Exams in Higher Education in the UK

As has already been mentioned in the previous article, a university course in the UK usually consists of several units (modules). Students are assessed on each unit, and there can be a range of assessment methods that are designed to demonstrate learning and knowledge as progress through each module. Some examples of assessment methods are:

• Exams
• Essays
• Personal Projects

Student’s achievements are graded using percentages. Generally a pass mark is 40%. Each percentage awarded corresponds to a class of degree (see table below) and the final overall percentage and credit total will determine degree classification.

All the work is assessed according to a set of assessment criteria or learning outcomes that are provided in the beginning of the year in course handbooks. The Learning outcomes are set to help students understand what is required from them in each unit and detail what students are marked against.

Although the criteria can be very different depending on the course, what generally is expected of a student at this level is demonstrating what you know, critical thinking such as analysing information from different view points, showing progression, developing and communicating an idea and evaluating any findings.

At the School of Art we also have several kinds of assessments (I study BA Fine Art).

The first is a piece of writing (essay) on the subject of the student’s choice. For this the topic can be broad and the learning outcomes can seem indistinct and open (please see below), these would later be discussed and developed into clear outcomes. It is worth knowing that students in the UK Higher Education environment are encouraged to approach tutors with any questions and challenge any confusion- this is actually seen as very positive thing!

1. Critical reflection on cultural and contextual issues relevant to the student’s own area of study.
2. Application of cultural and contextual issues relevant to the development of the student’s own area of study,
3. Proficiency in expression of ideas utilising skills in research, analysis, a range of writing forms and referencing.
4. Identification of information from a variety of sources and evaluation of its relevance.

Alongside this we are assessed holistically and ongoing on our practical work in the studios, according to a set of learning outcomes, however broad our practice might be.

One more type of assessment in the Art school is “Professional Employability” – where a student has to demonstrate the ability to conduct research, contextualize their practice in the contemporary art world and demonstrate professional skills, like setting up an exhibition, or a fashion show (Just look at this recent guerilla fashion show!

As an example you can find a broader description of the assessment regulations here: MMU Assessment Regualations.

Read the article in Russian: Экзамены в вузах Великобритании