Exams

This information is relevant to students in the Faculty of Computing, Law and Psychology and the Faculty of Business, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Many programmes at the University of Buckingham involve exams as part of the assessment process. Centrally managed exams typically take place twice a year, during the final two weeks of the Spring and Autumn terms. Other assessments may be scheduled throughout the year. Exams may also take place on Saturdays, so travel arrangements should be made after the end of term.

It is each student’s responsibility to ensure they are familiar with the:

What you need to bring

University ID card (uCard)
Pens (blue/black ink), pencils, eraser (in a clear pencil case)
Water in a transparent bottle
Laptop + charger (if using ExamSoft)
Required Moodle access credentials (pre-tested) – Monitored Computer Lab Exams
Only materials explicitly permitted on the exam cover sheet
Reasonable adjustment materials (if applicable)

Exam formats

On-campus exams may take place in one of the following formats:

Invigilated Exam Room

These exams are held in person at the Vinson Building or Mount Pleasant Campus.
Exams may be ExamSoft-based or traditional paper-based.
You will have a fixed duration to complete the exam, usually 2 to 3 hours, depending on the module.
You must arrive at least 10 minutes before the exam start time.
Your seat number and room will be listed outside the venue and will likely differ for each exam.
For ExamSoft exams, you must:
- Bring your own laptop and power cable.
- Ensure the Examplify software is installed and the exam file is pre-downloaded before arriving.
- Make sure your device is fully charged and meets the required specifications.
- You will receive the password to start the exam once seated but must not begin until instructed by the Chief Invigilator.
- Ensure that you leave sufficient time to check your work and upload. Late submissions are not permitted and will not be marked.

Monitored Computer Lab Exams

Conducted in designated campus computer labs, monitored by invigilators.
You will be assigned a specific computer.
Access is restricted to exam-specific materials via Moodle; the internet will be disabled during the exam.
You must arrive at least 10 minutes before the exam.
Exams are usually 2 to 3 hours long, and you have the full exam window to complete and upload your answers.
Save your work regularly.
Ensure that you leave sufficient time to check your work, rename files and upload. Late submissions are not permitted and will not be marked.
Typed answers are expected unless otherwise approved.
- If calculations or handwritten work are required, this will be clearly stated on the exam coversheet. Submit these in a hardcopy exam booklet to the invigilator at the end of the exam.

You are responsible for ensuring:

Access to Moodle and MS Office is functional in advance.
Any access issues are reported to your School of study at least one week before the exam period.

Online Exams

Finalist students previously assessed online have been approved to continue with online exams for June 2025, maintaining consistency with their prior arrangements.

All online exams will be delivered via Moodle and are open book. You must have access to Moodle and required software (via your University Office 365 account).

You are responsible for:

Testing your access in advance and resolving issues with IT Helpdesk.
Notifying your departmental administrator at least 1 week before exams if you face any access issues (e.g. no internet, unsuitable environment, lack of equipment).

Exam format:

Open book, accessed and submitted on Moodle.
A recommended writing time (2–3 hours) will be given, but you’ll have a 6-hour window to download, complete, and upload your exam.
Work must be typed and submitted as a Word document, unless stated otherwise on the coversheet.
For hand-written elements, scanned copies must be uploaded following the instructions provided.

Important reminders:

Reference any sources used.
Save your work regularly.
Leave time to check, rename, and upload your files to Turnitin.
Late submissions are not accepted.
IT and admin support will be available throughout the exam period.

Frequently asked questions

When will I get my timetable?

You will usually receive your personal exam timetable by the end of Week 6 of the exam term via email which will also contain useful exam information. Any delays will be communicated via email and to your school of study.

Where will my exam be held?

Check your exam timetable email for your location, date. Seating plans are posted outside the venue. Emails to students will also include covering text with useful information. Please read this email carefully and notify registryexams@buckingham.ac.uk of any errors.

What should I do if I believe there’s an error on my timetable?

Students are responsible for reviewing their timetables carefully and reporting any discrepancies. Please ensure you check your timetable thoroughly and notify registryexams@buckingham.ac.uk immediately if you identify any errors. The University will not accept timetable errors as a valid reason for non-submission or non-attendance and it cannot be held liable for any missed assessments or scheduling conflicts resulting from inaccuracies that are not reported.

What should I do if my personal device does not meet the ExamSoft specifications?

All students are required to use their own personal laptops for ExamSoft assessments. Your device must meet the minimum system requirements to run Examplify, and it is your responsibility to ensure it is compatible and ready in advance of the examination period.

If you need help checking your device’s compatibility, please visit or contact the IT Helpdesk at helpdesk@buckingham.ac.uk

If you anticipate any issues accessing Examplify or meeting the minimum system requirements, you must inform your School of Study at least three weeks before the start of the examination period.

Please note: Loan devices from the University are in very limited supply, not guaranteed, and will only be provided for students with a verified need.

Where can I access past exam papers?

You can view past papers via the University’s Past Paper Library.

What should I do if I believe there’s an error in my exam?

If you believe there is an error on your exam paper, raise your hand during the exam to attract the attention of the invigilator. Explain the situation to the invigilator. Whilst the invigilator seeks clarification, you should continue with a different question. As soon as clarification has been sought, you and any other students impacted will be notified of the response either by means of an announcement or by speaking to individual students.

How do I claim mitigating circumstances or appeal a result?

The University applies the principle that a student who attends, submits or participates in any form of assessment shall be considered by the University to be in a position to do so. Mitigating circumstances are defined as “recognisably disruptive or unexpected events, beyond the student’s control, that might have a significant and adverse impact on their academic performance.” Refer to Section 3.5a Mitigating Circumstances Policy and Procedure of the University’s Regulations Handbook for information on mitigating circumstances and how to apply.

If you are unsatisfied with a decision made by Boards of Examiners, Heads of Department, Research Officers or Research Examining Teams in relation to progression, assessment or awards. Refer to Section 3.6a (Academic Appeals Policy and Procedure) of the University’s Regulations Handbook for information on academic appeals and how to apply.

Exam Support

Revision and Exam Advice
ask@buckingham.ac.uk

Book a 1:1 ASK session
booking calendar

Past papers
Past Exam Papers via Sharepoint

IT and Moodle Access
helpdesk@buckingham.ac.uk

Issues during the exam
Contact registryexams@buckingham.ac.uk or notify an invigilator for invigilated exam hall examinations.