Exams

Q1. Where can I get past exams?
Q2. Where can I get information on examination timetables?
Q3. How is an exam prepared?
Q4. What do I do if I am unsatisfied with a final grade?
Q5. How do I review my exam paper?
Q6. What are the percentage cut-offs for grades?
Q7. What happens if I get sick before an exam?
Q8. When are deferred exams held?
Q9. Am I disadvantaged by taking a deferred exam?

Q1. Where can I get past exams?

Past exam papers are available on the Course Materials Database (CMD) via your unit's Blackboard page. Past exam papers are available in hardcopy, and electronic format from second semester 1996 onwards. Not all exam papers are available because Lecturers may choose not to release a past exam paper.

The CMD can also be accessed through the QUT Library Website.

A limited collection of hard copies of exams are available to be photocopied. They are located in the quiet discussion area on Level 3, V block. All hard copies will eventually be replaced by the electronic version.

Q2. Where can I get information on examination timetabling?

To find out your exam timetable, click on the exam timetable link in your personal profile on QUT Virtual.

For more information about exams, visit the QUT Student Services exam page.

Q3. How is an exam prepared? Quality of Final Examinations

To ensure a high standard of examination papers, the Faculty has adopted a formal process of peer review, or moderation. It is intended that each examination paper relate to the objectives, topic weightings and proposed assessment of objectives as outlined in the study guide.

Moderators are chosen for each unit taught. They are academic staff members who have a sound knowledge of the subject material and the student group to be assessed.

When the final examination paper has been prepared by the lecturer, a copy is given to the moderator. The moderator considers the examination paper in light of the current study guide and the most recent report from the external examiner.

The moderator then completes a detailed report for the examiner with comments on whether the examination paper tests the specified objectives, adequately covers the proposed content, tests differing levels of subject mastery, is clear and concise, and is a reasonable length for the time allocated.

The lecturer may then change the examination paper, or may meet with the moderator to discuss the comments. After the examination paper is completed to the satisfaction of lecturer and the moderator, it goes to the Head of School for final approval.

External experts look at undergraduate unit assessment on an annual basis. They give the Faculty an objective view of how well assignments and examinations test the stated objectives and they make recommendations for future examinations. This helps to ensure assessment fairness and quality.

Q4. What if I am unsatisfied with a final grade?

Any student having reason to believe that an error has been made or an injustice done with regard to a final grade in a unit may apply for a review of the grade. Students should consult with the University Handbook for the policy and procedures pertaining to such reviews.

Upon notification of the final grade, a student who is dissatisfied with the grade should book a time to see their exam paper on FITSIS database program located on any S Block computers. Then book an appointment at the school office to see the relevant member of teaching staff to seek clarification of the reason for the grade.

If a student remains dissatisfied after discussion with relevant teaching staff, an application for a formal review may be submitted by completing the 'Application for Review of Grade' form available at the Campus Administration (Level 1, A Block) or Student Enquires Counter (Level 5, S Block). Students must substantiate the request for a review with cogent arguments.

Q5. How do I review my exam paper?

Any student may request to peruse his/her completed examination paper once semester results have been finalised. All students will be sent an email about this when the appropriate time arrives. More information on reviewing exam papers can be found at the Exam FAQs Student Services Site.

A list of cut-off marks for each subject are located on the enquiries counter at level 5, S Block.

Q6. What are the percentage cut-offs for grades? Grading Scale Guidelines

Final results are given numerically

Pass Grades
7 High Distinction (85% or higher)
6 Distinction (75-84%)
5 Credit (65-74%)
4 Pass (50-64%)
3 Low Pass (47-49%)
S Satisfactory

Fail Grades
2 Fail
1 Low Fail
K Withdrawn - Failure
U Unsatisfactory

This is only a guideline and cut off grades can vary.

These cut off percentages can change depending on the level of difficulty of the paper set.

Students should note that after each semester the faculty prints out a list of cuts-offs for each subject.

Q7. What happens if I get sick before an exam?

In this case you have two options.

Firstly, you can sit the exam and apply for special consideration in that subject. At most you would be awarded 3% for any special consideration granted. Applying for special consideration does not necessarily mean it will be granted. Each case is assessed individually by the examinations committee for the particular faculty.

Secondly you miss the exam and apply for a deferred exam. Again a deferred exam is not an automatic right but granted by the examinations committee for the particular faculty. You will be judged on your previous record with regard to deferred exams (ie how many you have previously applied for and been granted). You must obtain a doctor's certificate stating that you were unfit to sit for the exam.

In both cases you will need to complete an Application for Deferred Examination / Application for Special Consideration form available from Student Enquires office Level 5, S Block at Gardens Point (GP) and R Block Carseldine for mid semester exams.

For mid semester exams, the forms are to be submitted to Student Enquires office Level 5, S Block at Gardens Point (GP) and Level 1, R Block Carseldine. Note that the form are available in all the places mentioned below:

GP Campus
S block (Student Services) Level 5
A block (Student Administration) Level 1

CA campus
R block (Faculty of IT)
C block (Student Centre)

and even online at the QUT Student Services Deferred Examination page.

For the final exams you will have to get the applications from entry level, A Block (GP) and level 3, C Block (CA). Forms need to be submitted within three days of the examination date.

For final exams, the forms need to be submitted to A block (GP) and C block (CA). Any supporting documentation (eg medical certificate) should be attached to the form. If you are requesting either of these on medical grounds you must get a medical certificate.

N.B. This information is provided as a general guide and should not be solely relied on. Students should consult the University rules regarding deferred examinations and application for special consideration. If you cannot find the information you require the Faculty Services Officer will be happy to help you. (ph (+617) 3864 2782)

Q8. When are deferred exams held?

Deferred exams for first semester subjects are held around the second week of second semester. Deferred exams for second semester subjects are held in January the following year.
Students should treat this information as a guide and check with QUT Virtual for deferred exam dates.

Q9. Am I disadvantaged by taking a deferred exam?

No, of course a different exam is set but the marking scheme used by the lecturers is the same and therefore you are not marked any 'harder'. The same grade cut-offs are used for both examinations.

Note that a deferred exam or supplemental exam will delay your graduation and you may not be able to attend the graduation ceremony held for the graduating students for that semester.