How is the degree assessed?
Students take a four-paper exam at the end of the first year (the Preliminary Examination), but it does not count towards the final degree. Finals are taken at the end of the third year and assess work done in the second and third years. All students in the main school write an extended essay on the Special Subject. All main school candidates also write a thesis working from original material, and there is an option to do an additional thesis if you wish. So, two of the seven components of assessment are course work .
