Instructions for what to do Before, during and at the end of the exam (PDF: 311kb). Any students who fail to follow the exam rules may lose marks, receive a fine or even face suspension.

Students should aim to arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of the exam. You will only be permitted entry into the exam venue up to 15 minutes after the scheduled start of the exam.

For digital exams, make sure you know your University PC log-in details in advance. Contact the IT Service Helpdesk if you need help.

Download and print What to take to your exam desk (PDF: 210 kB)

You are allowed the following items:

• University Smartcard (or your passport/driving licence) - this must be the physical card, the digital version on the mobile app cannot be used
• pens, pencils and any equipment necessary for completion of the exam. These must be placed in a clear plastic bag or clear pencil case
• calculator (only if permitted for the exam) - see Calculator Policy
• dictionary - see Dictionary Policy
• drink (non-carbonated) and a small packet of sweets. Labels must be removed from bottles
• jumper (the temperature in exam venues can vary and coats/outdoor jackets are not permitted)

For digital exams, make sure you know your University PC log-in details in advance. Contact the IT Service Helpdesk if you need help.

Download and print What to take to your exam desk (PDF: 392kb)

You are not allowed the following items at your exam desk:

• mobile phones, tablets, smart watches or any other electronic devices (even if they are switched off)
• books, notes, blank paper, learning material or any equipment not specifically authorised in the exam instructions
• headwear (except for religious observance or in relation to a medical condition or disability)
• coats/outdoor jackets
• bags

If you bring any of these items to the exam venue then they must be left in the area designated for personal belongings. The University is not responsible for the security of any items left in the designated areas and you are advised not to bring valuable items.

Inspera Assessment is the University’s Digital Exam system used for formal present in person secure online exams. Your module tutor will inform you if you have an Inspera digital exam, but this is also indicated on your personal online exam timetable.

Exams may be scheduled in either a University PC Cluster or using ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD), which means that you will use your own laptop to take the exam. Module teaching teams will inform you of which method you will be using, but the exam timetable will also indicate this (i.e. it will state either ‘Digital’ or ‘Digital-BYOD’ in brackets after the module code).

Further information and guidance about preparing for exams on your own laptop is available.

For all Inspera Digital Exams, you will be provided with step-by-step written instructions on the day for how to access and start the exam. Make sure you know your University PC log-in details in advance. Contact the IT Service Helpdesk if you need help.

All relevant Exam Rules still apply for digital exams.

Only calculators from the following 3 ranges are permitted for use in exams:

• Casio FX-83
• Casio FX-85
• Casio FX-115

As long as your calculator has the above prefix, then it will be permitted (i.e. any letters/numbers after ‘Casio FX-83’ is acceptable e.g. Casio FX-83GTX is permitted).

No other model of calculator is permitted (e.g. Casio FX-82 or Casio FX-99 are not allowed). The calculator model must be able to be identified.

The use of paper copy bilingual dictionaries (e.g. French-English, English-German etc.) is permitted in all exams other than those in which language translation itself is being assessed. ‘Learner’ dictionaries or other texts which include content other than word to word translations are not permitted.

Candidates are not permitted to use any other dictionary except where specified in the exam instructions.

It is the responsibility of each student to bring a bilingual dictionary, if they so wish. Such dictionaries must not have been annotated in any way by the candidate or by any other person. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure the dictionary is a clean copy with no notes or unauthorised content.

Where a marker finds a script illegible, reasonable attempts will be made to identify another member of staff who is able to decipher the handwriting.

If the second member of staff is also unable to decipher the script, it will be forwarded to the Senior Exams and Awards Manager.

If, after scrutiny, the answers are still deemed illegible, the university accepts no responsibility and the indecipherable sections will not be marked.