HISTORY STUDENTS were left confused and anxious after a departmental error made exam regulations unclear.
Those taking the first-year Thinking Through History module received a series of emails containing referencing advice that directly conflicted with the exam information posted on the VLE. The first, sent Monday 30th May, stated that due to “confusion” about the rules governing exam rules for the TTH module, “students are not required to produce references or bibliography for their essays in this exam.”
However, this advice directly contrasts with exam regulations posted on the VLE, and common History open-exam practice which usually recommends footnoting and full referencing. The resulting confusion prompted another email from the department, which stated that, “while students may, if they wish, reference their work with footnotes in the normal way, in view of the previous communication those students who choose not to do so will not be penalised.” A third email was also required to further clarify the situation. History students have been reassured that markers will take these communication difficulties into account when marking.