Support with online exams and assessments

You should first read and follow any guidance your School has provided on your exams and assessments, and how to get help with any issues (such as technical problems). This guidance varies between Schools and Programmes - further information about where to find it is available below.

When are my exam deadlines?

Final submission deadlines will always be stated in British local time (Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST) depending on the time of year). If you live in a different time zone, it is your responsibility to convert your local time to British time. Time zone errors will not be accepted as mitigating circumstances for late submission. 

What if there is a technical issue with a University system during my exam window? 

Most exams provide a window of availability and are set to allow for any temporary loss of access, which should help you work around any temporary technical issues. If you have an issue, do not worry; just login again and resume your exam. Your work is saved regularly. If you lose connectivity, you should be able to return and access your answers as they were when your connection dropped. 

• If you are experiencing issues with Canvas that prevents you completing your exam submission, you can raise an IT Services ticket for technical support. 

• If you experience a network failure during an online exam window, close the browser and try again using a different browser or computer - or where possible try again later. If the issue is with your Wi-Fi, try moving to an area with a stronger signal or using a wired connection if possible, and limiting the number of applications open and running on your device. Get  further guidance on fixing internet connectivity issues. 

What if there is a technical issue when I’m trying to submit my exam or assessment? 

1. Take a screenshot or photo of any error message. Save this file and do not amend after the incident, to preserve the date stamp. You will need this if you decide to submit a mitigating circumstances request. 

1. Try to re-enter the exam or complete your submission as soon as possible or  if you are unable to submit see the information below about who to contact. 

You cannot query or challenge a question during the exam. After the exam you can report the question to the programme team. 

You cannot sit an exam after the availability window has passed, but if you missed the exam due to circumstances outside your control then you may submit a mitigating circumstances request. 

Access support from your relevant Faculty / School 

• Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health: Check the Examination section on your course unit homepage in Canvas for details of how to obtain support (during business hours).  

• Faculty of Humanities: See your School student intranet for details of available support: AMBS undergraduate intranet, AMBS PGT intranet; SALC student intranet; SEED student intranet; SoSS student intranet 

• Faculty of Science and Engineering: Follow the advice and contacts provided by your School. 

What if I have a technical issue with my assessments outside of business hours? 

Your first point of reference for any technical issues is our IT Services. You can raise an IT ticket via this link.

We recognise students are likely to work on exams and assessments outside of University hours. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide the same level of support as during business hours.  

If you experience pressing technical issues during this time, telephone support is available from IT 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call them on: 0161 306 5544. 

Canvas support is available for non-University specific queries. Access via the Help menu in your Canvas navigation menu (on the left side of your dashboard) for support with: 

• Logging in and access issues. 

• Submitting assignments or quizzes. 

• Uploading files, videos, or checking grades. 

• Troubleshooting Canvas features (e.g., discussions, notifications).