• What is an exam irregularity?
• Avoiding exam irregularities
• The investigation process
• Sanctions for examination irregularities

What is an exam irregularity?

An examination irregularity occurs when a student:

• Seeks to improve their performance in an examination by accessing, or attempting to access, material not listed on the front of the question paper (the rubric). 
• Fails to follow instructions about the conduct of the exam, either given on the question paper or by the Invigilator.
• Creates a disturbance during an exam.
• Falsifies research data.

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Avoiding exam irregularities

Students often feel under pressure during exam time and may be concerned that they will not fulfill their academic potential. The University  encourages you to access the support services provided rather than risking a serious penalty by trying to get an unfair advantage in exams though the use of unauthorised materials.

• Study support

If you are stressed about exams and find it hard to cope, the Counselling and Guidance service runs workshops and drop-ins to help you manage anxiety and revise efficiently:

• Counselling and Guidance service

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The investigation process

Initial procedure

An independent Student Conduct Officer will investigate each allegation of an exam irregularity. You will have an interview with the Investigating Officer, who will make a decision, based on the evidence, about how to proceed. The Investigating Officer may decide to deal with your case summarily, which means the case will then be closed. However, for more serious allegations the case may be referred to a College Misconduct Committee.

• Our guidelines (PDF, 22KB, opens new window) explain more about the initial investigation process.
• Section 8.3 of the University Regulations (PDF, 55KB, opens new window) outlines the official process.

Referral to College Misconduct Committee

If, based on the evidence, the Officer considers that your case is serious, it will be referred to a College Misconduct Committee. This committee will hear your case in strict accordance with the Code of Practice below, to ensure fairness. You should read carefully through the Code of Practice so that you know what to expect.

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Sanctions for examination irregularities

The University takes all instances of exam irregularity very seriously. A range of sanctions can be applied if you are found, based on evidence, to have committed an irregularity:

• The Student Conduct Officer can apply the sanctions outlined in section 8.3 of the  University Regulations (PDF, 55KB, opens new window).
• The College Misconduct Committee can apply the sanctions outlined in section 5 of the Code of Practice on Misconduct and Fitness to Practise (PDF, 61KB, opens new window).

Instances of proven, serious examination irregularity may lead to withdrawal from the University.

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