Dear students,
I have been informed that your exam date where exams will be released online for this module is
Monday 18th May 2020 at 12 noon UK time. You have 48 hours to complete and upload your
answers. The deadline for submission online is UK time 12 noon on Wednesday the 20th May 2020.
Below are some guidelines to note for the exams which are also questions that you have frequently
asked me:
1. If you were doing the exam under exam conditions in Plymouth, how much you write is limited
by time and not number of words. However in this instance since you have 48 hours to complete the
exam you will be limited by a word count.
2. You will be required to answer 3 questions from a choice of 7. Each question carries equal marks.
The maximum word count for each answer should not be more than 1000-1200 words. So the
maximum is 1200 words, you do NOT have a +10% on this. You can certainly write less than 1200
words. There is no lower limit but you need to be sensible about how much you can convey in just a
few hundred words. Having said that, it is not the quantity that you write which will gain you marks
but the quality of what you write. If you have answered the question comprehensively with some
critical thought, applied it to real life contexts and provided examples then you will gain marks in the
high end.
3. Yes you will need to provide a few citations and references if you refer to books, journals or
other sources. I much rather that you’re able to write the answer on your own without relying much
on other sources. If you were to use other sources I’d prefer you to use either the core text or other
marketing text books, and academic journals etc. I will not accept any material from unreliable,
untrustworthy web sources. You can certainly refer to the likes of the BBC but definitely not sites
such as tutor2u and other such sites. Citations and references are not counted in the word count. I
will not be looking to see if you have cited from a range of sources. So if all you have used is two text
books that is fine. It is the quality of your answer, your understanding, your application that I’m after
and not the number/variety of references.
4. Since this is an open book exam you are able to have your books, notes and other sources with
you when you attempt the questions. However in my experience open book assessments can be a
struggle as you may be confused as to which source to use and also trying to put in information from
everything you can find. In order not to fall into this pit you need to have revised like you would have
for a closed-book exam. When you know the material it makes things a lot easier. When revising,
make notes and keep them with you for the exam. This way you will not need to waste time scanning
through all the sources that you have. Go through the sources and materials you have when revising
so that you know exactly where to look for the info you need when attempting this exam. When
sitting for the exam have just a few sources and notes with you. Do not overwhelm yourself with
dozens of material. The danger of this is that your answer will be a waffle and not to the point lacking
critical thought, demonstration of application and understanding.
5. Make sure that you structure your answer well. Aim to have a brief introduction and conclusion.
The majority of the words should be utilised for the main body of the answer. This should be set out
in paragraphs. Feel free to underline or make bold any words or thoughts that are key to your
answer. Using paragraphs and making key points visible helps the marker to clearly see that you have
presented your arguments well and helps us not to miss anything you’ve written. There are 270 exam
scripts for us to mark, each of about 3500 words. So clarity, clear signposting and making your
answer pleasing to the eye certainly helps!
6. I will upload further guidance for exams over the next few days. If you have questions for which
answers are not provided above, please email me. But please read the above clearly before you
email me.
Good luck with revision!