Preparing for exams
What you need to know and prepare depends on the form of examination. Your teacher will let you know when the examination is taking place, what form it will take, and which instructions apply. From there, you can plan your studies and what you need to find out.
Important to do
1. Find out dates and times
No later than two weeks before your course starts, you'll have access to information about dates and times for examinations, including compulsory components. You'll find this in your course timetable or in Canvas. Bear in mind that an examination may take place on one or several occasions — either during the course or at the end.
Can't attend? You'll be given an opportunity to make up the examination as soon as possible, either at a later session or through an alternative task.
2. Read your teacher's instructions
Find out what applies to your examinations as early as possible. Your teacher provides instructions for the examination (usually in Canvas), and in the course syllabus you can find the forms of assessment, among other things.
Useful things to find out:
- The form of assessment and how the examination is structured — for example, whether it involves calculations or written questions with short or long answers.
- What the examination covers and what course literature you need access to.
- What applies regarding permitted aids, any collaboration, and similar matters.
- If there are past examination papers available to review.
3. Know the rules
Knowing the rules for examination helps you avoid mistakes — and cheating. There are both general rules and rules for certain types of examinations. Further down the page you can read about the examination rules and what to keep in mind for your particular form of examination.
4. Study
A large part of preparing for an examination – and student life in general – involves attending classes and self-study. On the Study strategies page you'll find methods that may suit you.
Examination rules
The University of Gothenburg has rules for how examinations are to be conducted, covering both general rules and rules for different forms of examination.
On this page and on related pages you'll find a summary of what applies. You can also download and read the rules in full:
Rules that are useful to know:
- You are responsible for familiarising yourself with the rules that apply to your programme.
- You should be given sufficient time to prepare for an examination.
- Suspected cheating is reported — read more on the Cheating at examination page.
- Results must be communicated within 15 working days — read more on the Assessment and grades page.
Examination forms
Hall-based examination
A hall-based examination is written in an examination hall together with other students. You must register in advance — your department will let you know the registration deadline and how to register. Remember to bring valid photo identification.
How things work in the examination hall may vary depending on where you sit your examination, and whether it is a digital examination (DISA) or a paper examination.
Read more about the hall you'll be writing in:
Take-home examination
A take-home examination, written task or equivalent (for example a memo or report) is an examined task you complete at home with access to course materials — often with a focus on analysing and answering one or more questions.
Your teacher will let you know about the task, the timeframe and how to submit. How long you have depends on the scope and level of difficulty. Remember — the text must be your own. Use references and do not present AI-generated content as your own work.
Useful reading:
- Read the Cheating at examination page for help on avoiding cheating.
- For support with your writing, see the Guide to searching, reading and writing.
- Read about personal data in your studies if the task involves handling personal data.
Oral examination
Oral examinations — for example seminars, role plays or presentations — are conducted individually or in groups. An oral examination must be documented, for example through audio recording. If so, this will be stated in the task instructions.
Useful reading:
- See Giving an oral presentation for support.
Independent work (degree project)
To be awarded your degree you need to complete an independent work — often referred to as a degree project, thesis or final project. How the work is conducted and presented varies depending on your programme and main field of study. The most common form is a written thesis, but it may also take the form of an exhibition or a showing, for example.
Useful reading:
- Read more on the Degree project page.
Adapted examination
If you have a documented permanent disability and have been granted disability study support, a coordinator may recommend an adapted examination based on your needs.
Let your department know no later than four weeks before the examination date.
Further information:
Contact
Questions about your examination?
Contact your teacher via the course room in Canvas.
