Completed studies and examinations

Written assignments
Examinations
Registration for examination
Taking an individual book examination
Special examination arrangements at the Open University
Instructions for examinations
Results

To ensure that students have learned the matters presented in class and in the literature, they must usually take an examination at the end of the course. Examinations usually require the writing of an essay or several essays. The course literature is presented in the study programme. Students are usually examined on both the lectures and the literature in the same examination. As each examination is generally given three times, students may retake an examination.

Good exam answer, Plagiarism and cheating in examinations
Textbooks

Written assignments

Coursework may include written assignments such as essays, learning assignments, or learning or lecture journals. The course catalogue indicates the method(s) for completing each course. Alternative completion methods are not allowed for some courses.

Written assignments may count towards the overall requirement. Each unit as a whole must, however, be completed using the method stated, and studies may expire if they are not fully completed in time.

Learning assignments must be returned as instructed in hard copy either directly to the teacher or to customer service. An electronic learning platform (e.g., Moodle) is used to return assignments in many disciplines.

Learning assignments are assessed separately, and the grade for each separate assignment counts towards the overall grade. The course fee covers supplementation of a failed learning assignment, but if you wish to retake the whole assignment, the course fee must be paid again.

Examinations

As a rule, the right to study entails the right to take an examination and to retake it once (courses worth up to 5 cr), or the right to take an examination and to retake it twice (courses worth more than 5 cr).

The study fee includes examination questions in Finnish or Swedish. If the language of instruction is other than Finnish or Swedish, the fee includes examination questions in that language as well. Students must pay a fee to receive examination questions in another language. Please indicate the examination language of your choice on the examination registration form.
More information from the examination service

Information about the language of study will be entered into the University of Helsinki Student Register (Oodi). The language of study is the language in which students complete their studies, i.e., demonstrate their knowledge. It may be a language other than the language of instruction or the student's native language.

Examination rooms vary and are not specified in the study programme. Always confirm the examination room in advance. Examination rooms in Helsinki

Registration for examination

Registration takes place on My pages. You must register for Open University examinations on our website no later than 10 days before the examination. Late registrations are not accepted.

Day of examination	Day registration must arrive
Saturday	Wednesday of the preceding week
Friday	Tuesday of the preceding week
Thursday	Monday of the preceding week
Wednesday	Sunday of the week before last
Tuesday	Saturday of the week before last
Monday	Friday of the week before last

The username that you use when you create an account and register for studies is important for registering for examinations and viewing results. You must use the same username to register for an examination as you used to register for the course. Otherwise you will not be able to view the examinations included in your right to study.

You can cancel your examination registration on My pages up to three days before the examination. You can also view your own examination registration details as well as the other information that you have provided.

Examinations and the grading of completed studies are regulated by the Regulations on Degrees and the Protection of Students' Rights at the University of Helsinki (pdf).

Taking an individual book examination

The study programme will specify the literature required for book examinations. All books will be included in a single examination, unless specified otherwise. When you complete a course with a book examination only, register for the examination through the online registration link in the study programme. You must specify the reading to be included in the examination when you register. You will also receive information on paying the fee. As of 1 August 2010, the fee will cover the two or three examination sittings indicated in the programme. To register to resit an examination, please use My Pages.

Special examination arrangements at the Open University

The Open University provides special examination arrangements for disabled students if they cannot participate in a regular examination.

Students must produce a doctor's certificate or similar report to be allowed to use a separate examination facility or aids (a computer), or to spend additional time on their examination. Accessible examination facilities are located in the Main Building of the University of Helsinki.

Students must inform the Open University of their special needs on the examination registration form. The certificate or similar report which entitles them to special arrangements must be submitted to the Open University's examination service in good time before the examination date. Please contact the examination service to arrange to submit your certificate.

The staff of the examination service will confirm the special arrangements (venue and time) before the examination. Students must always inform the examination service if they cannot participate in an examination for which special arrangements have been made (cancellation).

Instructions for examinations

• Please arrive on time for the examination. If you are more than 30 minutes late, you cannot take the examination. You can leave the examination 30 minutes after it begins.
• Coats and bags must be left in the cloakroom or at the side of the examination room. You cannot take anything other than your writing utensils to your seat.
• You cannot bring with you any literature or other material unless specifically authorised.
• Do not talk during the examination. If you disturb the examination, you will be asked to leave.
• Mobile telephones must be switched off and left in your bag or coat pocket.

The invigilators will distribute the examination questions in envelopes or on separate sheets. Please remember to write down your name and personal identity code on each examination sheet. The personal identity code is needed for registration purposes.

Once the examination is over, please return the question and answer sheets to the invigilator and show him or her an identity card bearing your photograph.

Studies are assessed and examinations arranged according to University of Helsinki instructions. Cheating on an examination will lead to a fail grade and further action.

Please ask the invigilators for further instructions, if necessary.

Results

The final grades are recorded in Oodi, the University of Helsinki Student Register.

The results will appear in Oodi some five or six weeks from the examination or the official assignment deadline. Failing grades are also recorded in Oodi. Information about partially completed examinations or assignments can be viewed in the learning environment or under Completions and results on My pages. If the results do not appear in six to eight weeks, please contact the examination service.

Information about partially completed examinations or assignments can be viewed in the learning environment or under Completions and results on My pages. Information about studies completed at partner institutions is also recorded in Oodi.

Completions and results/ My pages
How are studies evaluated?
WebOodi instructions