Please note - the impact of coronavirus means face-to-face examinations will not take place this year. 

From 01 August 2019, Queen Mary has moved to a system of semester-based exams. This means that modules taught in Semester 1 will be examined in January. Modules taught across Semester 1 and 2, or modules taught only in Semester 2, will be examined in May.

The semester and exam dates for the current and upcoming academic years can be found on the QMUL calendar. There is also an FAQ page for staff. 

Frequently asked questions for students

Why are we moving to semester-based exams?

Students have told us they would prefer to be examined on the content of a module as soon as the module has been taught and to gain a better understanding of your progress following each semester.

What are the benefits of moving to semester-based exams?

Many students will benefit by spreading the exams across the year and in some cases, halving the number of exams to revise for at any one time. The feedback you receive after the Semester 1 assessment period should also be a useful tool in preparing for your summer examinations.

Do semester-based exams apply to all students?

The semester-based exam arrangements do not apply to undergraduate MBBS and BDS students, students studying on Distance Learning programmes or students studying outside of the UK.

How were students consulted on the changes?

Student representatives were involved in the initial consultation exercise which ended in May 2018. The proposed changes were then discussed and agreed at Senate, the body that has main responsibility for overseeing our academic activity. Five student representatives are members of Senate.

When will the new exams take place?

Rather than having all exams in the six-week summer period, exams will be split across two periods: two weeks in January and four weeks in May. 

What exams will I take in January and which will take place in May?

Modules which are taught in Semester 1 will be examined in January. Modules taught across Semester 1 and 2 or modules taught in Semester 2 will be examined in May. Please see the QMUL calendar for semester and exam dates.

Where will my exams take place?

The majority of your exams will take place at Mile End. By exception, there may be some exams held off-site.

Will I have more than one exam a day?

Our aim is to ensure that you will not have more than one exam scheduled in a day.

What do I need to do if I need Examination Access Arrangements, e.g. extra time?

You will need to contact the Disability and Dyslexia Service to apply for examination access arrangements (EEA's). 

What if my module is assessed by coursework only?

Your academic school will be in touch with details of your assessment.

Will any teaching take place during the January exam period?

For the majority of students, no teaching will take place during the January exam period.

When will I receive my Semester 1 exam results?

Provisional results will be released in Semester 2. Official results will be confirmed when the exam boards meet in June. All resits for Semesters 1 and 2 and year-long modules will be taken in August.

When will I receive my exam timetable?

Exam timetables will be released in week 9 of each semester.

Do I need to pass Semester 1 to continue in to Semester 2?

Continuation to Semester 2 is not dependent on Semester 1 results.  The rules for progression between years is outlined in the Academic Regulations. 

When can I appeal against a module outcome?

Appeal applications will be considered only on release of the official results following the exams boards in June / July.

Do I have to do anything about this?

No. Please just be aware of the changes. Your exam timetable should be released to you, via MySIS in week 9 of each semester. 

Will moving to semesters affect how my degree is calculated?

No. The method of calculating your degree is unaffected by the change to exam dates.

Who should I contact if I need more information?

Please speak to your School in the first instance.