1. Introduction

This document sets out the examination conventions for the Preliminary Examination in Mathematics and Philosophy. Examination conventions are the formal record of the specific assessment standards for the course or courses to which they apply. This document explains how your work will be marked and how these marks will be used to derive your overall year outcome for Prelims. 

The formal procedures for the conduct of University examinations are established by the University's Education Committee. The Proctors have responsibility for the conduct of examinations in accordance with those procedures. The Proctors may be consulted by chairs of examiners, or by senior tutors on behalf of examination candidates in their college, on matters arising in the conduct of exams. 

The examination conventions applying to examinations in Mathematics & Philosophy in any given academic year are reviewed in Michaelmas Term of that year by the Joint Committee for Mathematics and Philosophy, and must then be  approved by the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division, and by the Humanities Division, following consideration by the Mathematics Teaching Committee, and by the Philosophy Undergraduate Studies Committee.

The Board of Examiners may only make deviations from these conventions in exceptional circumstances, subject to the direction of Mathematics Teaching Committee, Philosophy Undergraduate Studies Committee, and the Proctors. This document is in all ways subsidiary to the current:

  • Examination Regulations, in particular ``Regulations for the Preliminary Examination in Mathematics and Philosophy''
  • Examinations and Assessment Framework

Further information set out for examiners can be found in the appendices of the Preliminary Examination in Mathematics conventions: https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/undergraduate-courses/examinations-assessments/examination-conventions