News Article

Exam Misconduct: What You Need to Know

Wellbeing

KCLSU Advice is completely separate from King’s. We offer free, impartial, and confidential advice to all King’s students on issues affecting their studies, including students who have been accused of exam misconduct.

We’re going to explain what exam misconduct is, give you clear examples and explain what happens if you’re accused of it.

Remember, exam misconduct can happen accidentally, and it is your responsibility to ensure you understand the rules of your exam.

What is exam misconduct?

Exam misconduct relates to time-constrained assessments, whether in person or virtual. Essentially, it’s when students break exam rules, deliberately or accidentally.

A student may be accused of exam misconduct if an invigilator becomes aware of any concerns relating to:

1. Concerns about academic integrity – where an invigilator may suspect a student of cheating in an exam. For example, if they found revision notes on a student.

2. Breaking of exam rules – exams have very clear rules that invigilators should make clear. For example, if a student opens an exam paper before they’re allowed or continues to write once the time is up.

Examples of Exam Misconduct

Exam misconduct covers a wide range of behaviours.

One of the most common examples of exam misconduct is when students have and/or use a phone in the exam hall. This can often happen accidentally. Even if your phone is off and in your pocket, this still counts as exam misconduct. Your phone must be off and in your bag.

In 2023/24, other examples of exam misconduct that were referred to a misconduct committee include:

Having unauthorised revision notes in an exam

Accessing an online exam from a remote IP address

Collusion with / copying from another student

You can find more examples of exam misconduct here.

Speak to your department and/or an invigilator before your exam if you are unsure on the rules for your exam.

What are the possible outcomes of Exam Misconduct?

We know this is scary and stressful, but try not to panic. Contact KCLSU Advice in the first instance so we can help you navigate the process and explain your options.

If a student is suspected of exam misconduct, an invigilator must report it to Student Conduct & Appeals at King’s, who will investigate further.

There will be a preliminary investigation by Student Conduct & Appeals where they may wish to speak to you. KCLSU Advice can attend with you.

Possible outcomes of a preliminary investigation include:

No action is being taken if there is no case to answer

A warning is given to the student, which goes on their internal record

A full investigation begins into the suspected misconduct, which involves attending a misconduct committee.

If it goes to a misconduct committee, outcomes vary but can be very severe.

Possible outcomes of a misconduct committee:

In 23/24, there were 66 cases of exam misconduct, and in 21% of these cases, the student was expelled. In 50% of cases, the student was given a mark of zero and permitted to re-sit for a capped module mark. Other outcomes include being given a mark of zero and not being allowed to re-sit (17%), warnings (8%), and in a small number, the accusation was not upheld (5%).

If you are accused of exam misconduct, you should contact KCLSU Advice for support. KCLSU Advice can support you by explaining the processes, checking statements and attending meetings with you so be sure to reach out to us!

A Cheerful Note

We know this time of the academic year can be really stressful for you. If you need to take some time to unwind, make sure to check out our Take Time Out Events! From free, yummy lunches to petting fluffy dogs, make sure to grab your free ticket to enjoy some well-deserved time off your studies.