This Code of Practice on Examinations and Assessment outlines Queen’s University Belfast’s procedures for the assessment and examination of students on undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes, including the taught elements of professional doctorates.

Information on the assessment and examination of students enrolled on postgraduate research degree programmes can be found in the Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes.

This Code of Practice on Examinations and Assessment complements the Study Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes and the Study Regulations for Postgraduate Taught Programmes. In the event of any conflict of interpretation between the Code of Practice and the Regulations, the Regulations prevail.

Please note: It is the responsibility of each Head of School to ensure compliance with this Code of Practice. While operational responsibility may be delegated to School staff, the Head of School retains formal accountability for oversight of the School’s processes and procedures.

University Assessment Policy

The University’s Assessment Policy promotes good practice for the assessment of undergraduate and postgraduate taught awards, including collaborative programmes and the taught components of professional doctorates.

The Policy contains ten principles, and guidelines on how each of the ten principles should be implemented.

Guidance on Assessment and Feedback

The Learning, Teaching and Assessment areas of the Centre for Educational Development website identify best practice. They are designed to assist staff in developing their assessment and feedback practices to enhance the student experience.  Case studies of good practice are included in the Assessment Hub.

QUB Assessment Handbook

The QUB Handbook of Assessment Guidance and Support provides an essential reference point for programme and module co-ordinators, particularly in relation to assessment planning and design. The guidance outlines the preferred practices of the University and draws upon the QUB regulatory framework.

The Examinations Process

Information on the management of the examinations process and the role of Examination Liaison Officers can be found at the Examinations Office website.

Exceptional Circumstances

To access the Exceptional Circumstances Procedure and further information for students and staff, please visit the Exceptional Circumstances webpage.

Boards of Examiners

Further guidance on Boards of Examiners is available to staff on the General Regulations SharePoint site (staff login required). 

External Examiners

To access information on External Examiners, please visit the External Examiners webpage.

Mark Schemes and Classifications

Further guidance on mark schemes and classifications is available to staff on the General Regulations SharePoint site (staff login required). 

Student Progression

The University’s Regulations concerning student progression can be found in the Study Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes, and the Study Regulations for Postgraduate Taught Programmes.

Academic Appeals

The Faculty Student Appeals Committee (FSAC) and the Central Student Appeals Committee (CSAC) hear academic appeals from undergraduate and postgraduate taught students against decisions about progression, assessment and awards.

Further information on the taught academic appeals process can be found on the Student Appeals, Conduct and Complaints webpage.

Academic Offences

The Appeals, Complaints and Misconduct - Academic Offences webpage, containing the Procedures for Dealing with Academic Offences, provides information to students and staff for undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and postgraduate research programmes.

Postgraduate Research Students

This Code of Practice on Examinations and Assessment outlines Queen’s University Belfast’s procedures for the assessment and examination of students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes, including the taught elements of professional doctorates.

Information on the assessment and examination of students enrolled on postgraduate research degree programmes can be found in the Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes .