Examinations and University Regulations

It is the responsibility of all students to ensure they are aware of the relevant University regulations and policies. Below you will find links to access these, as well as information on examinations for both taught and research programmes. 

Regulations, guidelines and general examination information

Examination Regulations

This website contains the regulations of the University relating to the various degrees, diplomas and certificates conferred by the University. It also includes regulations relating to other areas such as fees and residence requirements. Learn more.

Student Handbook (Proctors’ and Assessor’s Memorandum)

The Proctors and Assessor are academics elected to act as senior officers of the University. They oversee student matters and ensure that the University’s statutes and policies are followed, with particular emphasis on examinations, conduct and welfare. The Student Handbook (Proctors’ and Assessor’s Memorandum) provides general information and guidance about the University, as well as providing formal notification and explanation of the University’s codes, regulations, policies and procedures. Examples of areas covered include welfare, academic dress, examinations, complaints procedures, conduct and residence.

University Examinations and Assessments Information

This section of the University website provides information on the examinations and assessments process at the University: from entering for examinations, through to accessing your results.​ See University Examinations and Assesments Information.


Quick links to some useful policies and procedures 

Residence Requirements

Details on the University requirements for residence may be found in the Student Handbook (Residence Requirements). Should you wish to apply for exception from the regulations please contact the Academic Registrar

Complaints and Academic Appeals

The Proctors Office manages the complaints and academic appeals process, and provides full information about it on their website. See Complaints and Academic Appeals. Once you have read the relevant sections, please contact the Senior Tutor or Academic Registrar if you wish to discuss things further. 

Policy on Paid Work

The University provides guidelines for students wishing to carry out limited work during their studies. See Policy on Paid Work. If you are in the UK on a student visa you are also advised to read the Working While Studying information published by the University Student Immigration Office.

Policy on third party proofreaders

In- depth guidelines for the use of proof readers and when this is permitted. See Policy on third party proofreaders.


Examination information for taught courses

Alternative Examination Arrangements

The Academic Registrar can advise on the process of applying for Alternative Exam Arrangements, or you can contact the Disability Advisory Service (DAS). Where students have already registered with the DAS and alternative arrangements have been recommended as part of a study needs assessment, this information will be forwarded to the College in preparation for the application.

The College will submit an application to the Proctors Office on your behalf and the Proctors will make the final decision on whether to allow the adjustments requested. In most cases, applications for alternative arrangements must be submitted no later than Week 4 of the term before the examination is due to take place. For more urgent cases, for example if you have been injured, applications may be submitted closer to the date of your examinations, however please make sure you contact the Academic Registrar as soon as possible with the details.

Deadlines and Late Submissions

If factors (such as illness) have significantly affected your ability to submit an essay or dissertation by the due date, it may be possible to apply for extension to the submission deadline. This involves the College submitting an application to the Proctors Office on your behalf, and these should be submitted in advance of the deadline. Please contact the Academic Registrar with as much notice as possible and they will advise on the process.  

Please note that Oxford keeps to strict deadlines and it is very important that you meet deadlines for submitted work. Unless there are medical or other serious reasons for a late submission, academic and financial penalties are likely to be applied, so if there has been an unforeseen impact on your work please ensure you contact the Academic Registrar as soon as possible.  

Further details about submitting work may be found on the University's Submitting Assessments page, and information about the related rules can be found in the Student Handbook

Factors Affecting Performance

If you would like University examiners to be aware of any factors that may have affected your performance before or during an examination, please contact the Academic Registrar to discuss your circumstances. They will advise you on completing an application for factors affecting performance to be considered, which will be forwarded (along with any supporting material you wish to provide) for consideration by the Chair of Examiners. Please note that this must be submitted prior to the final Examiners’ meeting for your course.  

See Oxford's Guidance on Sitting Your Exams for more information. 


Examination information for research courses

Research Degree Stages

The Research Degree Stages section of the University website outlines the key stages that you must pass through during your course. These stages involve assessment of your work and progress, and your Department will provide specific information about the procedures and deadlines for your course. See Research Degree Stages

When submitting applications relating to these stages, you will need to have your form signed by the College. University progression forms are processed by the Academic Office, and will either be signed by the Senior Tutor or the Academic Registrar. Forms may either be submitted in hard copy to the office or Lodge, or emailed directly to the Academic Office.  When submitting the form, please indicate your preference of having it returned to you (via your pidge or email, depending on the format), or forwarded to your next destination. Make sure that you allow at least 2 days for processing. 

Please note that the College is unable to sign University forms if there are any overdue fees debts. Your financial situation will be checked with the Accounts Office before any forms are signed, so it will save you time if you make any necessary payments beforehand. 

Research Degree Examinations

Oxford's Research Examinations page provides a summary of the key regulations related to examination, along with procedural information about the submission and examination of your thesis. See Research Degree Examinations.

Maximum Submission Deadline

The deadline for you to submit your thesis can be found on your student record, accessible through Student Self-Service (it may also be called the 'expected submission date'). Please note that this is not the date on your university card – the date on your card is the date by which you are expected to have completed your course and allows an extra 6 months after submission for you to attend a viva and receive the outcome.