Important: dos and don’ts to help you succeed in your exams

2 May 2023

We know that exams can be a stressful time, so we want to support you to succeed. Here we provide you with some helpful resources on exam ‘dos and don’ts’ so that all you need to focus on is your revision.

Our Academic Integrity module on QMplus is the best place to start! Check your module or course handbook, particularly for guidance on the right way to use quotes and citations. Also, please visit our new exam hub for tips, guidance and support to help you succeed in your exams.

Support is available if you’re worried about exams, and please talk to your Advisor if you have any questions or concerns.

The Students' Union is also running its Study Well campaign designed to help you look after yourself during the exam season. There are lots of activities and events on offer including petting zoos, plant giveaways, wellbeing walks and free sport - all to help you take a break. Plus, there's additional advice, support and ideas to help you avoid exam burnout.

Some common ‘dos and don’ts’ to be aware of:

•     Advice on exams and revision: check out the Revise Well course designed to help you  prepare for your exams, and make use of all our online study resources, or book an appointment with an Academic Skills Advisor.
•     Get help with practice exam questions, written assignments, presentations, feedback on essays and more: speak to our Academic Skills team or use Smarthinking Online Tutoring.
•     Follow the rules on quotes and citations from your module or course handbook: avoid copying sentences directly from a lecture or textbook when making notes, as you could be at risk of plagiarism if using your notes to answer questions.
•     Sitting an in-person exam: check out our guidance to help you prepare for the day itself, including what in-person exams will look like and what you can or cannot take in with you.
•     Online exams: you shouldn’t talk to others while taking online exams as you might be suspected of collusion. 
•     Creating notes with your course mates: be careful not to copy sentences directly into your exam if you and your course mates have created notes together. It can appear to be collusion - even if you haven’t discussed the exam and didn’t mean to collaborate.
•     Sharing your notes or work: if you share your work with another student they must not copy it in the exam. You could be penalised for collusion even if you have never seen or copied their work.
•     Self-plagiarism: Do not copy work from a previous assignment (including work submitted at previous universities), as this counts as plagiarism.
•     Chat GPT and generative AI: avoid submitting work generated by generative AI tools as this could constitute plagiarism and fall into the category of ‘ghostwriting’.
•     Do not use ghostwriters: using one of these writers is not allowed and is easily detectible as they don’t use original content.

The main point to take away is that any work you submit should be your own, in your own words, and referenced where necessary.

Graduate Route visa (post-study work)

If you don’t successfully complete your course on time, for example because of a case of misconduct, you may lose eligibility to apply for the Graduate Route visa. Therefore, it’s essential to take a few minutes to understand the ‘dos and don’ts’ of coursework and exams here at Queen Mary, and seek support where needed. Full details about eligibility for Graduate Route visas are available on the Advice and Counselling website.

We wish you all the best in your exams!

Chris Shelley
Director of Student Experience
Queen Mary University of London

Jojo Croft
Vice President Welfare
Queen Mary Students’ Union