Exam recounts

You can apply for a recount within six weeks after the request opens. A recount is a careful re-check of the marks recorded by the examiner and ensures that no answer, or any portion of an answer, has been overlooked. A recount application will also include a careful check that all internal (coursework) marks have been recorded correctly.

Please note that you may only apply for a recount for a course that has a final examination assessment.

Can I ask my lecturer to remark my exam, or give me feedback on my answers?

No. You must not approach your examiners, lecturers, or tutors directly about your exam, exam marks or final grades. To contact your examiner about your exam is a breach of the Examination Regulations (subsection 8). 

Why not?

• Remarking: The University does not remark final examinations. This is because your exam result already goes through a careful and thorough marking process. For many courses, more than one person is involved in marking, and moderation steps are in place to ensure fairness and consistency. Final grades are also checked and confirmed in departmental examiners' meetings before being released.
• Recounts: While exams are not remarked, you can request a recount if you believe there has been a calculation of error. A recount means your exam is carefully checked to make sure every part of your answers has been marked, and that the marks were added up correctly. It also includes checking that all your internal (coursework) marks have been entered accurately. Because of the careful marking and checking processes already in place, recounts rarely change a grade. 
• Feedback on exam answers: The University foes not provide feedback on performance in examinations. This is because final exams are designed as a summative assessment, a way of measuring what you have learned at the end of a course. In contrast, course assessments such as assignments, projects, and in-course tests are where you will receive feedback to help guide and support your learning. 

I'm unhappy with my final grade. What should I do? 

It's normal to feel disappointed if your final grade doesn't reflect the effort you put in, or if it feels different from your coursework results. However, this difference doesn't mean the exam was marked incorrectly; it usually highlights the different skills need for different types of assessment. 

Here are some things to consider:

• Coursework assessments (like quizzes, projects or group work) often involve more preparation time, collaboration or smaller stakes than exams, so results can feel quite different. 
• Exams are time-limited and independent, requiring you to demonstrate knowledge and apply the knowledge under pressure. 
• In-course tests that are sat under exam conditions are often the best indicator of how you might perform in a final exam. 

If your exam grade was lower than your coursework, this often suggests you may need to adjust your strategies for timed, independent assessments rather than indicating a marking issue. 

How can I improve my performance in future exams?

Improving your exam performance is about building skills that help you show what you know in exam conditions.

The University provides a range of academic and learning support services to help you prepare effectively. For more information, see Academic and learning support. 

Some strategies to consider are:

• Strengthening your understanding of the key concepts and skills required in the course. 
• Developing study routines that focus on exam preparation, not just coursework. 
• Practising interpreting and answering exam-style questions.
• Building confidence in writing under time pressure. 
• Seeking support if English is not your first language, or if language skills impact how you perform in exams. 

It normally takes five weeks for a recount request to be processed. Due to the volume of requests and the examiner's schedule, you may receive your recount outcome from different courses at different times. 

Each recount you request will cost $60. This will be refunded if any counting errors are identified.

If you need assistance with your application contact our Student Support Team.