Exam Provisions
Examination Adjustments
The purpose of examination adjustments is to provide an environment that allows all students to demonstrate their ability in examinations irrespective of the potential effects of a disability / learning difference. Examination adjustments can consist of extra time, rest breaks, ability to sit exams in a smaller group or a separate room and/or access to assistive technology and/or specialist support.
Who can apply?
Any student with a long-term health condition, mental health condition, neurodivergent condition, disability and/or learning difference such as dyslexia or dyspraxia may apply for Examination Adjustments.
Short-term health conditions (such as a broken limb or pregnancy) affecting a student’s ability to undertake an exam under standard conditions may allow temporary adjustments to be put in place.
How to apply
Contact the disability team in the Advice Centre for information on how to apply for examination adjustments. Email disability@rvc.ac.uk or make an appointment via the online booking system.
Requests should be submitted at least 30 working days prior to the first examination in an examination period. If an application is made after this time, arrangements cannot be guaranteed for that exam period.
The Exams Office will confirm the specific details of your examination adjustments with you. Please check these match the request that the disability team submitted for you and let us know immediately if anything appears to be incorrect or missing.
Unless otherwise stated these arrangements remain in place for the duration of your course and you do not need to reapply.
Competence Standards and Reasonable Adjustments
Because of the specialist nature of veterinary medicine courses there may be instances when it is not immediately obvious if it will be possible to implement adjustments due to the nature of the competence being tested. Where a competence requirement has been set by an external regulatory body this can also present challenges when attempting to provide reasonable adjustments.
The College will attempt to ensure it meets its legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 to fully consider how reasonable adjustments can be implemented in examinations when required, including adjustments for competence-based tasks. Where an adjustment is not considered possible, you can expect to be given clear information about the reason(s) why the accommodation could not be made.
Useful information.
Details of college policies and procedures for examinations and assessment can be found on this section of the RVC site.
If you have any difficulties using public transport, be aware that many examinations are delivered off campus in various locations around London. If you are eligible for DSA you could mention this to your DSA needs assessor. Refer your needs assessor to our Information for DSA Needs Assessors page.