The University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities in the world, is famous for its unique approach to the examination system and student assessment. We will tell you about the features of passing exams in this prestigious educational institution!
Exams are held in the winter and summer sessions with the ability to choose the date of the exam
At the University of Bologna, the academic year is divided into winter and summer semesters - examination sessions are held at the end of each of them, giving students several weeks to prepare and pass. One of the features is the ability to choose the date of the exam, allowing students to plan their preparation time and avoid overload.
No penalties for postponing exam date
If a student feels insufficiently prepared for the exam, they can postpone it to another day without fear of being fined or impairing their academic performance. This is useful when preparing for very difficult exams – they will not follow each other.
There is no concept of a "tail"
At the University of Bologna, there is no concept of a "tail": a student is not required to take all exams strictly during one academic year, he can postpone exams to the next semester or even subsequent years. This makes it possible to learn consciously, deeply assimilate the material without haste and pressure. However, it opens up horizons for procrastination...
Intermediate exams
Instead of traditional final exams, covering all course material, the University of Bologna often uses midterm exams known as parziali. These exams break down the study material into small parts so that the mastery of the subject becomes more understandable for students. Midterm exams help students assess their progress throughout the semester.
GPA is derived from two exams taken in the middle of the semester
Course grades are often based on the results of two midterm exams taken in the middle of the semester. This approach avoids excessive stress before the final exams, contributing to the distribution of the academic load throughout the semester.
Exams can be oral or written, without tickets
Exams at the University of Bologna are diverse in format: they can be both oral and written. A distinctive feature is the absence of tickets - students are not provided with a list of questions in advance.
No time to prepare and use cheat sheets
During the exam, students immediately begin to complete tasks or answer questions, which excludes the possibility of using cheat sheets or other auxiliary materials. This encourages students to really learn and understand the subject, rather than just memorizing information for a short time.
There are usually 4-5 exams in the session, including tests
The average number of exams in one session, as a rule, is from 4 to 5, including tests. Credits in some disciplines may not require serious preparation and often do not affect the overall score, allowing students to focus on more difficult subjects.
Each subject is valued at a certain number of credits
Each subject in the curriculum is assigned a certain number of educational credits (ECTS) required to complete the course. The number of credits is directly related to the amount of work required for the successful mastering of this subject. Credits are cumulative and are an important indicator of a student's academic performance.
Credits affect scholarship and GPA
Obtaining the required number of credits affects not only the completion of the educational program, but also the amount of the scholarship - the more credits a student collects, the higher his chances of getting a scholarship. GPA is also derived from accumulated credits, encouraging students to take each subject seriously.
The maximum score on the exam is 30 points
The assessment system at the University of Bologna is quite strict: the maximum score on the exam is 30 points, and students who have shown outstanding knowledge can receive a grade of "30 with honors" (30 e lode).
Unsuccessful cheating can be noted in the diploma
While the possibility of cheating certainly exists due to students' enduring cunning, teachers strictly control the exam process to prevent such violations. Various methods are used to ensure honesty and transparency: allocation of seats in the classroom, additional observers.
If an attempt to cheat is observed, it can seriously affect the reputation of the student. The fact of violation will even be noted in the diploma, creating additional obstacles in future employment or academic career.
Session Difficulty
The assessment system at the University of Bologna cannot be called easy, students are faced with a large amount of information that must be mastered to successfully complete the courses. A 30-point rating scale contributes to a thorough test of knowledge and skills, making the session quite difficult.
Difficulties arise due to the study of subjects in a foreign language
For many students, one of the main difficulties of studying at the University of Bologna is the need to learn subjects in a foreign language. This requires additional effort not only to understand the material, but also to communicate with teachers and pass exams. However, such experiences allow students to significantly improve their language skills and prepare for an international career.
