The examination will contain 3 or 4 sections, and students are required to answer 3 or 4 questions, one from each section. The time allowed for the examination will be pro rata depending on the number of questions to be answered. Students will be advised of the format prior to the examination. The paper will cover the two non-core modules and the field work module plus associated seminar work, field visits and reading. The papers are marked by a team of examiners including the external examiner.
All marking is anonymous.
Each questions is first marked by the lecturer setting the question and then marked independently by a second marker. The two markers will then agree to a final mark. In the event of an unresolved difference of opinion between the two examiners the external examiner is the final arbiter. The marks for each candidate are totalled, grades assigned and borderline cases identified. Each student's final grade is considered individually at an examiners' meeting and by the external examiner.