Exams

Before the exam

Study as you would for an in-person exam. You will need the same skills, knowledge and understanding.

In advance of the exam, make sure you know:

• the University's position on AI and academic integrity
• the date, time and duration of your exam (Exam Timetables)
• how and where to access your exam on Moodle (your School will provide this information)
• the exam paper format (essays, short answers, MCQs etc)
• whether you are permitted to have any study materials with you at your computer, and any restrictions on what these must not include (contact your School if you are unsure)
• where the online exam simulation Moodle is, what the submission process involves, and whether your device allows you to go through the simulation without problems
• how long you should spend on your exam (see guidance on the four types of online exam)
• whether your device has any pending software updates or connection issues that will need to be resolved
• the Helpdesk telephone number, in case of internet connection problems on the day: +44 (0)141 330 4800 (available 8am - 11pm)

On the day

• Make sure you eat a healthy meal and stay hydrated
• Prepare your workspace to be tidy, quiet and with enough room to work
• Make sure your laptop / device is charged and that you have the charger to hand
• Make sure you have the necessary programs/documentation you will need for your exam (e.g. Word, Excel, written notes where these are permitted, etc.)
• Have paper for jotting down plans
• Have water and snacks to hand
• Have a clock or timer so you can keep an eye on time throughout

During the exam

• Ensure that you click on the declaration of originality option to declare your work as your own
• Ensure that you can download and see the exam paper, and that you understand what the questions are asking you; read the instructions/information on the front page
• Craft your answers as you would in an in-person exam: if permitted by your subject area for this exam, you can use notes, materials and information but do not dedicate large amounts of time to looking for quotations or information. A stronger exam submission is one that displays a solid grasp of concepts and ideas; an exam answer that is obviously a collection of quotations or facts, without any of your own interpretation, will not do well
• If you do use any source materials in your exam, you need to provide in-text references in the appropriate style for your subject; your subject area can advise on whether a reference list is required at the end
• Double-check your answers and that you have answered the correct number of questions
• Double-check that you have provided the correct question numbers beside your answers,and that your document has page numbers
• Double-check that you have uploaded the CORRECT FILE, that it is readable, and that it is the version that you want to be marked
• If you use a word-processing package other than Microsoft Word, you are advised to convert and upload as a pdf
• When you are happy with your answers, upload your document via the exam paper upload area on Moodle
• Ensure that you upload files to the correct course Moodle assignment

If you experience technical difficulties with accessing, completing, checking or submitting an exam you should immediately contact the IT Helpdesk at www.gla.ac.uk/help, where live help is available from 8am to 11pm. All help requests received outside these times will be logged for a response as soon as a technician is available. To ensure timely responses and that all students receive the same information, you should not contact academic staff directly but instead use the Helpdesk.

If you are unable to access the helpdesk via the internet, call +44 (0)141 330 4800. (A reminder of these contact details will be provided on the exam front page.)

In the event of submitting a Good Cause claim for late or non-submission due to severe technical issues (e.g. prolonged loss of internet connection), you should support your claim with reference to an IT Helpdesk Incident number.

Before the exam

In advance of the exam, make sure you know:

• the date, time, duration and venue of each exam (Exam Timetables)
• the exam paper format (essays, short answers, MCQs etc)
• what to do in the event of adverse weather warnings
• that no dictionaries are allowed in exams, unless the exam instructions specifically permit this

On the day

• Make sure you eat a healthy meal and stay hydrated
• Make sure you have water to bring into the exam hall. However, please make sure all labels have been removed from the bottle: this is to ensure you cannot be accused of cheating
• Give yourself plenty of time to get onto campus and to find the exam venue, whehter it is on campus or elsewhere
• Don't forget to have pens/pencils/rulers etc. in your bag (answer papers will be provided)
• Bring your student card

During the exam

• Ensure you have turned off and put away all electronic devices (phones / tablets / smart watches / fitness trackers / earphones) and put them out of reach either in a closed bag or on the floor. The invigilator will direct you to whether you can store your belongings: either at the front of the hall, or under your desk.
• You may place a basic watch - i.e. one that shows the time and date only - on your desk. No watches of any type are to be worn or kept in pockets
• Put away any notes / dictionaries in your bag and close it
• Ensure you have all the stationery you require to hand on your desk. You will not be allowed to access your belongings during the exam
• Complete the front of your exam answer booklets
• Do not turn the exam paper over until the invigilator tells you to do so
• Read all the exam questions thoroughly, and make sure you allocate sufficient time to each question in order to complete the paper
• Double-check your answers and that you have answered the correct number of questions
• Keep an eye on the clock, so you know how much time you have left