Examinations and Assessments
Both differentiated and non-differentiated assessment of learning outcomes are used in Tallinn University. Assessment is based on the level of the achieved learning outcomes. Learning outcomes are the knowledge, skills and attitudes or combinations thereof (competences) obtained as a result of studying.
- An examination (hereinafter, exam) is a form of assessment of learning outcomes. Learning outcomes are assessed on the basis of a 6-grade assessment system. All subjects of theoretical nature end with exams. All exams include a written part, except where this is not possible due to the specific nature of the area of specialisation. Exams are taken during the examination session following the study of the particular subject or on the examination day stipulated by the academic unit.
- Pass/fail assessment is used to assess learning outcomes of a practical nature on a pass/fail scale. Assessment is on the basis of work done during the semester. Pass/fail assessment takes place at the last contact lecture.
Exams and pass/fail assessments in cyclic studies (including distance-learning studies) take place during study sessions or at the time agreed with the member of the teaching staff.
Admission to and sitting exams and pass/fail assessments
A member of the teaching staff has the right to establish requirements and conditions for being admitted to an exam or pass/fail assessment. These requirements must be described in the course programme. Such requirements may be, for example, carrying out independent study or passing a test with a positive result. The member of the teaching staff has the right to refuse a student’s admission to an exam or not to give a pass for his/her assessment when the student has failed to comply with the requirements and conditions for taking an exam or passing an assessment.
A student who has failed to fulfil the requirements for taking an exam / passing an assessment has the possibility to fulfil these during the semester when the course is taught in the following year. Previous agreement with the relevant member of the teaching staff is required.
Registration for examinations
When taking an exam or pass-fail test, students must register through Study Information System (ÕIS). If a student fails to attend the examination during the examination session (which is after the semester when a course was taught) the student’s evaluation form shall be marked ‘MI’ (‘absent’).
When a student has registered for an examination/evaluation (s)he has the right to cancel registration within one day before the examination/evaluation. If a student fails to cancel the registration of the main exam, then the result will be marked as 'MI' and the student loses the opportunity for taking the main exam or pass/fail test. If a student registers for the second exam date and does not cancel his/her registration then in his/her evaluation form shall be marked ‘F’ (‘fail’) for an examination and ‘MA’ (‘fail’) in case of a pass/fail evaluation.
Sitting exams and pass/fail assessments
A student must have his/her identification document with him/her when going to sit an exam or pass/fail assessment.
A student has the right to be admitted to exams and pass/fail assessments up to two times. Student has the right to use these times till the end of the semester, except when the student’s name is deleted from the matriculation register. When the student fails to pass an exam/assessment by that deadline, he/she must retake the subject in full (for more precise information, see “taking a course for a second time”). If the subject is no longer taught, the head of studies appoints a substitute subject.
The responsible member of the teaching staff shall appoint two exam dates during the examination session period or a deadline for presenting a piece of written work for examination.
The member of the teaching staff can appoint one additional time for exam or pass/fail assessment for students who were ill during the whole examination period and can provide a valid medical certificate.
In the case of cycle-based study, the member of the teaching staff shall appoint two dates for exam or pass/fail assessment in agreement with the whole study group. Examination plans are published on the university website and timetable programme (ASIO) during the last week of the semester that is ending.
Information and registration of results
Students shall be informed of the results of the examination or pass/fail evaluation within 7-10 days after the date of the examination or pass/fail evaluation (through Study Information System). Students have the right to see their assessed examination/evaluation within 10 working days after the publication of results.
Results of students who have been registered for a course for a second time are indicated on the evaluation form. Teachers and staff shall process these results only when a student who is registered for a course for a second time, has paid for the respective subject (See: Taking a course for the second time’). Results shall be entered into the study information system based on the evaluation forms by a member of the teaching staff.