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Student Handbook 2026/27

12. Assessment

12.1. Module Assessment Types

Each module has its own assessment method. When planning your studies, please familiarise yourself with the assessment requirements for each module and, where module choices are available, consider selecting options that best suit your strengths and preferences.

Assessment Types

  • Online Examinations:
    An online exam is an examination that is completed online rather than on campus. Students will answer a set of questions covering topics taught in the module and must complete and submit their responses within the specified examination period and in accordance with the instructions provided for the assessment. Detailed instructions will be included in the examination rubric, which will be available when the examination paper is released on the date and at the time stated in your examination timetable.

  • Instructions

    • You must complete your answers within the specified time period
    • Exam dates and times are published in your Semester examination timetable (see MySIS).
    • Information about the duration of each exam can be found on the relevant QMplus module page once examination details have been released.
    • Late submissions on Cadmus are not permitted. 

Submission Platform Notes:

  • Online exams are hosted on the Cadmus platform. Access these exams via the link on your QMplus module page at the date and time shown in your personalised timetable. Submissions on Cadmus are automatically submitted at the deadline, and late submissions are not permitted. Please note that Cadmus has an auto-submission feature enabled. If your device is switched on and connected to the internet when the deadline is reached, your work will be submitted automatically. However, if your device is not connected to the internet, the auto-submission feature will not operate and your work may not be submitted for marking. Students are therefore strongly advised to ensure they have an active internet connection and to check that their work has been successfully submitted by the deadline. After the submission portal closes, no further uploads will be permitted. Any work received after the assessment deadline will be recorded as a non-submission and awarded a mark of zero.

  • For all other online exams submitted via QMplus, submissions made up to 10 minutes after the scheduled end time are accepted but they will be marked as late and receive a penalty of 10% of the total marks available (e.g. ten marks deducted from a total of 100). After that point, the submission portal closes, and no further uploads are allowed; the assessment will be recorded as a non-submission and given a mark of zero. 
Below is an overview of the format and timings for online examinations:

15-Credit Modules

Total Exam Duration: 3 hours
Maximum Word Limit: 2,500 words
Number of Questions: 2 (subject to  the Module Convenor’s discretion)

Breakdown:

  • Reading & Research Time: 1 hour
  • Writing Time: 2 hours

30-Credit Modules

Total Exam Duration: 4.5 hours 
Maximum Word Limit: 3,700 words

Number of Questions: 3 (subject to the Module Convenor’s discretion)

Breakdown:

  • Reading & Research Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Writing Time: 3 hours

Please ensure you manage your time carefully and submit within the allocated window. 

If you have any questions, contact:

  • Academic: the Module Convenor
  • Admin: School Programme and Quality Team: AskQM

  • On-campus Examination 

    On-campus examinations are held in person and consist of handwritten assessments completed in an invigilated examination hall. Your exam timetable will provide the date, time, and venue for each examination.

    Below is an overview of the format and timings for on-campus examinations:

15-Credit Modules

  • Total Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Includes: 15 minutes of reading time
  • Writing Time: 2 hours

30-Credit Modules

  • Total Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Includes: 15 minutes of reading time
  • Writing Time: 3 hours

Please arrive at the exam venue early to allow time for check-in and preparation. Make sure to bring all required materials, including your student ID.

  • Final Assessment Exercise (FAE)

A Final Assessment Exercise (FAE) is a 24-hour assessment that provides students with a longer period to research and add greater depth to their work. FAEs can be completed from any location and submitted online within a 24-hour window. The Module Convenor will explain the format and requirements of the FAE in class. The date and time of the assessment release will be displayed on your examination timetable. On the day of release, detailed instructions will be provided in the rubric accompanying the assessment. 

Key Information
  • Availability: FAEs are accessible for 24 hours from the time of release.
  • You must download, complete and upload your answers within this 24-hour window.
  • You may work on the paper at any point during the 24-hour period, but you must submit your answers by the deadline.
  • Submissions made up to 10 minutes after the scheduled end time are accepted, but they will be marked as late and receive a penalty of 10% of the total marks available (e.g. ten marks deducted from a total of 100). After that point, the submission portal closes, and no further uploads are allowed; the assessment will be recorded as a non-submission and given a mark of zero.

Format and Requirements

  • Word limits and timings may vary depending on the module.
  • Please check with your Module Convenor for specific details regarding:
    • Word count
    • Number of questions
    • Any additional instructions

  • Course Essays:
    Some modules are assessed partly or fully by essays linked to your taught modules.

    • Essays are overseen by one of your module’s teaching staff.
    • Essays submitted up to 7 calendar days late are accepted with a late penalty.
    • Extensions of up to one week may be granted for valid extenuating circumstances.
    • Essay submission dates can be found in the Key Dates section of the Handbook. Please note that essay submission dates and deadlines will not appear on your Examination Timetable, as the Examination Timetable only includes centrally scheduled examinations.
    • If a module has more than one essay component, the Module Convenor will indicate if the submission dates for these essays differ from the standard deadlines provided in the Key Dates section. 

  • Multiple Choice Quizzes (MCQs):

    • MCQs cover topics taught in the module.
    • The availability period and time allowed to complete MCQs vary by module. Please refer to the module's assessment instructions and ensure you understand the requirements before starting the quiz.
    • Once you begin the quiz, you cannot pause it.
    •  Late submissions are not permitted.

  • Presentations / Oral Assessments:

    • Some modules include a class presentation or oral assessment component
    • Presentation dates are treated as exam dates, and attendance is required, either in person or online, as specified by the module.
    • Your Module Convenor will provide further details about the assessment requirements.
    • If you are unable to attend due to extenuating circumstances, please refer to the relevant section of this Handbook for guidance.

  • Other Assessment Elements:

Please note that some modules include assessment elements, such as presentations, in-class assessments, practical assessments, coursework tasks, or mooting exercises. These assessments are not centrally scheduled and therefore will not appear on your examination timetable. Details of these assessments can be found in the Module Directory and will also be communicated during teaching sessions. Your Module Convenor will confirm the dates, times, and any other relevant arrangements.

For full details on how each module is assessed, see Appendix II: Programme Structure and Overview.

Academic Regulations:
For the full regulations governing assessment, see the Academic Regulations 2026–27.