The degree examination, retakes and resits

In most cases Semester 1 courses are examined at the end of Semester 1. Similarly, Semester 2 courses are examined at the end of that Semester. Year-long courses usually have a formal exam at the end of Semester 2 but may additionally have an interim exam at the end of Semester 1.

Usually the mark returned to Student Administration will be based on a combination of your in-course work and the degree examination. The balance of these components varies between courses, and details will be provided in each course book.

If you fail one or more courses in years 1 or 2 of the degree programme you are entitled to take a resit exam normally in August. If you have to resit, an exam fee will be charged. This fee is payable if you fail either the exam, ICA or both. You can also take the resit examination if, for a legitimate reason, notified and approved through the special circumstances procedures, you could not sit the examination at the first opportunity. In this case it will be regarded as a “first sitting” and the fee is waived.

Retaking assessments as 'Examination only'

If you fail the exam in August and need to “carry” it into the following year, your Personal Tutor may register you for this as “Examination only”.

This means you are not expected to attend classes. However, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are aware of the current course content. You'll have access to Learn to view current course materials.

In taking a course as “Examination only” you might be required to submit in-course work for assessment (if you have previously been graded as failing the in-course assessment) or to resit the degree exam (when you fail the exam only) – or, possibly, both. If you are in any doubt as to what you are required to do to pass the course as “Examination Only” you should make enquiries to the Course Administrator and/or Course Organiser to clarify this issue.

Studying for a course as “Examination only” while also taking a full complement of 120 credit points worth of courses for the current year is highly demanding and will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.

Resits

The number of assessment attempts students are entitled to for each course depends upon the type of programme you are taking and the SCQF level of the course. 

Taught Assessment Regulation 27

Honours undergraduate students are entitled to: 

• a maximum of four assessment attempts for courses at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 7 and 8; 
• one assessment attempt for courses at SCQF level 9 to 11 unless Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements apply, in which case a maximum of four assessment attempts are permitted. 

Non-Honours undergraduate students (excluding Visiting Undergraduate Students) are entitled to:

• a maximum of four assessment attempts for courses at SCQF level 7 to 11.

 Visiting undergraduate students are entitled to:

• a maximum of two assessment attempts for courses at SCQF level 7 to 11. 

If you are subject to immigration control you will have restrictions on your entitlement to resit as a result of being in the UK on a student visa. Students on a student visa can only take a fourth assessment attempt where they have valid special circumstances (in line with the Special Circumstances Policy), and specific additional conditions are met.

For more information please visit Section 27.12 of the Taught Assessment Regs

Read Taught Assessment regulations in full