Religious observance
Information relating to religious observance in examinations can be found here.
Does the University recognise religious observance?
Yes, the University of Nottingham respects the rights and religious views of all of its students.
The University's protocol relating to absence from an examination for reason of religious observance sets out the procedure for students who are unable to take examinations on a particular day during the published examination periods for reasons of religious observance.
What should I do if my exams fall on a religious festival/holy day or religious observance?
When should I fill out the form?
This form should be filled out when a student begins their studies. Student's details will remain on record for the remainder of their time on their current programme of study.
Do I have to fill out a form for every exam session/semester?
No. Having completed a Religious Observance form students are not required to fill out further forms each Semester.
A student’s modules will be taken from the Student Records System for each examination period.
It is imperative that students check their modules when prompted to do so as the timetable will be based on the module records that we have.
I’ve graduated from my degree and have enrolled on a second degree. Do I need to complete a new Religious Observance form?
Yes, any student returning to the University to undertake a second degree (e.g. Postgraduate Masters) will need to complete a new Religious Observance Form relating to their current course.
Is there a deadline for me to complete the form, to get Religious Observance in place?
Yes there are. Deadlines for completed forms to be sent to the Exams Ops are below.
Deadlines for completed forms to be received:
Autumn Semester Exams was Wednesday 9 November 2022.
Spring Semester Exams is Thursday 2 March 2023-12 noon.
August reassessments is Friday 14 July-12 noon
Exam Dates:
Autumn semester
Monday 16 January 2023 - Saturday 28 January 2023
Spring semester
Monday 22 May 2023 - Saturday 10 June 2023
Late summer resits
Monday 21 August 2023 - Friday 1 September 2023
Is it always possible to take my request into account?
Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to take student requests into account.
Where it is not possible to take a student’s request into account, and the student has completed the Religious Observance Form by the published deadline, the student should contact their School Examinations Officer for further advice. The School concerned may make the following alternative arrangements:
- Setting an alternative examination paper for such students to be taken on another day
- Permitting the student(s) to take the examination as an alternative assessment candidate at either an earlier or later start time, on condition that the student is able to provide a chaperone acceptable to the School, who will accompany the student in the intervening period
- Setting an alternative form of assessment
It is anticipated that Schools will make every effort to ensure an alternative arrangement for a student is possible.
In exceptional circumstances the School should consider offering the student a deferral of their examination until the August/September resit period under the University’s Extenuating Circumstances Policy. You should raise a University of Nottingham Extenuating Circumstances claim via the Student Enquiry Centre.
Information about extenuating circumstances can be found on the Extenuating Circumstances webpages.
Raise an Extenuating Circumstances form via the Student Enquiry Centre