Examination and Assessment

Information for current students regarding examinations and assessment

Marking and Classing

Each year, students receive an individually classed result to indicate their progress on the HSPS Tripos. Guidance on the marking and classing criteria for each part of the Tripos is provided in Michaelmas term.

  • Marking and classing criteria - Part I [PDF file] (updated annually during Michaelmas Term)
  • Marking and classing criteria - Part II [PDF file] (updated annually during Michaelmas Term)

Final Degree Classification

Students who started Part I in or after 2020 will receive an overall degree classification at the end of their final year. The algorithm for obtaining the final classification for the HSPS Tripos is Part I (0%), Part IIA (0%) Part IIB (100%). This means that the third year assessments account for 100% of a student's final degree outcome - marks from the first and second year do not count towards the final result. Further information can be found at the Camdata website.

Competence Standards

HSPS Competence standards [PDF file] refer to the competences that students are required to demonstrate in assessments in order to successfully complete a programme of study.

Examination and Coursework Information

Part I students can find examination information in the Part I Moodle. Part II students should consult the course information for their respective track.

Further information about the structure of Cambridge undergraduate courses can be found on the Camdata website.

The format for HSPS examinations in 2025-26 will be as follows:

  • All examinations will be unseen, invigilated, in-person two-hour or three-hour exams.
  • Any element of assessment other than exams will remain the same; this means dissertations, long essays, projects, etc.
  • Prior to your exams you should familiarise yourself with the information on the Universities Policies and Guidance SharePoint sites: University of Cambridge Students' Exams SharePoint and In-person Examinations SharePoint.