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Alternative Exam Arrangements

If you require alternative examination or test arrangements then you are advised to meet a Disability Caseworker.  Adjustments or additional support arrangements for formal examinations are permitted on the recommendation of the Disability Caseworkers. 

Alternative examination needs are normally discussed as part of the initial assessment process when you join the university, however it is recognised that a disability or medical condition may arise or circumstances change at any time after enrolment. It is your responsibility to contact the Disability Caseworkers to discuss support needs should they change during their course of  your studies.

What examination adjustments are available?

In all instances, recommendations will be based on the evidence presented to the Disability Office. Recommendations may include the following. (Please note the list is not exhaustive but provides an indication of the support that may be available):

  • Accessible venue
  • Use of small room 
  • Supervised breaks - this is likely to include a recommendation for a separate room
  • Extra time – usually 25% 
  • Appropriate seating
  • Use of a scribe
  • Access to a PC
  • A reader
  • Questions on tape
  • Alternative format examination scripts e.g. large print, braille, coloured paper

Class tests

Departmental examinations or time bounded tests may take place at any time outside the main examination periods. These tests are administered by the department rather than by the central Examinations Office, however the same arrangements should be applied to your central and departmental examinations/test.

 

Temporary or short-term adjustments

If you suffer a short term illness or  temporary injury e.g. a broken leg that will impact on your exams, we would first encourage you to speak with your personal academic mentor or College/School to find out if you can apply for extenuating circumstances. It is important that your college is aware so they can advise you accordingly. To put temporary exam arrangements in place, you will need to meet with a MyUniHub Student Information Officer. You must supply supporting medical evidence to be considered for temporary exam provision. MyUniHub appointments can be made by phoning on 01792 606000.

Supporting documentary evidence

All requests for alternative arrangements must be supported by current and acceptable medical evidence of disability, specific need, mental health difficulty, or specific learning difficulty. The type of evidence required will vary according to your specific circumstances,  however it will usually come from an external agency with detailed knowledge of your condition, e.g. GP, consultant, Educational Psychologist. The cost of providing such evidence must be met by you and will be held on file for the duration of your course. For more information on acceptable supporting evidence, please watch the video below. 

You will be required to sign a request form to enable arrangements to be recorded on a database and will be given a copy of the request for your own purposes.

Use of stickers for Examination and Assessed Work

The University has a policy whereby students with certain disabilities e.g specific learning difficulties, dyslexia, dyspraxia, can chose to have their examination booklets and coursework identified by means of a sticker so that consideration for spelling, grammar and punctuation etc. may be considered.  A link to the policy and marking guidelines can be found here: University Policy on Specific Learning Difficulties - Dyslexia

Your attention should be drawn to the use of stickers for Assessed work and Examinations. The following is an extract taken from the Policy:

"The University has a policy of anonymous marking but in order to comply with EU legislation students with SpLDs may chose to have their examination booklets and coursework work identified by means of a sticker."

Obtaining stickers

Stickers can be obtained for examinations and assessed work. The Disability Office advise the following:

  • Examinations – Stickers will be provided by the Examinations Office during formal examinations
  • Assessed Work – You may request a sticker to be placed on your work when handing it in to your Departmental Administrators
  • In cases where you submit work via Blackboard (for Turnitin purposes) you should speak to your College Disability Coordinator for advice on how to request a sticker be placed on work submitted in this way.
Nb. Schools/Departments will be cross-checking the valid use of stickers. Students are reminded that they must observe the University Regulations at all times. Any student found using a sticker inappropriately will be subject to disciplinary procedures. If you are unsure whether a sticker applies to you, please contact the Disability Office.

How do I request alternative exam arrangements?

If you require alternative arrangements for exams or tests then you need to make an appointment with a Disability Caseworker to discuss you requirements. The Disability Office operates an appointment system. Follow this link to complete a questionnaire and book an appointment.