Specialist Masters student insight - exam tips

27 March 2017

In this postgraduate student insight blog, Specialist Masters students share their examination hints, tips and tricks.

Akanimo Enang
MSc Information Systems Management & Innovation (now MSc Management of Information Systems & Digital Innovation)

As an MISMI student, you might find it comforting to know most of our assessments aren’t exam-based. Regardless, the DBWT exam is one of the main hurdles you will face during the first term. The module is crammed with several dense theories and technical models and it’s super important you’re aware of this and begin to make plans to tackle them as early as possible.

Completing the assigned readings before lectures will not only ensure you engage properly during lectures, but also provides an opportunity to make summary notes and annotations which will come in handy closer to the exam. When the inevitable pre-exam panic strikes, I would wholly recommend small-group study sessions as a method of revising and taking a break from your intense, independent study sessions.

In addition to all this, remember to take frequent breaks and do stuff you enjoy. Not only is it impossible to revise for 24 hours a day, it’s also counter-productive so don’t underestimate the importance of resting your mind. Finally, on the day of the exam, make you get a good night of sleep and you’re aware of the exam location and how long it will take to get there. Take no risks, and give yourself plenty of time to spare just in case something goes wrong. After the exam, make sure to enjoy and relax with friends, regardless of how you feel it went. Grab a drink and think of things other than ISMI for once.

 

Meenakshi Elango
MSc Human Resource Management & Employment Relations

Exam time can be a stressful and daunting task for most of us. However, to help you stay away from a “More Coffee, No Sleep” routine and to better prepare you in acing the exam, I wanted to share with you some tips that have worked for me.

Of course, starting early is desired. But for those who have not been able to dedicate much time towards preparation, looking back and stressing over the elapsed time can only add to your stress. Instead, make a study plan for the days you have left and sincerely follow the schedule. Try to wrap-up learning new concepts or theories at least 3 days prior to the exam date. Revising what you have already studied is a must!

Be sure to ‘study solo’ before and after studying in groups, this helps you assess how much you actually know. Attend your revision lecture and follow the advice given by your lecturers. Eat healthy, exercise and sleep for no less or more than 7-8 hours a day to avoid falling sick. 

 

Amalia Smpokou
MSc Marketing & Strategy

Hello everyone! The exams are coming? Don’t panic - I have some tips that will help you feel less stressed during the exam period but also will help bring out the best of yourself!

  1. Do the pre-readings before each class, you will understand the lecture much better and it will be easier to do the revision at the end of the term.
  2. Organize your time, by writing in a paper how many hours you want to study for each module. Then make a tick - you will feel so satisfied!
  3. Take short breaks after 45 min of study make a 5-10 min break. You deserve it! 

 

Swabra Mutwafy
MSc Information Systems Management & Innovation (now MSc Management of Information Systems & Digital Innovation)

Examination period can be quite stressful especially if feel you have too much to study in very little time. The good thing about MSc Information Systems Management and Innovation (MSc ISMI) degree is that out of the ten modules, timed, close-book examination is only in one unit. The rest of the units involve you writing an essay, usually around 3,000 words on a 4-week timescale.

When studying for this one exam, I’d recommend having a list of all the examinable topics. It helps to go to the Examination Database and view what has been tested in the past and list all the areas. Begin studying the topics you are most familiar with and cross out what you have covered. This makes you feel like you are making progress and motivates you to study more. Studying the most unfamiliar topics last, in my opinion, would have them freshest in your mind just before the examination.

If you are really pressed for time, you can get a study buddy and share the list of topics with them. Study half the topics on the list, while they study the other half. Meet with them daily and each of you can summarize to each other what they’ve read. This can help reduce examination anxiety, and increase win-win mentality.