Examinations | Open University

By selecting a degree programme you are able to see the general content as well as the possible degree programme-specific content. You do not have to select a degree programme to see the Open University's instructions.

 

In a written examination, you answer questions related to lectures, set texts and any other learning material of the course. 

On the course page, you will find the following information related to the exam:

  • what are the date and time of the examination,
  • who the examiner (the teacher who sets the examination questions and assesses the answers) of the exam is,
  • what literature should be studied for the exam, and
  • how to enroll for the exam.

Remote examination in Moodle

You take a remote examination either on a specific date and time or within a specific time period and is organised in an electronic learning environment, usually in a venue selected by the student. An online examination may include written assignments, multiple-choice questions or combinations of the two.

Moodle remote examination instructions.

  • You will need a computer and internet connection to take an online examination. 
  • To log in to Moodle, you must have a valid University of Helsinki user account.
  • You will be able to see the examination questions when the online examination area opens at the designated time. You may use course literature, learning material and online sources during the examination.
  • You can write your answer directly in the answer field of the online examination or in a separate text file to copy into the answer field later.
  • More detailed instructions are available in the course Moodle space.

Read more about web-based studies

On-site examination at the University of Helsinki

You take an on-site examination on a specific date and time in University premises under invigilation. You must be physically present on site. You complete the examination either  

  • as digital on-site examination or  
  • by using pen and paper.  

Examinations can be implemented as either open- or closed-book examinations. In an open-book examination, the students may utilise written or online materials. In a closed-book examination, students may not utilise any materials when answering the examination questions. 

In a digital on-site examination, you use your own device (laptop or tablet). You complete the exam either in Moodle or another online environment.  

  • The exam can be organized either so that access to other websites or documents stored on the device is not restricted during the exam, or so that during the exam you only have access to the exam in the Moodle area and any websites connected to it (for example, a dictionary).  

If access to resources is restricted during the exam, you need to download the SEB (Safe Exam Browser) software to your device before the exam.  

Read more: 

Examinarium-exams

Examinarium is an electronic examination system that allows you to take certain exams electronically at a time and exam room of your choice. You take the exam in one of the designated rooms that are equipped with computers for taking the exam and recording camera equipment for supervision.

Instructions

 

Transfer exam

The University of Helsinki does not offer transfer examinations after July 31st 2023.

Individual arrangements

Individual arrangements at examinations may include additional time, a separate examination space, an assistive tool or an alternative mode of completion. Individual arrangements must be agreed upon beforehand. 

Read more: Individual arrangements support studies

Examination questions in Swedish

The nature of the course (such as a foreign language) may require that you complete a course in a certain language. In other cases, however, you have the right to receive examination questions in Finnish or Swedish and to provide answers in Finnish or Swedish. Read more: In which languages can I complete courses.

If you require examination questions in Swedish, please let us know in good time (no later than 10 days before the examination) by contacting the teacher through Moodle or emailing this address: avoin-student@helsinki.fi.

Assessment and registration of completed examinations

After the examination, the examiner will mark the examination answers. Completed studies will be entered into the University of Helsinki’s student records within four to six weeks of the examination date. The evaluation and organisation of examinations comply with the guidelines of the University of Helsinki. 

Read more:

How to succeed in an examination

A good examination answer

  • Your examination answer should demonstrate that you have read and understood the content of the lectures, the examination literature or other course material. 
  • Examination answers must address the question or the title of the assignment. Pay particular attention to what the assignment is asking you to do – compare, analyse or discuss – and structure your answer accordingly. 
  • A good examination answer is concise, systematic and clear. The content of the answer is more important than its length or other formalities. 
  • Use clear language and appropriate concepts and theories for the subject.
  • Plagiarising an examination answer will lead both to the examination being marked as failed and further consequences. Read more: What is cheating and plagiarism?

Planning and finishing an examination answer 

At the beginning of the examination you may feel like you cannot answer any of the questions. But all the things you have learned are stored in your memory – you just have to get them out. Begin the examination by calmly plotting out your answers. 

Tips for planning examination answers:

  • Prepare for the examination by studying properly, as the examination questions are extensive and often require the application of knowledge or the comparison of various concepts.
  • You outline the issues and thoughts for each question as bullet points, a mind map, image or graph – whichever format feels natural to you.
  • Calculate the average time you have to write each answer. Keep an eye on the time as you proceed. 
  • Start with the easiest question and continue to the more difficult ones.
  • For each question, plan the things you want to mention and the order in which you want to mention them.
  • Make sure you answer all of the questions, and check to see that you have included all the things you planned.
  • Before you hand in your answers, read them through and edit if necessary. 

Troubleshooting

  • If you cannot remember a particular detail, stop trying to force yourself and skip that part for now. If the detail is minor, it is probably not very important in terms of the overall examination. You will usually be able to recall bigger issues by concentrating and deducing. You may also find that you can think of the answer more clearly if you focus on the other questions for a while.
  • If time is running out, answer the remaining questions briefly and with complete sentences. Decide which issues are the most important to include. 
  • Everyone has their own style and pace of writing. Focus on your own answers.
  • If you feel tired and cannot concentrate, take a small break.

Examination anxiety

Everyone feels anxious sometimes, but what is it and how can we cope with anxiety? 

Watch a video where Juha Nieminen, counselling psychologist at the University of Helsinki, talks about anxiety relating to studies and examinations: Examination anxiety! (in Finnish)