Please note that Examination Arrangements for Postgraduate Students only relate to written examinations undertaken by students for Postgraduate qualifications, i.e MPhil by Advanced Study, MRes, MSt, Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) and Postgraduate Diplomas in Economics, Legal Studies and International Law. Separate arrangements can be put in place for students on research programmes.
Candidates will need to contact their college tutor if they are not registered for one of the above courses and need information on examination allowances.
If a candidate thinks that they may need an arrangement to help with their preparation for, or, the actual undertaking of their examinations, they should contact their college tutor as soon as possible.
Candidates are encouraged to contact their college tutor as early as possible in order to set up effective examination arrangements.
College Tutors apply for exam arrangements on behalf of students. These applications are submitted via CamSIS, College tutors are required to submit all applications relating to existing, diagnosed conditions, no later than the division of the Lent Term, 13th February, where the examination occurs in the Easter Term. For examinations in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms, applications need to be received ideally at least one week prior to the examination. It is important that sufficient time is allowed to discuss requirements with the college tutor prior to this deadline.
Appropriate consultation should take place between the candidate, their college tutor, and the Disability Resource Centre or a specialist professional (for example, an Educational Psychologist or GP as appropriate) prior to submitting an application. The Student Registry may need to liaise with relevant parties if the exam you are to take is managed centrally (this will usually be a formal 'sit-down' examination).
The purpose of setting up an exam arrangement is to relieve candidates of any disadvantage that may arise if the examination were conducted under standard conditions. Any arrangements made for candidates will not give an unfair advantage over those taking their examination under standard conditions.
If candidates have been diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty they may be granted extra time in written examinations. Candidates will be required to provide a full assessment report from an Educational Psychologist. It is recommended that this report is based on diagnostic tests undertaken in the candidate's first language because testing undertaken in English may not be conclusive in terms of diagnosis and recommendations for examination purposes. Please note that this assessment report cannot just be the proforma used for public examinations. Detailed information is required in order to meet actual needs. Any recommendations need to be clear and explicit, for example, 25% extra time for sit-down exams, additional minutes per hour and/or the exact type of equipment prescribed. The amount of additional time and any other arrangements will be determined on the basis of the recommendations of the educational assessment.
If a candidate feels that their report from an Educational Psychologists is no longer suitable, or there has been a change in their diagnosis, they should contact the Disability Adviser (SpLD) at the Disability Resource Centre (DRC) directly for the current guidelines on assessment of students with SpLDs. This can take some time so please make arrangements as soon as possible.
If a student feels unable to attend an examination paper(s) due to religious observance, it is the student's responsibility to bring this to the college's attention at the earliest opportunity and in advance of the examination. The college should contact the Student Registry, identifying the exam paper(s) affected. Where possible, arrangements will be made for the student to sit the examination.
A calendar of religious and festival dates and relevant information can be found on the Human Resource Division's Faith and Belief in Practice web page. The EAMC takes seriously the requirements of UK Equality legislation and the University's policies in this area. The EAMC, in considering applications, is to balance the merits of the case with ensuring that no student gains an unfair advantage over others taking the same course.
Examples of examination arrangements include:
- Additional Time
- Additional time for writing up course work, dissertations and theses
- Food and Drink
- Supervised Rest Breaks
- Alternative Formats
- Alternative Location
- Amanuensis (dictation)
Additional Time
Candidates may be granted additional time if they have a short-term or long-term condition or disability which would prevent them from completing the examination in the specified time. For example, if candidates have ME or a diagnosed, specific learning difficulty they would normally qualify for extra time. The amount of time would depend on the nature and severity of the illness or disability. If extra writing time is granted, candidates would be expected to take those examinations in an approved venue. Candidates may apply for extra time needed for rest breaks (see Supervised Rest Breaks below).
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Additional time for writing up course work, dissertations and theses
Candidates may apply to defer submission dates for medical reasons or other very good reasons. Please see here for further information.
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Food and Drink
Candidates may be permitted to bring food and drink into the examination room if they have a medical condition that requires them to consume food or drink at regular intervals.
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Supervised Rest Breaks
If candidates experience excessive fatigue or pain as a consequence of a medical condition or disability they may be granted supervised rest breaks. Rest breaks may also be granted to prevent candidates from becoming excessively tired as a consequence of additional time. If extra time is needed for rest breaks then candidates are expected to take examinations in an approved venue.
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Alternative Formats
If candidates are visually impaired, question papers may be enlarged or produced in an alternative format such as Braille. Candidates may also wish to consider using a low vision aid; further details about this are available from the Disability Resource Centre.
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Alternative Location
If a candidate's mobility is restricted and they are unable, or would find it difficult, to gain access to the examination room, they would normally be permitted to sit examinations in an alternative approved venue. Similarly, if candidates experience anxiety and anticipate finding the examination too stressful they may be granted permission to sit examinations at an alternative approved venue.
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Amanuensis (dictation)
If Candidates are unable to write because of a temporary or permanent disability or injury they can sit their examination by dictating to an amanuensis. The College is responsible for appointing the person who will conduct the amanuensis. Candidates are not permitted to use a friend or any individual with whom they have close personal or academic relationship.
Effective dictation requires a certain level of skill and it is recommended that candidates practice with the person prior to their first examination. Where an amanuensis is not appropriate, candidates may apply to use a word-processor. Candidates are encouraged to contact their Tutor as early as possible to help identify the most appropriate arrangements.
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