What to do if you are running late for an exam

You are expected to make adequate arrangements to ensure you arrive in good time for all examinations. We recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes before your exams which will allow you time to locate your room and compose yourself before the start.

Late arrival

If you arrive within a few minutes of the start time of an exam, you will be allowed access to the room but you will not be allowed any additional time. Please make sure that you enter the room as quietly as possible so as not to disturb those who have already started the exam. Locate an invigilator who will help you find your desk.

If you know that you will be more that 30 minutes late for an exam, please call the Examinations & Assessment Office on 0207 380 3028 to advise them. If your reason for being late is genuine and acceptable, we may be able to seat you in a different room for the full exam length. If not, you will be asked to attend in your allocated room for the remaining exam time if we can confirm that no other candidate has already left the exam. If you are severely late for examinations, you will not allowed to sit, regardless of the time remaining.

Please note that routine travel delays are not an acceptable reason for lateness and you will not be allowed extra time because of it.

In the event of transport strikes/inclement weather or other unforeseen events during the exam period, there will be regular updates on the My Birkbeck website advising you on what to do next. Only in the most severe adverse conditions will exams be cancelled and re-arranged.