On the day of the exam Online invigilation (proctoring)
Time
Exams will have a fixed start and finish time so it's a good idea to make sure your workspace is set up 10 minutes before the start time. If you're late for the exam, you won't receive extra time to make up for the delay and the exam will end at the published finish time. If you complete the exam before the published finish time, you can leave the session early.
Access your exam
You'll be able to access your exam from the Assessment tab on your module website. This will launch the online invigilation.
There'll be an opportunity for a mock invigilated experience to ensure you're fully prepared. It's important for you to do this to familiarise yourself with the experience.
Identification (ID) checks
As part of the pre-checks, you'll need to verify your identity by holding up your photo ID to the camera. These checks are to confirm you are the registered student and make sure you're taking the exam yourself.
Types of photo ID we can accept are:
- a photocard driving licence, including a provisional licence
- a passport
- voter ID
- a PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- a Blue Badge
- a biometric residence permit (BRP)
- a Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90)
- a national identity card.
If we can't verify your identity before you begin your exam, for example if you've forgotten your photo ID, you may not be able to complete the exam. If you know you won't have the required ID in time for your exam, you should contact your student support team (SST) as soon as possible.
Unauthorised material
You shouldn't attempt to access unauthorised materials during your exam. Your module website will have a detailed list of what is authorised. Unauthorised items might include documents, study materials, websites, software, or the use of external hardware like USB devices or mobile phones. During the online invigilation, the invigilator will observe whether you're using any unauthorised material using their live video feed and this will be reviewed by the University.
Room checks
Before you begin working on your exam, you'll need to complete some checks of your workspace using your webcam. These can take up to 30 minutes. The ProctorU system will prompt you to do this.
You'll need to show the invigilator your whole room, including underneath your desk. You'll need to use your smartphone or a mirror to show the invigilator your desk space. This is to ensure you're only using one monitor. All other monitors will need to be removed.
The invigilator might also guide you through these checks and will ask you to remove any headphones or smart devices. They may also ask you to hold up other items in your workspace to make sure the area is secure and free from unauthorised resources such as notes and other devices.
It's recommended you remove or cover any photographs of people from your workspace that might be in the background as these will form part of the recording.
Live monitoring
To ensure the physical integrity of your workspace, your on-screen activity will be tracked and recorded to ensure you aren't using any additional resources to help you complete the exam. You and your workspace will also be part of the recording.
Live monitoring does not start until the exam session begins and will end at the finish time. Recordings will only be used for the purpose of reviewing your conduct during the exam and will be kept in accordance with the Student Privacy Notice.
If your invigilator is alerted to any suspicious activity, your exam will continue, and the activity will be reviewed by the University after your exam session. On some occasions, your invigilator might alert you to activity that is not allowed and ask you to correct it, such as requesting someone leaves the room. If the University suspects academic misconduct, this will be investigated under the Academic Conduct Policy.
You won't receive any feedback from the invigilator at the end of the exam and your module and exam results will be published on your module record page on StudentHome.
If you're concerned about live monitoring because of your religious beliefs, you should contact your student support team (SST) to discuss options and agree any reasonable adjustments.
Taking breaks
You should try not to take a break during the exam as this will reduce the time you have to complete it. If you need to, a break of not more than 10 minutes will be allowed. The time you've spent out of the room will be recorded by the invigilator. You need to be aware that any time you take away from the exam will mean you have less time to complete your answers, and the exam will not be stopped.
If you leave the room for a break, you'll need to do the room checks again. The time this takes will also come out of the time you have for the exam. The room checks could take up to 10 minutes.
We'll review any breaks taken during the exam to consider whether we believe this impacted your exam performance.
If you have additional requirements that mean you need longer or frequent breaks because of a disability, health condition, you're a carer, pregnant or nursing mother, or for religious reasons you'll need to let us know as soon as possible by completing the Request arrangements for online invigilated exams form.
