Exam paper preparation

At the beginning of each semester, Module Leaders are contacted to confirm the requirements for their exam(s), e.g. exam length, additional materials, use of calculators, multiple choice and timetabling requests. The deadline to respond is the Friday of Week 3.

 Announcement Module Leaders are requested to return all exam information and timetable requests by Friday of week 0. The exam timetable will be released Monday week 4.

Deadlines

See the key dates for staff for exam paper submission and sign-off deadlines.

Process

  1. Download and complete the appropriate Microsoft Word template (below). Please use the template to produce your exam paper and any additional documents such as formula sheets. The exam paper should be saved as a PDF. Please also save a local Microsoft Word copy in case any corrections are needed.
  2. To upload your paper and any additional materials files you must go to: https://generalssb-prod.ec.brookes.ac.uk/BannerExtensibility/customPage/page/exam_upload. An in-depth guide is available here.
  3. The exam paper must then be uploaded via Workflow. If you have issues with Workflow, it can be be shared with registry-submissions@brookes.ac.uk via Google Drive (note: also save a local Microsoft Word copy in case any corrections are needed).
  4. The paper is then checked by the Exams Team to ensure it conforms to formatting requirements and avoids any potential confusion.
  5. If any amendments are required, you will be asked to make the necessary changes and resubmit.
  6. Once approved, the Module Leader will be asked to sign off the exam paper as final and provide contact details (usually at the Headington Campus office).

Writing your exam paper

Refer to the examination paper preparation guide and sample examination paper to help you complete and submit your exam paper using the appropriate Microsoft Word template (see below):

Multiple choice exams

See the guide to submitting an MCAS master and Example MCAS sheet if your exam is multiple choice - the Exams Team require a 'master' copy to mark the exam in-house:

  • You will be sent a blank Multiple Choice Answer Sheet (MCAS) and MCAS Form via internal mail.
  • To ensure confidentiality, return both by hand to Exams.

We can also mark multiple choice class tests at no charge to your faculty.

Online Examinations - Options

If you have online examinations, you have several options available. Option 1 is the standard online exam choice, however, if you have professional body requirements, you are able to choose Option 2 or 3.

Option 1 - Standard examination (written or multiple choice). Students will have 24 hours to complete and submit their examination. The PDF exam paper (and any additional materials) will be attached to a Turnitin assignment, which will be available to students from the start time of the exam, and which will close 24 hours later. Students will submit one document via Turnitin, which will be checked for plagiarism etc.

Option 2 - Time-limited written examination. Students will have 24 hours to start their examination. When the student clicks to start the exam, this will also start a timer running. Students will have to complete and submit their exam before the time expires. Students will submit one document for each question they answer - these will be checked through Turnitin for plagiarism etc. Due to the time taken to set this option up, it is only available for modules with a PSRB requirement for the exam to be time-limited. Check with your Programme Lead if you are not sure if this applies to your module.

Option 3 - Time-limited multiple choice examination. Students will have 24 hours to start their examination. When the student clicks to start the exam, this will also start a timer running. Students will have to complete and submit their exam before the time expires. The exam will be automatically marked, based on information provided by the Module Leader about correct answers, negative marking etc. Due to the time taken to set this option up, it is only available for modules with a PSRB requirement for the exam to be time-limited. Check with your Programme Lead if you are not sure if this applies to your module.

Variations to Academic Conduct regulations - Online examinations

Please complete this form and return it to exams@brookes.ac.uk to indicate any variations to the Academic Conduct regulations for your online examination.