Edinburgh law students told exams likely to be online in December

One effect of the new “hybrid” model of teaching


Edinburgh University Law School is preparing for an online December exam diet according to an email from Robert Lane, Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Many summer law work placements have been moved to December due to coronavirus, and the email comes as a response to students concerned over balancing work placements and exams.

Lane said in the email: “We have to presume that examinations in the forthcoming Christmas diet will be taken remotely, as were those in the recent May diet.”

Christmas will look a little different this year

Just as the rest of the university, the Law School will be using a “hybrid” method of teaching that combines online and face-to-face learning.

With regards to the change in work experience, Lane explained: “Some firms may be offering as a substitute [to summer placement] the possibility of a winter placement.

Normally this would not be something we would encourage, for it overlaps with the Christmas diet of exams.”

However, given the current situation, the Law School will “ameliorate … practical difficulties of combining the two pursuits” should students choose to undertake a placement alongside winter exams.

Lane added: “We recognise that a placement in a firm of solicitors can enhance significantly both your legal training and the possibility of securing a good traineeship.”

However, he also warned: “Whilst we will support a student wishing to take up the offer of a place, … it is at his or her academic risk so that we are not sympathetic to it leading to a plea of special circumstances.”

He finished the email telling students: “If the possibility of a placement at another time over the academic year arises, similar considerations ought to be borne in mind, though they may be less pressing and more compatible with study than in December.”

The Law School is the university’s first school to confirm the likelihood of online December exams.

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