The final degree classification is based on a number of different kinds of assessment, in order to give the fairest picture of each individual student's abilities and achievements. Essays encourage you to read widely in answering a specific question. Laboratory work tests your practical skills, while projects are designed to evaluate your capacity to apply research to a particular problem. Exams assess your grasp of the breadth of a subject. Whatever the method, though, you can improve your performance by preparing carefully, and by completing any coursework that may not count towards your final mark, but will help when you undertake the assessments that do count.
All subjects have exams at the end of the first and second years.
I'm really loving my second year because I can gear it to what I want to do. In my Conservation course I've been looking at how to study endangered species. Later on in the year, we have the chance to go to Devon to look at how the local area puts conservation projects into action. It was particularly special, because students were involved in the nomination and it's great to think that they enjoy the courses. The Schools of Studies system is an essential part of life here.