• Specific Information:

• Prospective Exchange Students
• Current Exchange Students
• Freemovers
• International Degree Students

• General Information for all:

• Survival Guide
• Arrival Guide
• TimeOut
• Academic Calendar
• The CBS Academic Experience
  • Group Work
  • Types of Examinations
  • Things to Remember
  • The Danish Grading Scale
  • Re-exams
  • Types of Written Exams
  • Student Academic Counseling
  • The Danish 13-Point Grading Scale

Types of Examinations: Oral, Synopsis, Mini-Project, and Written

All grading is individual in Denmark. Even if a project has been done in a group, the exam will be individual and the grade will be given for individual effort - there is no group grading.

Oral Exams

The various administrative offices schedule examinations and your lecturer is responsible for the time schedule. If the course was taught in English, then the examination language is English. It is the student’s own responsibility to be present when the lecturer and censor calls you in for the examination.

It is therefore imperative that you are there relatively early in case some of the students scheduled for examination prior to you do not show up. If your name is called and you are not present, you will receive a "no show", which is a fail.

There are various types of oral exams:

1. Oral – without preparation (15-25 minute examination + 5 minute evaluation by professor and censor)
2. Oral – with preparation (15-25 minute preparation time + 15-25 minute examination + 5 minute evaluation by professor and censor)

For oral exams and presentations the following should be kept in mind:

1. Listen to the questions carefully before answering! Supplement your answer with an argument!
2. Take the lead!
3. Offer different perspectives on the topic (some might be critical or used for the purpose of contrast)
4. Discuss related issues
5. Explain relationships of relevance (equations, influencers)
6. Bring in different authors (various viewpoints)

Synopsis Exam

The synopsis exam is a form of oral examination. It differs from the traditional oral exam by being based on a short essay, which the student composes and hands in a week or two before the oral exam. The synopsis acts only as a point of departure for the exam.

A synopsis may be short (for example, 3-5 pages), which is a great lesson (and challenge) in learning how to write briefly and concisely.

The essay may be composed individually or in groups (normally two or three students) depending upon the rules determined by the various programs, and the exam topics must be found from within the course syllabus.

The synopsis itself should not be detailed ... but be put into perspective; you are supposed to have studied the topic in depth and able to discuss in more depth during the exam.The synopsis is generally not evaluated, but this varies from course to course. Always ask your professor about this.

The Mini-Project Exam

Like the synopsis exam, this is an oral exam based on written work. The primary difference is that the report of a mini-project is always included in the evaluation. Typically, a mini-project is approximately 10 pages long, but this, too, varies from course to course. Always ask your professor if you are in doubt.

The mini-project may be completed individually or in groups (normally of two to five students), and the topic must be chosen from the course syllabus.

Written Exam

There are two types of written exams:

1. Open book exams
2. Closed book exams

If the course is taught in English, the the examination language is English. The normal length of a written exam is four hours, but can be anywhere from one hour to eight hours. Your professor will inform you of the length.

If it is an open book exam you are allowed to bring all materials you have used throughout the course as well as your own notes and dictionaries. Bring your own library if you want. There are no material restrictions with an open book exam, unless specifically stipulated by the professor. In open book exams escpecially it is of utmost importance that you are aware of the rules concerning plagiarism. You must properly quote and document your sources to avoid any misunderstanding.

In a closed book exam you can only bring translation dictionaries (your language to English and vice versa). NO technical dictionaries are allowed!

The following may be helpful to keep in mind when taking a written exam:

1. Think carefully before you start writing
2. Think about the “structure” (outline) of your answer
3. You may point out relevant issues that you do not intend to cover in your answer.
4. Keep your messages clear and concise
5. Think about application of theories
6. Present your conclusion clearly and unambiguously

Last updated by The International Office 15/12/2008