The decision, which follows an amassing of over 4,500 signatures on an online petition calling for changes to summer assessments, was communicated to students in an email sent out on 24th March. 

It explained that students would be expected to complete outstanding coursework assignments and to follow guidance at a local level on the issue of extensions and other ‘alternative arrangements.’

Alternative arrangements

In addition, students will be expected to complete a piece of ‘bridging coursework’ in order to progress into their next year of study. Further details on this assignment will be released after Easter.  

The university has also expressed a willingness to graduate as many undergraduate finalists as possible in the summer term, without the need for them to sit exams.

However, they have stated that they ‘can only do this if we can evidence that across your whole period of study with us, you have met the overall Programme Learning Outcomes.’ An announcement of which students can be graduated without the need for exams will be made by 3rd April. 

Bridging coursework

For those postgraduates due to sit exams in the summer term, a similar decision has been reached. All exams will be cancelled ‘Where we have sufficient evidence that students have met the expected Programme Learning Outcomes at this stage of the programme.’ 

However, postgraduates will also have to wait until 3rd April at the latest for confirmation of their situation. 

Other UK universities have also had to take similar steps in response to COVID-19. In an email seen by Redbrick, the University of Southampton have cancelled first year exams and said that ‘where possible’ second year undergraduates and third year undergraduates completing a four year course will not be sitting exams. 

Yet, some universities have chosen to go ahead with summer exams, albeit in an online format. Such an example of this is Bath University, with an email seen by Redbrick and sent by the Engineering and Design faculty proving this.