How online exams and assessments work for online degree students

What it involves:

• Complete 6 tasks that are based on the coursebook content.

• Apply knowledge from the coursebook, going beyond the material with personal insights and reasoning.

• Link concepts together to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the subject.

Word count:

• 150-300 words per assignment (900-1,800 words total)

Focus:

• Knowledge transfer from course materials.

• Showcase your independent thinking and critical reasoning.

What it involves:

• Create a comprehensive academic paper based on your course knowledge.

• Choose a topic relevant to your specialisation.

• The project could take the form of a business plan or consulting report.

Word count:

• 15,000 words.

Focus:

• Apply academic theories to real-world or professional challenges.

• Prepare for your future career by demonstrating expertise in your area of study.

Requirements:

• Completion of 75 FHEQ credits before registration.

What it involves:

• Analyse a given scenario, either based on real-world events or fictional situations.

• Use theoretical knowledge to address practical questions.

Word count:

• 3,000 words.

Focus:

• Bridge the gap between theory and practice.

• Demonstrate problem-solving and decision-making skills in a realistic context.

What it involves:

• Answering a mix of closed (e.g., multiple choice) and open-ended questions.

Duration:

• 90 minutes.

Format:

• Test your understanding of the module's key concepts.

• Assess your ability to apply knowledge under timed conditions.

What it involves:

• Write about your experiences and learning during an internship.

• Connect your professional actions to academic theories.

Word count:

• 3,000 words.

Focus:

• Reflect on your personal and professional growth.

• Analyse how your internship experiences relate to academic knowledge.

What it involves:

• Deliver a 7-10 minute oral presentation.

• Write a 1,500-word reflection paper discussing your presentation and learning.

Focus:

• Combine verbal and written academic reasoning.

• Demonstrate understanding of module content.

What it involves:

• Present a 7-10 minute report on a practical project.

• Write a 1,500-word reflection paper discussing the project and your findings.

Focus:

• Show how you’ve applied theoretical knowledge to a practical challenge.

• Combine academic discussion with practical insights.

What it involves:

• Write a detailed report analysing a task or topic.

• Include an abstract, literature review, methodology, findings, and recommendations.

Word count:

• 3,000 words.

Focus:

• Apply specialised knowledge to a task.

• Reflect on the project’s process and your approach.

What it involves:

• Create a digital record of your work through three phases: conception, development/reflection, and finalisation.

Word Count:

• 3,000 words.

Focus:

• Document your learning progress and reflect on your approach.

• Use tools like PebblePad to create a professional portfolio.

What it involves:

• Select a topic, create a research question, and study credible sources.

• Justify your findings with evidence and explain your conclusions.

Word count:

• 3,000-words

Focus:

• Independently research and analyse a topic.

• Demonstrate critical thinking and academic writing skills.

What it involves:

• Write a dissertation on a topic related to your field of study.

Word count:

• 7,500-10,000 words.

Focus:

• Analyse and evaluate a problem critically.

• Demonstrate independent academic research and problem-solving skills.

Requirements:

• Completion of 240 FHEQ credits before registration.

What it involves:

• Produce an advanced dissertation on a specialised topic.

• Conduct independent research.

Word count:

• 15,000 words.

Focus:

• Deepen your expertise in a specific area.

• Solve complex problems using advanced research methods.

Requirements:

• Completion of 75 FHEQ credits before registration.

What it involves:

• Research and write about a specific academic topic.

• Use evidence to support your thoughts and arguments.

Word count:

• 3,000 words.

Focus:

• Demonstrate clarity in academic writing.

• Show critical thinking and analytical skills.

Each module has a set assessment type, so you won’t be able to switch formats. This keeps things fair and ensures every student has the same opportunity to succeed. If you’re unsure about what’s expected, your Study Coaches are experienced tutors in learning methods that can help you work towards higher grades.

Technical hiccups happen. Let your proctor know right away – they’re there to help. After the exam, report the issue to our Assessment Office (your online exam help service) within 48 hours and include any supporting evidence. We’ll work with you to sort it out.

Once your submission has been reviewed, you’ll receive detailed feedback by email. This includes your grade and comments from your lecturers to help you understand your strengths and where you can improve.

We aim to get feedback to you within five weeks, though this might vary depending on the type of assessment.

Got questions? Reach out to your Study Coach or the Students Office once you're a student with us. They’ll help you make sense of your feedback and give you tips on how to improve for next time.

If you fail a module, you’ll have one opportunity to re-sit an exam, or you can resubmit any failed parts of your assessment to achieve a passing grade. When re-sitting an exam, make sure you check for any changes to the syllabus that could affect the content of the assessment. If you pass the re-sit, your mark will be capped at the pass score for that assignment.

Retake grades are capped at the pass mark to keep things fair for all students. But don’t worry – your Study Coach can help you prepare to nail it on your second go.

If you don’t pass, the assessment board will review your case and decide what’s next. Our team is here to support you through the process, no matter what.