Exams and Repeats
Examinations and Repeats Click a title below to expand or collapse
- Exams
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This time is probably going to be your most stressful time all year, so make sure to keep your study month as free as possible from distractions from your college work. We often think this a month off but really this time can be the busiest for you so you don’t want to be still finishing up on an assignment you didn’t get done on time and distracting yourself from the study for the big exams in May. Here are a few things to tick off before the study month begins:
- Make sure your exam timetable isn’t too squashed together ie two exams in one day right after the other. Get your academic rep to request for the exams to be spread out, if this is possible, making sure you do this as quickly as possible. Your provisional exam timetable will be sent to you via your student email during late February or early march.
- Set up study groups with people in your class that you work well with. You can work on exam papers together and help each other out with topics that you may find difficult.If you need to book study rooms email the Education officer, the library study rooms can be booked on each level with the librarian.
- Draw up a study plan for the month........ make the goals each day achievable. It will feel great to be able tick things off as you go. Look out for the SU study planner in March during the exam stress campaign.
- If possible organise extra tutorials with lecturers for your class or ask your rep to. This way you can ask you lecturer to go over the way they would like questions answered and what topics to focus in on. Your lecturers are obliged to provide these tutorials so don't feel shy to ask.
Exams and records office UCC:
- Marking
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What are the grades in UCC that you can achieve?
In UCC your exams are graded on a scale as below, with a descriptor of the grade you have been awarded. These descriptions are to give you an insight into the standard you achieved during your examinations. Note: Some departments may vary on their awarding of a pass grade.
Description
Mark Allocation
(%)
First
Outstanding answer showing thorough understanding, with discrimination in the use of information and demonstrating good analytical ability
70% - 100%
2H1
A well-argued answer that addresses the question set and shows a good understanding of the critical concepts
60% and above but less than 70%
2H2
Limited ability to argue logically and to organise material
50% and above but less than 60%
3H
Partial understanding of main concepts
45% and above but less than 50%
Pass
Limited understanding of main concepts
40% and above but less than 45%
Fail
Seriously lacking in content and accuracy
0% and above but less than 40%
The above markings for second class and third class honours is different in some courses in the college of Med and Health, check your course on the following link of marks and standards for UCC:
- Mitigation
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Mitigation is when you apply to have the cap waived on the Autumn repeats. This will only be granted in serious situations, such as illness of you or a close relative, death of a close relative or family member, pregnancy or any situation, which through no fault of your own, means that you cannot sit the examination at the appropriate time. Another use of mitigation is when you fail an exam/exams through no fault of your own again due to a serious situation. However mitigation is only useful if you fail. If you suffer some problems, take the exam and pass badly, mitigation cannot help you. You can apply to the mitigation committee to have your exam declared null and be allowed to take the exam for full marks in the Autumn. If you need help with writing up your letter or need some advice please just pop in and I will make time for you. We are all human and unfortunately we cannot control an unfortunate situation, so don't worry there are procedures in place to help you. If an incident like above occurs please contact me, the link for the mitigation form is as follows:http://www.ucc.ie/en/exams/procedures-regulations/mitigation/
The case will be decided by the Mitigation Committee, and applications should be sent as soon as you become aware that there may be a problem.Mitigation is granted on a module by module basis only. In exceptional circumstances, you can apply for mitigation for all your exams. Such applications must be received before the start of examinations, and will be decided upon by the chair of the Mitigation Committee and the relevant Dean.Mitigation is ONLY given for very serious circumstances, it is not a device for getting a few months extra study without penalty.
- Appeals
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An appeal of an examination result will be considered only:
(a) If there is evidence of substantive irregularity in the conduct of an examination
or
(b) If the student, on stated grounds, considers that the mark assigned in an examination is erroneous. (Student’s contention that he/she ought to have done better cannot ground a claim under this head).
or
(c) If there were circumstances of which the Examination Board was not aware
when its decision was taken.
Pleas note that you must apply for an appeal of exams no longer than three weeks after you receive your exam results via email.
The form for an appeal against examination results must be filled out along with your personal statement : http://www.ucc.ie/en/exams/results/appeals/
If you need help writing up you personal statement please pop in an I can help you with any problems you are having or even if you just have a simple query. I can't emphasise how important it is to act fast however. - Viewing of Exam Scripts
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Before you get your exams rechecked it is vital to view your scripts first, as you may have thought you had done better than you did on the day. Rechecks are only a tool to make sure the examiner has added all your results up correctly, after applying for a recheck the examiner will not remark your exam or review the individual marking. If you feel you have been marked unfairly you need to apply for an appeal against an exam. This is the same for continuous assessment.
When can I view my scripts?
- Your department(s) will make arrangements for you to view your scripts after the examinations board and during the consultation period they organise to liase with you regarding your exams.
When do I get to see them and what do I have to do?
- Your departments will be able to inform you of the conditions under which you can view your exams and they will require you to fill out a form to re-view your script and will notify you as to when the scripts will be available for viewing.
Where do I get one of these application forms?
- You can get the forms from your department office, but remember that you will not be allowed to see your scripts without notice to the department.
How long will I have?
- You will have an appointment time allotted to you to view your scripts within a 2 day period between 9.15am and 5pm.
Can I bring someone with me?
- No, your scripts cannot be viewed by a third party.
- Re-Checks
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A recheck is when you apply to have your script checked for errors of addition, and to ensure that all questions are included in your mark . It does not involve looking at the marks assigned, just whether they are all included in the mark. It costs €30, which is refunded if the recheck is successful. Rechecks should probably only be used if you see mistakes on your script, or you feel that some continuous assessment was not included. You have up to three weeks after the exam results are issued to lodge an application for a recheck :
- Proceedures and Regulations
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Link to UCC Page: http://www.ucc.ie/en/exams/procedures-regulations/
