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Online Exam Guidelines - Exam period May/June 2026

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Book: Online Exam Guidelines - Exam period May/June 2026
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Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026, 5:50 PM

Description

Guidelines and information relating to the online exam attempts for EECS modules May/June Examination period 7th May - 5th June2026. 

Please read all guidelines BEFORE attempting online exams.

Table of contents

1. Introduction

All guidelines and information must be read before starting the exam.

It is the student's responsibility to understand the requirements before attempting the exam.


2. EECS PCs available for Exams

It is a student’s responsibility to ensure they are set up to take an exam, with access to space, a machine (PC, Laptop etc) and steady internet connection.

If you require a PC on campus for an EECS module exam, ENG153 PC Lab will be available for on-campus exam attempts throughout the May/June exam period between 9:30am and 5:30pm. 

No individual booking is required; access will be on a first-come, first-served basis. 

During an on-campus exam attempt, it is expected that you follow all guidelines and policies and be mindful of other students attempting exams at the same time. You must follow the rules of not discussing your exam attempt with anyone or disciplinary measures may be applied where necessary.

3. Extenuating Circumstances (ECs)


Extenuating Circumstances (ECs) are issues outside of your control that negatively impact your ability to complete an assessment. ECs are meant for short-term problems; long-term issues should be managed through other support services.

For May/June 2026 exams, ECs must be submitted by 8th June 2026. As a reminder, specific deadlines and further details are on the EECS Student Support Page. 

EC claims related to late submission will normally be rejected if the failure to submit on time was either within the students control or due to students operating outside of the advice within this policy. Students working off-campus submitting after the exam end time due to poor connectivity or a slow/troublesome computer will not be grounds for EC to be granted. The exam includes additional time for scanning and uploading which is sufficiently generous to allow for such minor difficulties. Students continuing to work into the submission window do so at their own risk. 

Invalid EC Claims:

  • Predictable issues like academic workload or employment.
  • Long-term health conditions (these should be supported through DDS services unless a flare-up occurs, in which case ECs can be submitted following any pre-agreed protocols with your DDS advisor).
  • Technical issues, such as internet connectivity or travel disruptions, are generally not considered valid EC claims. However, if a non-submission is due to a failure of QMUL equipment or infrastructure, these cases will be assessed on their individual merits.
  • Religious observance: Students had the opportunity to submit a religious holiday form to inform the exam organisers of any dates they cannot attend an exam. If this process was not followed, it does not qualify as an EC.

Disclaimer: This summary is not the complete EC guidance. Students are expected to read the full EC guidance available at the following links:

Extenuating Circumstances Policy

Extenuating Circumstances: A Guide for Students

QMplus EC Course Page

For full details, please refer to the linked guidance pages.

3.1. Fit-to-sit policy

By submitting work or sitting an exam, you are declaring yourself fit to do so.

If an assessment of any type is attempted or submitted then that attempt will be marked. Any subsequent claim for extenuating circumstances will only be considered where the student can evidence that they were not well enough to make an informed decision about their fitness to sit and would require evidence.

It is the student’s responsibility to consider the risks of starting an exam if they are feeling unwell. Approved ECs grant a certified absence for the next attempt - they do not permit late submissions to be marked.


4. Before the Exam


This section outlines what you need to know before starting your exam.

Ensure you have everything you need before beginning.

4.1. Timings

  • The Exam start time is based on each modules' scheduled Exam time as listed in MySIS.
  • On-campus handwritten and online exams must be completed in 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Online remote exams must be completed within a fixed 3-hour window. Exams will only be accessible for 3 hours from the MySIS start time. For example, if an exam is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM GMT, you will have until 1:00 PM to submit your answers.
    For Method 1 exams ONLY (Download the exam question paper and upload a completed answer file, the submission window will remain open for a further 10 minutes. This is considered the LATE PERIOD. A 10% LATE PENALTY will be applied to any file uploaded during this period. This does not apply to MCQ- Method 2.

  • The total assessment window includes an additional time to accommodate tasks such as downloading the paper, converting files, and uploading your answers.

  • If you are registered with DDS or have specific learning needs, you will receive additional time.

Important:

  • You should start the exam attempt as soon as possible from the start of the scheduled exam time.
  • Regardless of the individuals' start time, the exam area will close 3 hours and 10 minutes after the MySIS exam start time unless you have special examination arrangements.
  • Do not leave your upload too close to the deadline. Keep in mind that the time required to upload a file can depend on its size, your internet connection, and other factors.

4.2. Accessing the Exam

Each exam will have a separate section on the QMPlus Exam page. 

The Exam activity attempt will only be available from the scheduled start time as per your MySIS exam timetable.

Exam Attempt Methods

There are three different exam methods. The format for each exam will be clearly indicated in the module section before you begin your exam attempt:

  • Method 1: Download the question paper (PDF) and upload your answer file (Word, PDF, or another specified format, as instructed)
  • Method 2: Answer questions directly online within a Quiz activity. This method can be conducted either on-campus under invigilated conditions or remotely online.
  • Method 3: On-campus, invigilated, handwritten exams.

 

4.3. Mysis Exam schedule

You will only be enrolled to take an EECS module exam if a formal exam is scheduled on MySIS.

If you do not see an exam scheduled for a module you expect to take, please email se-eecs-student-submission@qmul.ac.uk so this can be investigated.

4.4. Tips

Here are a number of tips:

  1. Prepare as You Would for a Regular Exam:
    Treat your online exam like an in-person one. Have all necessary materials ready (e.g., pens, paper, calculator). Read questions carefully and answer what is asked.

  2. Create a Distraction-Free Environment:
    Find a comfortable and quiet space. Let others know you’re taking an exam and can’t be disturbed. Turn off your mobile phone or leave it in another room.

  3. Keep Track of Time: 
    Note the exam end time and consider using a separate timer to stay aware of remaining time.

  4. Read the Guidelines:
    Read all of the documentation you have access to before the exam.

  5. Prepare for Word or PDF Submission:
    Ensure you know how to save your answers as a Word or PDF file, as these are the required submission formats unless stated otherwise. 

  6. Plan for Internet Issues:
    If you have mobile data, learn how to tether your device or set up a a Wi-Fi hotspot as a backup.

  7. Keep Key Tabs Open:
    Keep the exam paper open in case of QMplus technical issues. If possible, print the exam paper for easy annotation.

  8. Understand Submission Timing:
    Your exam will end 3 hours after the scheduled start time, regardless of when you begin. Make sure you complete and upload your work before the deadline. For Method 1 exams ONLY, the submission window will remain open for 10 minutes after the deadline but a 10% LATE PENALTY will be applied to any file uploaded during this period. 

  9. Use a PC if Possible:
    While it’s possible to take the exam on a mobile device or tablet, using a PC is recommended. Issues arising from mobile device usage are not valid grounds for extenuating circumstances.

  10. Utilise Extra Time Wisely:
    The total submission window (3 hours) include an additional time to allow for downloading the paper, scanning handwritten answers, and uploading them as Word or PDF. Practice these tasks in advance.

  11. Practice Mock Submissions:
    Practice scanning, converting, and uploading a mock answer script (e.g., 8 pages). This will help you estimate the time required for these tasks. 

  12. Understand Submission Rules:
    Except for Quiz Activities, exam attempts do not auto-submit when the exam time ends. If you lose access due to IT issues, continue working offline and email your answers to the only Alternative Submission emails: se-eecs-student-submission@qmul.ac.uk before the deadline.

  13. Check Your Submission:
    Before uploading, double-check your file’s name and content to ensure it is correct and complete.

5. During the Exam

How to be prepared during the exam.

5.1. Late start - IMPORTANT

The exam end time is set regardless of the time you start the exam attempt.

All Exam times are London UK (GMT) time zone.

Example:

If the start time is 10:00

The duration is 3 hours

The end time is 13:00

If you start your exam attempt at 12:00, you will have 1 hour to complete the Exam attempt before it ends.

Access to the module section and the exam attempt activity will become unavailable at the end time. For Method 1 exams only, the submission window will remain open for a further 10 minutes, but a 10% late penalty will be applied to any file uploaded during this period.

5.2. Starting the Exam

Online exams will be available via an Assignment Activity or a QMPlus Quiz Activity.

The Assignment Activity - Method 1 - PDF Download of Exam & Upload Answers in Word or PDF format (unless instructed otherwise)

  • From the module section ''Assessment'' tab, select the activity (example below) from the main page. 



  • On the next page (example below), the instructions and link to the pdf Question paper will be available at the bottom of the information text.



  • Download the exam paper, complete the answers offline, and upload a Word or PDF file of your answers. 
  • At the time of uploading, you will be asked to acknowledge that the assignment is your own work.

Confirm own work

  • Please note that you are not required to use a specific answer sheet/file, unless asked to do so in the instructions.  
  • Include the module code in the file name.
  • Keep formatting simple, but ensure your answers are readable.
  • If specific formatting is required, this will be outlined by the Module Organiser or in the exam instructions.

For students with DDS Arrangements:

  • If a DDS coversheet is required as per your guidelines, ensure it is attached and submitted alongside your file.

5.3. Starting the Exam

The Quiz Activity - Method 2 - QMPlus Inline Quiz 

  • Navigate to the module section area and select the activity.
  • On the next page, click "Attempt quiz now". 

  • Enter answers directly into a text box provided in the QMplus quiz format and save them as you move through the exam paper.
  • You may optionally prepare your answers offline and copy-paste them into the text box. This ensures you have a completed assessment in case of technical issues. This file may be used to submit to the ONLY alternative submission email (eecs-exams@qmul.ac.uk, see5.5 ALTERNATIVE submission email5.5 ALTERNATIVE submission email).
  • For answers with images or diagrams, upload the necessary files as part of the submission.

5.4. ONLINE Exam Submissions

Please ensure that you read the questions carefully and answer all the questions that you are expected to.

Make sure you upload the final version of your work before the deadline. There is no "Submit assignment" button. You may update or replace your submission as many times as needed before the deadline, using the "Edit submission" or "Remove submission" buttons. The last file uploaded will be the one graded, and the status will show as "Submitted for grading."

Your submission must be your own work, and you must ensure that you do not break any of the rules in Academic Integrity & Misconduct Policy.

Please be aware that submissions will be subject to review, including but not limited to plagiarism detection software. 

Method 1

The file submission method will require a Word or PDF file to be uploaded, any other file format will not be accepted unless otherwise specified.

Please use the following naming convention when submitting your file:

MODULECODE_STUDENTID.pdf. Example: ECS417U_123456789.pdf

MODULECODE_STUDENTID.doc. Example: ECS417U_123456789.doc

Incorrect, blank or corrupted files: You can update your submission on QMplus an unlimited number of times before the deadline and up to 10 minutes after the deadline using the "Edit Submission" button. 

Method 2

You will be required to answer within the QMplus Quiz activity. You may draft answers offline and paste them into the answer boxes available.

Regardless of which method is used, the activity will close and no longer be available at the end of the exam period.

Important

  • Plan Ahead: Do not leave the submission of files too close to the deadline. 
  • File Size: Ensure your file size is under the QMPlus limit of 50 MB. Larger files take longer to upload. It will not be possible to upload a submission after the exam timed period.

Online Exams Late Submission Policy

  • As stated in the QMUL Assesment Handbook 2025-26 (5.70, page 28):
    For Method 1 exams only, After the scheduled end time there is a ten-minute period during which submissions are still accepted, but they will be marked as late and receive a penalty of 10% of the total marks available (eg 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 nonsubmission and given a mark of zero.     See 5.8 Late submissions.
  • Please note that the additional 10 minutes, subject to a late penalty, does not apply to quizzes, as answers are automatically submitted if you haven't already done so when the exam ends.

5.5. Alternative submission email


When to use the Alternative email

It is the student's responsibility to submit the correct file on QM+ by the deadline.

While only files submitted via QMPlus are formally considered for marking, we understand that certain circumstances may prevent students from using the QMPlus submission method. If you are unable to submit on QMplus, you must email your exam file to the ONLY Alternative Submission email: se-eecs-student-submission@qmul.ac.uk. Specific criteria must be met.

Conditions for Use

  1. No Submission on QMPlus: If there isn't a file uploaded to the QMPlus exam submission area.
  2. Submission Timing: The file is received before the deadline or within 10 minutes after the exam end time (late penalty applies, see 5.8 Late submissions). 
  3. Exam attempts submitted via an alternative email must be an attached Word or PDF (or in the required exam format specified) and appropriate size. Links to shared online files (e.g. OneDrive, SharePoint) will NOT be considered.
  4. Files sent to the alternative email will not override submissions on QMPlus as you can update your submission on QMplus an unlimited number of times before the deadline and up to 10 minutes after the deadline using the "Edit Submission" button.

Reasons for Use

  • Technical Issues: Error in uploading to QMPlus or loss of access during the submission window.

File Requirements

  • Include the module code and your student ID number in the file name before attaching it to the email.
  • File Name Format: MODULECODE_STUDENTID.pdf, .doc (e.g., ECS417U_123456789.pdf, ECS417U_123456789.doc).
  • Also provide details of the technical issue (attach screenshots if possible).

Important Notes

  • Only students who have accessed the exam (e.g., by selecting the assignment or "Start Activity" button) may use the alternative email.
  • If you do not attempt the exam, submit an EC request via MySIS.

What Happens Next?

  • No Confirmation: You will not be notified if the file received via the alternative submission email is accepted for marking.
  • Post-Exam Queries: Please do not raise AskQM queries or contact Module Organisers about alternative submissions or late penalties until results are released in early March.
  • Final Checks: Extensive checks will be conducted after the exam period to determine if alternative submissions will be accepted for marking. Alternative submissions must have been received before the exam end time or within the 10 minutes after (late penalty applies).

If the alternative submission file meets the policy criteria, it will be forwarded to the examiner for marking, and the result will be recorded in MySIS.

5.6. Failure to upload


If you are unable to submit for any reason beyond your control you should consider submitting an EC. However, ECs may not be necessary when you experience problems with uploading your exam file to the QMplus submission area due to lack of access to QMplus and it is still in the exam period time. 

We strongly urge you to send the exam file as soon as possible to the ONLY Alternative Submission email (se-eecs-student-submission@qmul.ac.uk)

Do not email teaching or administrative staff to say you cannot submit on QMPlus.

Files sent to the alternative submission email will only be reviewed if there is no submission uploaded on QMplus and the file is received before the deadline or within 10 minutes after the exam end time (late penalty applies, see 5.5 ALTERNATIVE Submission email).

5.7. IT failure

Please Note: Students taking an online exam are provided with additional time on top of the time it would take to complete the exam. This extra time has been provided to allow for any minor IT problems you might face whilst sitting the exam, as opposed to if you were to sit it in person.

Therefore it will not be possible to submit an ECs for minor IT problems.

It is also not possible for the Module Organisers or the Quallity team to extend or compensate you for any lost hours during the exam sitting. 

The fit-to-sit policy is in effect for these online exams. This means that if you feel you are able to sit the exam and begin the exam then you will not be able to submit an EC should any problems arise. 

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/student-experience/student-wellbeing-hub/extenuating-circumstances-a-guide-for-students/

If you suffer severe IT issues and are unable to submit or sit your exam then please submit an EC as soon as possible. For more information on ECs please see the following link:

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/governance-and-legal-services/media/dgls-media/policy/current-policies/Extenuating-Circumstances-Policy.pdf

For any ECs submitted, provide a full description of the issue along with supporting documentation where possible. 

Check the specification of your device when taking exams, and follow the recommended minimum specification for IT equipment to be procured and used by QM students to study and take exams is as follows. 

A laptop with: 

  • 8GB RAM 
  • Windows 11 
  • 256 GB SSD.

Connectivity should be via either: 

  • A broadband link with at least 10Mbps download speed and at least 1Mbps upload speed  
  • A 4G unlimited data plan PAYG SIM.

Note: 

  • It is recommended that if a broadband link is being used, the laptop is cabled directly into the router rather than relying on Wi-Fi (to improve reliability and performance) 
  • If you already own a device with a different specification (e.g. a hard drive that is not an SSD), that may be adequate. 

5.8. Late submissions


As outlined in the QMUL Assessment Handbook 2025-26 (5.70, page 28) the following penalties will be applied for late submissions via QMplus or the Alternative Submission email (se-eecs-student-submission@qmul.ac.uk) for Method 1 exams only:

  1. Submissions up to 10 minutes late:

    • A 10% deduction will be applied to the total marks available.
    • Example: If a student scores 65% but submits late, their final score will be reduced to 55%.

  2. Submissions more than 10 minutes late:

    • These will be treated as non-submissions.
    • The final grade for the exam will be zero (0 F).

5.9. Exam misconduct

Online attempts should be taken as seriously as when under Examination conditions for an invigilated on campus exam. Any exam misconduct will be taken very seriously and will be sent to the Misconduct and Appeals Team for investigation.

It is an offence to ask for, to accept, or to offer help. You should not communicate with anyone else about the exam or the module content for the entirety of the duration of the exam.

During the exam you should not be in contact with anyone relating to the Exam Question Paper.

You must not share the Exam Question Paper content with anyone.

Exam scripts may be cross-checked by examiners for collusion, for both right and wrong answers.

All questions require only the application of knowledge gained during your study of the module. Whilst you may refer to textbooks, notes and online materials to refresh your knowledge, you are not expected to spend time on wider research to look for information.

In an exam, you should be using your own words. However, if relevant, normal referencing and plagiarism rules apply, and you must cite any sources used.

You are not allowed to copy or otherwise make use of any solutions to exam questions that are found on any online forum or via paid services.

The above should not be considered an exhaustive list of offences. If in doubt, please ask for further clarification.

Note that posting exam questions on websites such as chegg.com or bartleby.com, or obtaining exam solutions from them is not only strictly forbidden by QMUL regulations, but it is also a breach of the policy of the company concerned. In other words, they will cooperate with academic offence investigations.

PENALTIES

QMUL takes academic integrity very seriously, and students are routinely questioned on suspicion of offences including, but not limited to, those listed above. For those found guilty, the penalties are severe and include not just failure of the module concerned, but also the possibility of failure in all modules in the academic year. Delay in progression or classification is likely if an offence is under investigation.

 

For more details, see:
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/governance-and-legal-services/media/dgls-media/policy/current-policies/Academic-Integrity-&-Misconduct-Policy.pdf

 
Academic Integrity form
This form is for students to anonymously report potential Academic Misconduct. Reporting  Form LINK.
 

5.10. Communication and Queries during the Exam

 
To ensure fairness to all students, no queries will be responded to during the entire duration of the exam, as the timings for start and submission may differ between individuals. 

You must not share or discuss the Exam Question Paper content with anyone during the exam, nor should you be in contact with anyone regarding the Exam Question Paper.

Academic Misconduct is taken very seriously, if the Academic Integrity & Misconduct Policy is not adhered to, cases will be sent to the Appeals, Complaint and Conduct Office (ACCO) for investigation.

If you believe there are any errors on the question paper, you should note them on your answer paper and answer the question with the assumptions you make.

If there are any issues or problems discovered with the question paper, they will be taken into consideration during marking.

Academic Integrity - This form is for students to anonymously report potential Academic Misconduct. Reporting Form LINK

6. After completing the exam

What to do or not to do after your attempt is completed.

6.1. Finished the Exam

Submission Status:  There is no "Submit assignment" button. You may update or replace your submission as many times as needed before the deadline, using the "Edit submission" or "Remove submission" buttons. The last file uploaded will be the one graded, and the status will show as "Submitted for grading."

You must have started, completed and uploaded your exam within the exam 3-hour period.

Once the 3-hour window ends, you will have up to 10 minutes to submit, subject to a late penalty. This additional 10 minutes, subject to a late penalty, applies to Method 1 exams ONLY (Assignment activity) and not to quizzes (Method 2), as answers are automatically submitted if you haven't already done so when the exam ends.

You will be able to see the status of the last file uploaded. The "Time remaining" will indicate if the file was submitted before the deadline or during the LATE PERIOD. If "late" is displayed, the late penalty will be automatically applied.

When you have completed the Exam before the end of the exam,  you must not share the Exam Question Paper content with anyone. You should not discuss the questions on the paper or share answers. This would be considered collusion as per the Academic Integrity & Misconduct Policy. 

Academic Misconduct is taken very seriously, if the Academic Integrity & Misconduct Policy is not adhered to, cases will be sent to the Appeals, Complaint and Conduct Office (ACCO) for investigation.