programme is by examination, so it is extremely important that you understand what you need to do and how best to study for an examination. You should:
• know the PSR
• plan for examinations
• study regularly
• read the essential study materials and external resources
• revise effectively
• make use of the opportunities for feedback
• practise a previous examination paper under examination conditions.
How are examinations marked?
To ensure that our assessment of your work is fair, we use three different methods.
1. Examination scripts are graded by two different internal markers.
2. Markers do not have access to your personal details (‘blind marking’). 3. A selection of all marked work is sent to
External Examiners. These are academics from other universities, whose job it is to check the standards of marking at Royal Holloway. These Examiners are
independent and report back to the University of London.
Examination standards
The standard of the examinations for the programme is the same as that for students studying on campus. Royal Holloway’s academic staff are involved in the same way in setting question papers and marking scripts. No concessions are made for distance learning students. You need to be reasonably confident that you have the ability to succeed in an examination before entering for it. Remember that if you have to resit a paper, your mark for that module will be capped at 50 per cent.
Revision guidance
In this section we provide some advice on how to prepare yourself for examinations. You will also find useful tips on revising for examinations in The Sciences Good Study Guide.
Make time
After working through a module, you should allow enough time for revision. Try not to make too many social engagements in the weeks before the examination period. Concentrate first and foremost on revision.
Make a revision timetable. Set yourself the same amount of revision for each of the main subjects on which you will be examined. Try to stick to this schedule: do not spend lots more time revising the subjects you like best or find easiest. Likewise, do not spend all your time on the subjects you find most difficult. Finally, make sure that you don’t spend every minute on revision! Short breaks will refresh you and prevent you getting completely obsessed.
Be aware of question styles
You should prepare yourself for the styles of question that are likely to be asked in the
examinations. This can be done by looking at previous examination papers and carefully reading any advice provided by module leaders or tutors (especially in cases where there may be a change compared to previous years). Note that question style is likely to vary from module to module.
In general there are two different types of question and you should be aware of the extent to which these are likely to be asked in any specific examination:
• short answer questions: these typically focus on technical content, factual
knowledge and an explanation of concepts that have been covered in the study material.
• essay questions: these are more open- ended and give you the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of a topic and your ability to analyse issues relating to information security.
You should not try to guess what questions are likely to be asked in the examination. Some of the study units may never have been assessed before (they may be new or significantly revised). Also, while examination papers often cover similar topics from year to year, future questions may vary in the way that they are phrased and this can change an easy question into a very difficult one. A new Examiner may have a different style of writing questions and may place a different emphasis on the module topics.
Practise
If you are not familiar with the British system of taking written examinations, then it is particularly important that you practise writing examination answers under time constraints. Previous examination papers can be useful for
this purpose. Set yourself two hours to do the practice examination, with no distractions and no notes or other such resources (unless your module indicates that you will be allowed to take these into the examination with you). This will help you to learn how to manage your time in the examination and may help to identify areas of knowledge in which you need to revise more. See individual modules for advice on how best to obtain feedback on answers you have written to past examination papers. Note that even if you are familiar with taking written examinations, if you normally use a computer to write then it might be worth practising the ‘ancient art’ of writing things down on paper! Taking written examinations can be physically tiring for those of us out of practice with this particular form of exercise.
Prepare for the examination
It may seem obvious, but make sure that you know in advance exactly where and when the examination is being held! Take enough time to find out exactly where the examination takes place and how to get there. If you have to travel a long way, catch an earlier train or bus than necessary, so that you can be certain you will be there on time. Make yourself familiar with the building. Students have been known to go to the wrong place and try to sit the wrong paper! You may have some distance to travel to the Examination Centre and may have to plan for the necessary overnight accommodation. Get a good night’s sleep beforehand and try to relax the evening before. Make sure that you arrive in plenty of time for the examination, so that you are relaxed. Take a watch with you. Make sure that you have suitable pens and pencils and that your pen has sufficient ink for the duration of the examination.
Be aware that notes and mobile phones cannot be taken into the examination hall, even if your mobile phone is switched off. Although the Examination Centre will normally have an informal arrangement for looking after such items, you will probably remain responsible for their safety.