Exams
- Authorised Calculators: Only authorised, silent, cordless, non-programmable calculators are allowed in exams where the question paper permits their use. These Calculators may contain simple memory functions for calculation purposes.
- Approval Process:
- Seek approval for your calculator from a representative of your Faculty prior to your exams. This can be done in person by visiting your Faculty Hub.
- Approved calculators will receive a tamper-evident label for identification.
- You can also visit the SID desk located in the forum in case of emergencies and loan a calculator. Please ensure you bring your ID.
- Candidate Responsibilities:
- Bring your approved calculator to the exam room.
- Ensure you have a spare battery available.
- Calculator Conditions:
- All calculators must be silent.
- Remove any covers and place them under the desk before the exam starts.
- Prohibited Devices: The use of any other calculator or electronic device capable of retrieving stored numerical or textual information is strictly forbidden, except in "Open Book" exams, or where your exam states a programmable calculator ( pink sticker) is permitted.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance:
- Failure to comply may result in confiscation of your non-approved calculator.
- In extreme cases, candidates may be excluded from the exam.
- Do not assume that a temporary replacement calculator will be provided.
Starting the Exam
You will be told by the Principal Invigilator when you can start the exam. The question paper MUST NOT be turned over until this direction is given, a penalty will be imposed for anyone caught looking at papers prior to the start of the exam. You should read carefully the instructions on the front of the question paper before beginning to answer the questions.
Leaving the Exam Room
In order to minimise disruption to other candidates you may not leave the exam room during the first and last half-hour of the exam session unless you feel unwell. If you do need to leave the room urgently, you must seek the permission of an invigilator.
Toilet breaks are not permitted in the first half hour or the last half hour of the exam session. If you need to leave the exam room at other times during the exam for a toilet break please ensure that you take your candidate card with you. You will be subject to additional checks/searches.
For assessments of 1 hour 30 minutes and under: You are not permitted to leave early and must remain at your desk for the full duration.
For assessments lasting over 1 hour 30 minutes: You may leave the exam venue, but not within the last 30 minutes of the session.
**If the exam is taking place in a tiered lecture hall, no students may leave unless there is a medical emergency.**
If you leave the venue, please do so as quietly as possible so as not to disturb other candidates. Take your completed exam script with you and hand it to the relevant invigilator, usually located at the rear of the exam hall. Once your exam script has been logged, permission to leave will be granted by the invigilator.
If you remain in the hall for the full duration of your exam you must stay in your seat whilst scripts are collected, an invigilator will advise when you can leave.
Illness/Disruption during an Exam
If you feel ill during an exam you should inform an invigilator immediately, similarly any other form of distraction, e.g. excessive noise causing an adverse effect on your performance, should also be reported at the time of occurrence. You will subsequently be asked to complete a mitigation form by your Faculty, who may wish to use this prior notification as part of the mitigation process.
Completing the Exam
Candidates are reminded that they should read the rubric of the exam before completing any questions. You should ensure that you read the instructions carefully.
Where candidates do not need to complete all questions on the paper (e.g. please answer two out of five questions in Section B), only the number of questions specified in the rubric will be marked (unless the rubric states differently).
To ensure that the marker is able to identify which answers to mark, the questions that have been answered should be clearly indicated on the front of the exam script and answers which should not be marked should be clearly crossed through. Where it is not clear which answers need to be marked, the paper will be marked in chronological order until the specified number of answers have been marked (following the above example two answers would be marked). Everything else written in the script after this point will be disregarded.
Exam paper queries
Should you feel the need to raise a query concerning the content of an exam paper, you must first raise your hand to obtain an invigilators attention, they will then liaise with the Exams Office who will ensure your query is addressed.
Emergency Exam Hall Procedures
In the event of a fire alarm or other emergency necessitating the evacuation of the exam room, the following procedure is to be followed:
- On instruction from the Principal Invigilator all students will cease writing and leave their answer booklets on the desk.
- Evacuate the exam hall as quickly as possible. Do not stop to collect bags/coats, etc.
- Leave the building and assemble at the appropriate assembly point (follow the instructions of the Principal Invigilators or see blue and white 'Fire Action' notices in each building).
- Do not return to the Exam Hall to collect personal items until advised by the Invigilators that it is safe to do so and until all exam papers have been collected by Exams Office staff.
- You will be sent an email within 24 hours confirming the incident and this will be followed within 3 working days with an official email notification giving details of the decision relating to the incident, providing further arrangements if required for that particular exam.
Misconduct in an Exam
A candidate may be liable to such penalties as the Senate may determine for:
- taking into the exam room, or possessing whilst in that room, any books, notes or other material or mobile device which has not been authorised
- aiding or attempting to aid another candidate, or obtaining or attempting to obtain aid from another candidate
- passing yourself off as another candidate
- such repeated behaviour as may in the view of the Principal Invigilator prejudice the performance of other candidates.
It should be noted that the Principal Invigilator is empowered to discontinue the exam of a candidate suspected of misconduct and to expel that candidate from the exam room.
All cases of suspected misconduct will be reported at once by the Principal Invigilator to the Student Cases Office's representative. Any notes or similar unauthorised material introduced into the exam room by the candidate must be handed over to the Principal Invigilator who will attach them to the report.
Plagiarism/Cheating
Cheating in a University assessment is a very serious academic offence, which may lead ultimately to expulsion from the University. Cheating can take one of a number of forms, including:
- (i) The use of unauthorised books, notes, electronic aids or other materials in an exam
- (ii) Obtaining an exam paper ahead of its authorised release
- (iii) Acting dishonestly in any way including fabrication of data, whether before, during or after an exam or other assessment so as to either obtain or offer to others an unfair advantage in that exam or assessment
- (iv) Collusion, i.e. the representation of another's work or ideas as one's own without appropriate acknowledgement or referencing, where the owner of the work knows of the situation and both work towards the deceit of a third party
- (v) Plagiarism, i.e. the act of representing another's work or ideas as one's own without appropriate acknowledgement or referencing. There are three main types of plagiarism' which could occur within all modes of assessment (including exams)
- (a) Direct copying of text from a book, article, fellow student's essay, handout, thesis, web page or other source without proper acknowledgement
- (b) Claiming individual ideas derived from a book, article etc. as one's own, and incorporating them into one's work without acknowledging the source of these ideas
- (c) Overly depending on the work of one or more others without proper acknowledgement of the source, by constructing an essay, project etc. by extracting large sections of the text from another source, and merely linking these together with a few of one's own sentences
(Faculties may wish to extend these definitions for specific subject areas and provide students with examples as appropriate. The correct referencing system for making quotations explicit and acknowledging sources should be available through personal tutors or supervisors, specific tutorial sessions in Faculties, and Faculties' student and research handbooks.)
Contravention of the above Regulations will be treated under the Procedures for Handling Cases of Suspected Cheating, including Plagiarism, in University Assessment which can be found on the University Website.
Scripts/Legibility
It is your responsibility to provide a script that is clearly legible. Candidates who submit scripts which examiners are unable to read will be invited to produce a word-processed transcript. This transcript must be a true copy of the original. If any embellishments are found, this will be treated as suspected academic misconduct following guidance under Chapter 12 – Academic Conduct and Practice.
Where a candidate is not able to produce a transcript in person, word-processed transcription will usually be created by a scribe, and should be at the candidates own expense.
End of the Exam
At the end of the exam you will be told to stop writing by the Principal Invigilator. This should be done IMMEDIATELY, you should then remain seated and have made sure that you have completed all the details required on the exam answer booklet or answer book cover, and have fastened them together with any other material (e.g. graph paper etc) using the tag provided, inside the answer booklet, and that you have fastened all additional rough work to the back of the answer booklet. Please note failure to do this may result in un-attached work not being submitted for marking.
You should remain in your seat until you are told that you may leave the room. Your script will be collected while you are seated. Once you have been told that you may leave, you must exit the exam room as quickly and quietly as possible. Out of consideration to other students, you should not cause any noise disruption in the vicinity of Exam Halls.
Do not begin talking until you are well away from the exam hall.
You may not take any exam materials, used or unused, including scrap paper, out of the exam room other than:
(a) the materials you brought to the exam, and
(b) the question paper, unless the rubric states otherwise.
Lost Property
Property left behind in exam halls will be stored by the Student Information Desk in the Forum for a period of four weeks after the exam session has finished. After that time, property will be taken to a charity shop.
Publication of Results
Your results are usually made available to you via MyExeter. For further information and details of results you must contact your Info Point/Hub, not the Exams Office.
Referred/Deferred Exams
Referred/deferred exams will commence on the 7th August 2027. Students will be required to sit their exam(s) in Exeter or Cornwall for Cornwall-based students during this time - students should make sure that these periods remain free from all other commitments, such as overseas travel/holiday/work. Should you miss referred/deferred examinations, you are likely to be deemed withdrawn from the University, unless you provide valid medical evidence confirming your inability to sit your exam.
Absence from an Exame
In all cases, students must provide in writing to their Faculty Hub a note explaining any absence from an exam, which will be considered by the relevant Board of Examiners or Assessment, Progression and Awarding Committee (APAC). If you are absent due to illness you must supply medical evidence to your Faculty as soon as possible. Where reason for absence is not provided, the candidate will normally be deemed withdrawn.
Circumstances Affecting Student Performance in Exams
It is the responsibility of each individual student to inform their Faculty Hub of any circumstances affecting performance, by means of a deferral request/mitigation form, and e-mail it no later than one working day after the date of the exam. However, we would recommend that you apply to defer well before your exam, so that you can have a response from your Faculty before your exam is due to take place. Documentary supporting evidence should be provided in every instance. For more information on mitigation, please refer to Chapter 10 of the Assessment, Progression and Awarding Handbook; Taught Programmes
Aegrotat Awards
Aegrotat awards may be granted where a candidate has been prevented by illness or exceptional personal circumstances from attending the whole or part of a deferred assessment for a Degree, diploma, certificate or other award (the relevant Ordinance is available on the University webpages).
Students wishing to be considered for an Aegrotat award must contact the Faculty Hub in writing as soon as possible; this must be accompanied by a medical certificate relating to the exam(s) missed. Evidence of illness will not normally be taken into account by the Board of Examiners or Faculty APAC unless substantiated by a medical certificate signed by a doctor. It is the responsibility of the candidates to arrange with their doctor for any medical evidence to be sent to their Faculty Office. Neither the University nor any of its officers will undertake to obtain medical certificates on behalf of candidates. The candidate must ensure that the doctor clearly understands that the medical certificate must cover absence from or illness during, the exam.
The relevant Board of Examiners or Faculty APAC will then consider the presented circumstances, along with the candidate's academic record including coursework and performance in previous assessments in the University. If they are satisfied that the programme of study leading to the deferred assessment had been completed, and that the assessment would have been passed had the candidate not been prevented from taking it, the Board of Examiners or Faculty APAC will make appropriate recommendations to the relevant Board of Faculty based on the circumstances and evidence provided.
An Aegrotat pass will be permitted on one occasion only during the course of a student's programme of study.
Student Academic Appeals
Students have a right of appeal to the Senate of the University in respect of exam results and the consequences of academic failure. Appeals procedures can be referred to on our webpages.
Table of Terms
| Term | Meaning | Further information |
|---|---|---|
| APAC | Body required to consider every exam for a degree, diploma, certificate or other award of the University of Exeter | Assessment, Progression and Awarding Committees |
| ELE | Access for all of your course materials. In-class tests, mid terms and oral exams will be released from ELE. | https://ele.exeter.ac.uk/ |
| Exams ELE | The system from which Option 1, 2 and 4 exam papers will be released, and ELE Online Quizzes. | https://exams.exeter.ac.uk/ |
1. Exam procedures
Our main examination periods take place in January, May and August. During these periods, assessments may be delivered either online or on campus.
Online exams are usually delivered in one of the following formats:
Option 1
An open-book, non-invigilated exam that must be completed and submitted within a 24-hour period following the start time published on your exam timetable and exam paper.
You may use as much of the 24-hour period as you wish; however, the exam is not expected to take the full 24 hours to complete. An indicative completion time and/or maximum word count will be provided in the exam rubric.
You must download, complete and submit your exam within the specified 24-hour period.
Option 2
An open-book, non-invigilated exam that must be completed and submitted within a fixed duration during a specified 24-hour period, as detailed on your exam paper and exam timetable.
The exam duration begins when you access and download the exam paper. The start time will be recorded automatically.
Where applicable, the duration will be adjusted to reflect any approved Individual Learning Plan (ILP) provisions.
You will also be provided with an additional 15-minute submission window to upload your work to the Exams ELE submission point. You should use this time to upload and submit your work and contact the Assessment Helpdesk if you experience any technical difficulties.
You must complete and submit your exam within both the fixed duration and the specified 24-hour period.
It is your responsibility to record the time at which you access the exam paper and ensure that you submit your work before the deadline.
Option 3
Option 3 examinations are no longer used.
Option 4
An open-note, non-invigilated exam that is available for a fixed period of time.
You must begin the exam at the time shown on your timetable and complete it within the duration specified in the rubric at the front of the exam paper. Timetable times are shown in UK local time (GMT in winter and BST in summer).
Where applicable, the duration will be adjusted to reflect any approved Individual Learning Plan (ILP) provisions.
You will be provided with an additional 15-minute submission window to upload your exam to the Exams ELE submission point. During this time, you should convert your work, including any drawings or graphs, into a single PDF document before submission.
You must submit your exam by the deadline displayed in the Exams ELE submission point. Any approved ILP adjustments will already be reflected in this deadline.
The exam duration, submission window and any approved ILP adjustments together constitute the total fixed duration, which will be monitored.
On-campus exams will be held for some modules where this is a requirement of the learning outcomes. Exams are being held on-campus where invigilation is required, and submission formats are difficult to capture online, such as formula-based/graphical, practical and oral exams.
The majority of on-campus exams are fixed-time, closed book and set in an invigilated room. For information about arriving to an on-campus exam, conduct in an exam room, and procedure after an on-campus exam, please read section 7 of the Student Handbook for Exams.
All Option 1, 2 and 4 exam papers will be posted to Exams ELE, a platform for remote exams; this looks and operates in the same way as ELE.
Please review the Student Handbook for Exams for detailed information about exam submission procedures.
For Option 1, Option 2 and Option 4 exams (where a PDF assessment paper is downloaded):
During the main examination periods (January, May and August), online exams will normally be submitted via an Exams ELE submission point unless your Faculty advises otherwise.
You do not need to include your student number or candidate number on your exam submission. Please ensure that your name does not appear anywhere in your answers.
Please be patient when uploading your work, as submissions can take several minutes to complete. If there are any known major system issues affecting submissions, we will notify students by email on the day of the exam.
After submitting your exam, please check that you have uploaded the correct document and that your submission has been successfully received.
For ELE Timed Quizzes (Option 2):
Your answers will be saved automatically throughout the assessment and submitted when you select Finish Attempt. This will end the quiz and send your answers for marking.
Please monitor the remaining time carefully. If the allocated time expires, the quiz will automatically close and submit any answers recorded up to that point.
For all online exams:
If you experience difficulties accessing, completing or uploading your exam, you must contact the Assessment Helpdesk before your submission deadline to ensure that the issue is logged.
In some cases, your assessment may use an alternative submission method instead of an Exams ELE submission point. Where this applies, your Faculty will provide specific guidance in advance of the assessment.
Online exams are typically delivered in one of the following formats:
- Option 1:
An open-book, non-invigilated exam that must be completed and submitted within a 24-hour period following the start time shown on your exam paper and exam timetable.
You may use as much of the 24-hour period as you wish; however, the exam is not expected to take the full 24 hours to complete. An indicative completion time and/or maximum word count will be provided in the exam rubric.
You must download, complete and submit your exam within the specified 24-hour period.
- Option 2:
An open-book, non-invigilated exam that must be completed and submitted within a fixed duration during a specified 24-hour period, as defined on your exam paper and exam timetable.
The fixed duration begins when you download your exam paper, and the start time will be recorded automatically.
Where applicable, the duration will be adjusted in accordance with any approved Individual Learning Plan (ILP).
You will be provided with an additional 15-minute submission window to upload your work to the Exams ELE submission point. During this time, you should convert your document, including any drawings or graphs, into a single PDF before submission.
You must complete and submit your exam within both the fixed duration and the specified 24-hour period.
It is your responsibility to note the time at which you access your Option 2 exam paper and ensure that your work is submitted before the deadline.
- Option 3:
This exam format is no longer used.
- Option 4:
An open-note, non-invigilated exam that is available for a fixed period of time.
The exam must be started at the time shown on your timetable and completed within the duration stated in the rubric at the front of the paper. Timetable times are displayed in UK local time (GMT in winter and BST in summer).
Where applicable, the duration will be adjusted in accordance with any approved Individual Learning Plan (ILP).
You will be provided with an additional 15-minute submission window to upload your exam to the Exams ELE submission point. During this time, you should convert your document, including any drawings or graphs, into a single PDF before submission.
You must submit your exam by the deadline displayed in the Exams ELE submission point, which will already include any approved ILP adjustments.
The examination duration, submission window and any approved ILP adjustments together constitute the total fixed duration, which will be monitored.
All option 1 and 2 exams will be offered in a 24 hour period – either of no fixed duration, or a fixed duration. This will allow you to complete the exams at a suitable time, wherever you may be. The 24 hour period exists to allow you to engage with the assessment no matter in which time zone you are living. There is no expectation that these assessments should take longer than ‘normal’ exams.
Option 4 exams must be started at the time shown on your timetable (please note these times are in BST, so we recommend using a time zone converter if you are outside the UK.
We aim to make to make appropriate adjustments for undergraduate and taught postgraduate students who are eligible for additional specific provisions during exams or assessments in accordance with their Individual Learning Plan (ILP). Please see question 1.9 below for details of arrangements made for students who normally receive extra time or rest breaks.
If you wish to discuss your ILP and your ability to complete your exams please contact us before the deadline in order for any adjustments to be considered. The deadlines are as follows:
| Exam Period | Period Start | Period End | ILP Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 MTEs | 19/10/2026 | 04/12/2026 | 02/11/2026* |
| January Exams | 04/01/2027 | 10/01/2027 | 02/11/2026 |
| Term 2 MTEs | 08/02/2027 | 25/03/2027 | 08/02/2027* |
| May Exams | 04/05/2027 | 31/05/2027 | 08/02/2027 |
| Term 3 MTEs | 01/06/2027 | 11/06/2027 | 04/05/2027 |
| Ref/Def Exams | 07/08/2027 | 16/08/2027 | 24/06/2027 |
*If your Mid term exam fails before the Deadline above then the deadline for ILPS considerations to be considered will be one week prior to your Exam.
If you are based in Exeter, please contact Wellbeing@exeter.ac.uk for any queries related to a mental health condition, and contact Accessability@exeter.ac.uk for any queries related to any other disability or health condition.
If you are based in Penryn, please contact Accessibility@fxplus.ac.uk.
For Option 1 exams which are taken within a 24 hour time period with no fixed duration, you can take as long as you require within this 24 hour period to complete the exam. The expectation is that such papers will take approximately the same length of time as the originally-planned exams, and thus the 24 hour time period allows for any extra time or rest breaks you would take in an on-campus exam.
If you are undertaking an Option 2 or 4 (fixed duration) exam and have an ILP requiring extra time then you can use the ILP Timings Table located here:
| If the standard duration of your exam is: | And your ILP has rest breaks in exams, add: | And your ILP says 00:15 per hour extra time at the end, add: | Or your ILP says 00:30 per hour extra time at the end, add: | And your ILP says you have a scribe or a reader add: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
15 mins |
+4 mins |
+5 mins |
+10 mins |
+3 mins |
|
30 mins |
+8 mins |
+10 mins |
+15 mins |
+5 mins |
|
40 mins |
+10 mins |
+10 mins |
+20 mins |
+7 mins |
|
45 mins |
+12 mins |
+15 mins |
+25 mins |
+8 mins |
|
50 mins |
+13 mins |
+15 mins |
+25 mins |
+9 mins |
|
1 hour |
+15 mins |
+15 mins |
+30 mins |
+10 mins |
|
1hour 15m |
+19 mins |
+20 mins |
+40 mins |
+13 mins |
|
1 hour 30m |
+23 mins |
+25 mins |
+45 mins |
+15 mins |
|
1 hour 45m |
+27 mins |
+30 mins |
+55 mins |
+18 mins |
|
2 hours |
+30 mins |
+30 mins |
+ 1hr |
+20 mins |
|
2 hours 15m |
+34 mins |
+35 mins |
+1hr 10m |
+23 mins |
|
2h 30m |
+38 mins |
+40 mins |
+1hr 15m |
+25 mins |
|
2h 45m |
+42 mins |
+45 mins |
+1hr 25m |
+28 mins |
|
3h |
+45 mins |
+45 mins |
+1hr 30m |
+30 mins |
This Table can also be found under the ILP Timings Section on our Webpage here. in order to calculate how much extra time you will be provided. You can find details of your ILP via the Student Record System here. You will also be emailed within seven working days of the timetable release with confirmation of your total writing time.
If you have been allocated any exams falling under Option 2 or 4 (fixed duration) to be submitted to Exams ELE submission point, please note that you will be allocated an additional 15 minutes on top of the exam duration to support you to complete the submission process should you experience any technical difficulties. This is also in addition to any timed adjustments based on Individual Learning Plans.
For on-campus exams, any extra time will be included in the duration(s) shown on your exam timetable and where appropriate, will be rounded up to the nearest 5 minutes in the exam room. Timed breaks are not included in any noted duration. If you have specific marking guidelines as part of your ILP, you must attach a sticker to your exam script. These Stickers will be made available to you during your exam. (Please be aware that you do not need to use these stickers for On Campus Multiple Choice Papers).
Late submissions
Option 1 exams are to be completed and submitted within a 24-hour time window. Option 2 papers are to be completed and submitted within a ‘total fixed duration’ within a 24-hour period.Option 4 exams are to be completed and submitted within a ‘total fixed duration’ based upon a set single start time.
Late penalties for option 1 exams undertaken within a 24-hour window are as follows:
|
Exam Type
|
Reduce mark by 5%
|
Cap at pass mark
|
Award mark of 0%
|
|
Option 1
|
Submissions that are up to 4 Minutes, 59 Seconds late.
|
Submissions that exceed the ‘total fixed duration’ by 5 minutes to up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds late.
|
30 Minutes or more
|
Submissions exceeding the total fixed duration for an exam:
For option 2 papers, it will be stipulated how much time you have to complete your paper from the moment you select the relevant link within ELE and start your exam.
For Option 4 papers, it will be stated on your timetable how much time you have to complete your paper from the fixed single start time at which point you will be able to select the relevant link within ELE and start your exam.
For both Option 2 and Option 4 exams, in addition to this specified ‘exam time’, you will also be given:
• 15 minutes of ‘technical upload time’ in which to convert your document (along with any drawings / graphs) into the correct file format (usually pdf) and submit it; and, only where applicable,
• any extra time required as a result of recommendations contained within your Individual Learning Plan (ILP).
The ‘total fixed duration’ = (i) your exam time + (ii) your technical upload time + (iii) extra time required as per an ILP (only where applicable).
The download of your exam paper and upload of your completed work within this ‘total fixed duration’ will be monitored. Students that have exceeded this total fixed duration will be penalised as follows:
|
Exam Type
|
Reduce mark by 5%
|
Cap at pass mark
|
Award mark of 0%
|
|
Option 2
Option 4
|
Submissions that are up to 4 Minutes, 59 Seconds late.
Submissions that are up to 4 Minutes, 59 Seconds late.
|
Submissions that exceed the ‘total fixed duration’ by 5 minutes to up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds late.
Submissions that exceed the ‘total fixed duration’ by 5 minutes to up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds late.
|
Submissions that exceed the ‘total fixed duration’ by more than 30 minutes late.
Submissions that exceed the ‘total fixed duration’ by more than 30 minutes late.
|
Where a student submits within the total fixed duration for their exam, but after the end of the 24-hour window, then the following penalties will apply:
|
Exam Type
|
Reduce mark by 5%
|
Cap at pass mark
|
Award mark of 0%
|
|
Option 2
|
Submissions that are up to 4 Minutes, 59 Seconds late.
|
Submissions that exceed the ‘total fixed duration’ by 5 minutes to up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds late.
|
Submissions that exceed the ‘total fixed duration’ by more than 30 minutes late.
|
When is work late?
Option 1 – work submitted more than 24 hours after the exam paper release time will be marked as late, and penalties will be applied.
Option 2 - work submitted after the ‘total fixed duration’ available to complete and submit the exam will be marked as late. The total fixed duration for option 2 papers consists of: (i) the exam time (as specified on your paper); (ii) the technical upload time; and, only where applicable, (iii) the additional time conferred by a students’ ILP.
OR work submitted within the ‘total fixed duration’ but more than 24 hours after the exam paper release time. You should therefore make sure that you start the paper in plenty of time.
Option 4 – work submitted after the ‘total fixed duration’ available to complete and submit the exam will be marked as late. The total fixed duration for option 2 papers consists of: (i) the exam time (as specified on your paper); (ii) the technical upload time; and, only where applicable, (iii) the additional time conferred by a students’ ILP.
You can resubmit papers to Exams ELE submission point within the timeframe of an exam. For additional assistance contact the Assessment Helpdesk.
Where possible, you should complete your exam on a computer or laptop unless you have a specific reason not to. Some modules may require you to handwrite parts of your exam; in this instance, please refer to your individual discipline guidance for more information. If you must handwrite all (or parts) of your assessment, we recommend you scan or photograph your work using a mobile phone. The image must show your work as flat as possible and in good light, with no shadows overhead.
There are mobile applications which can help you do this, but the simplest method is to photograph your work using your phone camera. Hold your phone over your work and make sure that all of it is in the image. You may find it useful to have the flash turned on. Ensure that the content is in focus.
You can’t submit photos separately in Exams ELE, you need to insert photos of your handwritten work on to one document with your answers, in the correct order for the marker, and then convert it to a pdf. If you have an iPhone you can scan documents directly into the Notes app and then copy them into your work – further information is available on the Apple support site.
If you need to handwrite all or parts of your assessment, please make sure you’ve tested scanning or photographing and uploading your work, and have the tools for this, in advance of your exam.
In the event that you hand write your answers for an exam, it is your responsibility to provide a script that is clearly legible. Candidates who submit scripts which examiners are unable to read will be invited to produce a word-processed transcript. This transcript must be a true copy of the original. If any embellishments are found, this will be treated as suspected academic misconduct following guidance under Chapter 12 – Academic Conduct and Practice.
If an answer sheet is provided on the exam, you can choose to handwrite your answers on separate paper but make sure you clearly label which question you are answering.
If you experience IT issues during your exam, you must contact the Assessment Helpdesk, so they can log that the issue has occurred and give you urgent assistance. You can email the Helpdesk on examshelp@exeter.ac.uk
Mid-term exams
On the days where Mid-term exams are running, you can telephone the Helpdesk on +44 (0) 1392 72 6800. The Helpdesk will be open between 9am – 6pm.
January Exams
From Monday 4th January until Sunday 10th January you will be able to telephone the Helpdesk on +44 (0) 01392 72 6800 if you are in a live exam. The Helpdesk will be open between 8am - 6pm Monday to Saturday and 8am - 3.30pm on Sunday.
If you experience IT issues (including internet problems) that prevent you from completing your exam, you can also apply for mitigation once you have contacted the Assessment Helpdesk.
You should visit the mitigation page and submit your application within one working day of the affected assessment's submission date, including any supporting evidence.
Illness/Disruption during an exam
If you feel ill during an exam you should inform an invigilator immediately. Similarly, any other form of distraction, e.g. excessive noise causing an adverse effect on your performance should also be reported at the time of occurrence.
Exam paper queries
Should you feel the need to raise a query concerning the content of an exam paper, you must first raise your hand to obtain an invigilator’s attention.
Unfortunately it is not always possible to schedule different exams on separate days; this is because of the wide range of modules we offer at the University. If you have more than one exam scheduled in a day, it is essential that you plan your timings in advance, so you have time to complete the exams with sufficient breaks and rest periods.
2. Marking your exams
At the end of each exam and assessment period, all results are scrutinised at the level of each module and of each individual student at the University’s Assessment Progression and Awarding Committees (APACs).
Academic honesty is fundamental to the values promoted by the University and no student should be allowed to obtain for themselves, or for someone else, an unfair advantage as a result of academic dishonesty - whether this is by plagiarism, collusion with another, cheating, or other means. Students are expected to do their own work and abide by the University’s Code of Academic Conduct and Practice. In the process of submitting any examination paper, students will be asked to declare their acknowledgement of, and compliance with, this code.
These assessments will be subject to our normal processes for the detection of plagiarism, such as the use of plagiarism detection software. We are aware, however, that online exams present the potential for an increase in academic misconduct, particularly around authorship issues. Due to this, the University has introduced a viva process to support academic staff in marking assignments where they have concerns over the authorship or originality of the work.
The primary purpose of the viva voce is to ascertain whether the work submitted by a student is based on their knowledge. This is achieved by assessing the student’s understanding of the submission, and their ability to explain and justify its contents using their knowledge of the subject, by way of a video interview as part of the moderation process. If there are any concerns about a submission, students will be notified and invited to attend a viva.
3. Mitigation
You can apply to defer an exam you experience unexpected situations that affect your ability to complete an assessment, such as illness or a family crisis.
Please note extensions are not offered for exams. To find out about how to apply for a deferral, and whether or not it is the right option for you, view the information on our mitigation webpages.
We ask you to carefully consider any decision to apply for mitigation. You can seek impartial and confidential advice from the Students’ Guild (Exeter) and Students’ Union (Cornwall).
Mitigation application must be received either before the exam or up to 24 hours after the start time.
Be aware that the only mitigation offered on exams is a deferral to the August assessment period.
4. Student Support Exams and assessments
To support you as you prepare for the exams there’s lots of guidance available via the Study Skills site.
The Study Skills team (Exeter) and Study Hub (Penryn) have many resources to help you manage your workload, including drop-ins and online support.
We have published a Student Handbook for Exams, which we advise all students read before the exam period.
The Assessment Helpdesk will be available to offer students support during exams on things such as submission difficulties, clarification questions on paper content, problems with locating papers or students experiencing IT issues.
Please also contact the Assessment Helpdesk if you require assistance finding a quiet location to sit your exam.
During live exams you can contact the Helpdesk on examshelp@exeter.ac.uk or by telephoning +44 (0) 1392 72 6800.
If you have queries about your dissertation or coursework items, please speak to your relevant Hub Info point.
The Assessment Helpdesk is run by a support team who are able to respond to queries on all online exams whilst they are taking place and open. You can email the Helpdesk at examshelp@exeter.ac.uk. Please do be aware that this mailbox is only monitored during live exam periods.
Mid-term exams
You can telephone the Helpdesk on +44 (0) 1392 72 6800. The Helpdesk is open between 9am – 6pm on the days where Mid-term exams are running.
January Exams
From Monday 4th January until Sunday 10th January you will be able to telephone the Helpdesk on +44 (0) 01392 72 6800 if you are in a live exam. The Helpdesk will be open between 8am - 6pm Monday to Saturday and 8am - 3.30pm on Sunday.
The Helpdesk can assist with questions about your exam or rubric, as well as any IT issues during your assessment. A record of your contact and a brief description of the issue will be kept on file.
This Helpdesk is only available for students taking current online exams. If your exam is sitting on-campus and you have any queries or concerns, please contact your Hub Info Point.
If you have a question concerning the content of an exam paper during an on-campus exam, you should raise your hand to obtain an invigilator's attention; they will then liaise with the Exams Office, who will ensure your query is addressed.
If bringing your own computer to University is financially difficult, you can apply for funds to buy computer equipment through the University's Success for All Fund. If you are disabled and need help to buy specialist equipment, we may also be able to help. You can find out more and apply on our website. You should investigate these routes of assistance well in advance of the exams week.
Website Privacy Policy
The University of Exeter recognises the importance of protecting personal privacy. Whenever personal data is collected via your use of this website, that information will only be used in accordance with the University’s privacy policy and relevant legislation. The University may occasionally amend this policy by updating this page. You should revisit the page from time to time to review any amendments.
The information we collect and how it is used
We will ask you to provide personal information to enable us to provide a specific service that you have requested, in this case, the consideration of an application for Exceptional Circumstances. All personal data collected in this way will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and will only be used for this purpose. The information you provide is confidential and will only be shared with a limited group of University staff who are directly involved in the Exceptional Circumstances process. This does not include members of your APAC or External Examiners who will consider anonymised grades and grade profiles only. You may view the University’s full Website Privacy Policy online.