Cambridge Law Students Face Criticism Over Exam Conditions
Cambridge law students have raised concerns about the conditions during their exams, describing them as “crazy.” Many have highlighted issues such as small desks and yellow question papers that cause eye strain. Additionally, the computers used for writing answers are reported to have screen glare, which some students find difficult to manage. Another issue mentioned is the risk of paper cuts due to the quality of the exam papers.
The nine-month Bachelor of Arts Law course, which can cost up to £45,516 for international undergraduates, aims to prepare students for a career as a solicitor or barrister. However, the current exam environment has sparked dissatisfaction among students.
In a complaint shared in a WhatsApp group, one student expressed concern over the yellow color of the papers, stating, “Is there a way to take away the yellow from the paper? It hurts my eyes. I took multiple breaks to close my eyes yesterday. I’d much rather have a white paper that I am used to.”
Another student commented on the screen glare, saying, “I would hate for screen glare, can’t function with it. I’m sure some in the faculty relate to this.” He also criticized the desks, claiming they were too small, forcing him to type with his arms held over his notes. The student, who described himself as a “weathered paper cut casualty,” said the conditions were “just crazy.”
Some students have accused their peers of making “petty” and “unserious” complaints. One student remarked, “The faculty have been more than reasonable at every stage and I feel sorry for them that they have been subjected to a litany of increasingly unserious and petty complaints.”
Concerns About Mental Health Diagnoses
In 2023, Cambridge students faced accusations of “gaming the system” by seeking mental health diagnoses for conditions like ADHD. Dr Fiona Cornish, a GP in the city, noticed a significant increase in students requesting letters to support their academic work before exam terms.
Doctors were provided with template letters that stated a student’s medical condition had impaired their ability to prepare for or perform in academic work or examinations. These letters could then be given to tutors before sitting assignments. As a result, the university could offer alternative exam arrangements, such as taking the paper into a quiet room or receiving 25% extra time.
Dr Cornish noted a rise in people diagnosed with ADHD and students being too anxious to be in a large exam hall. She mentioned that this pattern was not uncommon when she first started practicing three decades ago but has become more prevalent recently.
Dr Cornish stated, “I think the pendulum has swung too far the other way. I don’t know anyone who went to an ADHD clinic who hasn’t come back with a diagnosis. Then you got on amphetamines and perform better in exams.”
The University of Cambridge has been contacted for comment.
