Assessment and Exams

What should I know about exams?

The most common type of assessment for students at the end of modules is a written exam and these usually take place in one of three exam diets: at the end of semester one in December, the end of semester two in April and May, and – if for any reason you need to take an exam again – over a resit exam diet in August.

Not all modules are assessed by exam, so it’s important to check your Course Handbook and Module Guides (all available via the module pages on MyPlace) to see how all your classes for the year will be assessed. Don’t assume you know as courses change year on year and assessment methods may vary, so always have a look at the most up to date version of the module information so you know what to expect and when to expect it. You may have an in person ‘closed book’ style exam or a remote ‘open book’ exam so double check how you will be assessed so you can plan your study well in advance.

Students are expected to ensure that they are available for all exam diets relevant to them. This includes August – if you have a resit exam to sit in August and have, for example, booked a holiday or planned to be working, it is expected that you will make arrangements to be available to sit your exam in the designated format.

Learner Development Services have a wealth of resources to help you maximise your studying without sacrificing your self-care and their expert staff are there to help you plan, look at your study habits, and help you make the most of your academic time at Strathclyde.

What is the process for exams?

The dates of exam diets are published at the start of each academic year and detailed exam timetables are usually released two to three weeks prior to an exam diet. You should make sure you have all your dates and times noted down accurately – don’t get caught out by having your days wrong!

Your results will be released on Pegasus (under ‘Curriculum History’) and then will be finalised (also referred to as ‘ratification’) by Exam Boards/Board of Examiners following the semester 2 exams. Along with all your final results, you will receive an Exam Board decision – this will determine your final award in the case of final year students, whether you can progress into the next year of study, any resits you may need to do, and any other academic decisions about your award or progression. It’s really important you check this out when your final results are released so that you know if you have to complete any resits or, in some cases, need to appeal against a decision that’s been made.

How can the Advice Hub help me with exams?

The Advice Hub can help you with understanding your exam timetable once it’s released, with making sure you know what work you have to do and when, and helping you to understand your results when they’re released!

Useful resources

For needs assessments for that may be entitled to reasonable adjustments for exams and assessment check the Disability and Wellbeing resource.

Disability and Wellbeing

Learner Development Services

Exams at Strathclyde