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Dictionaries and calculators

Dictionaries

Each exam venue has at least one standard English dictionary available for you to consult, provided the exam paper does not state dictionaries are not permitted. If you wish to use it, you must put up your hand and ask the Invigilator for permission.

Candidates may only take a bilingual dictionary (in book format) into a University exam if prior permission has been given by the School responsible for the paper. Electronic dictionaries are not permitted. Where a School permits all candidates to use dictionaries (e.g. for a modern language translation paper), this will be indicated on the exam question paper, together with details of the dictionaries specifically permitted or excluded.

If you would like to bring a bilingual dictionary into an exam, please visit your Support Centre where staff will provide a letter on headed paper to state that use of the dictionary will be permitted, listing the specific exams in which it is allowed. You should display this letter on your desk throughout the exam. The Invigilator will check the dictionary for any notes and annotations, which are not allowed. 

A School may not permit the use of a dictionary for examinations for which it is not responsible.

Calculators

The recommended models of calculator for use in exams are:

• Casio FX-83GTx or Casio FX-85GTx
• Casio FX-83GTPLUS or Casio FX-85GTPLUS
• Casio FX- 85MS

Additionally, certain exam papers might specify the following:

• Only certain calculators are permitted (the model will be specified in this instance)
• That no calculators are permitted

If there is no mention of calculators on the paper, you will be allowed to use any non-programmable calculator.

The recommended models above are widely available.

For further information about which calculators are allowed in which exams, please contact your Support Centre in the first instance.

If you're in any doubt, you should consult your Department/School for information about the use of calculators and dictionaries in exams. 

 

Exam locations

Visit this page to see maps of our exams locations.

Information on cheating

Visit this page for information on what counts as cheating, and how to avoid it.

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