It is a principle of the assessment procedures that candidates are assessed in several ways. Strengths in some areas can thus compensate for weaknesses in other areas. This work is taken into account in borderline cases. Examinations There is the dissertation, and three three-hour final examinations. For the final examinations, candidates must normally select and answer three questions from a list of twelve.
All candidates normally take an oral examination following the written examinations.
All degrees have an external examiner, who is a distinguished academic from another University. The External Examiner at BSIS is Professor John Vogler, from Liverpool John Moores University. The role of the external examiner is to guarantee the quality of the degree, its comparability with degrees awarded elsewhere by UK universities, and the fairness of the assessment procedures. Examination and dissertation assessment is always undertaken independently by two members of staff and is reviewed by the external examiner who has the right to see all work produced by candidates. The external examiner produces an annual report on the examination procedures for the Vice-Chancellor of the University.