This guide applies to examinations of the courses offered by the School of Music. 

1. Examination Scheduling 

1.1. Time of Examinations 

a) As a general timetabling principle, course instructors and Divisions should hold final examinations in the last teaching week (normally Week 14; see Academic Calendar), unless there are valid reasons, or a need to participate in the university-wide centralized examinations. However, for courses such as the major performance courses, and chamber music courses (for instrumentalists), which involve cross-stream performance examinations or concerts, examinations can be scheduled during the centralized examination week (Week 15). 

b) Unless otherwise approved by the School due to special circumstances, all final exams should be concluded by the end of the examination week. 

c) Examinations should not be scheduled on public holidays whenever possible.

d) Graduation concerts, doctoral recitals, and composition concerts are scheduled by relevant Divisions after discussion with the students based on the availability of performance venues. 

e) Scheduling conflicts for examinations with the College English Tests (CET4/6) in December should be avoided if possible. 

f) Course instructors and Divisions should inform students of final examination arrangements in advance, and should also submit the scheduling information to the School Registry Office about one month before the examinations for coordination of any scheduling conflicts identified. 

g) If students discover any scheduling conflicts, they should promptly report them to the course instructors or Divisions and the School Registry Office for alternative arrangement. 

h) Doctoral candidacy examinations are organized separately in accordance with applicable policies of the Graduate School and the School of Music. 

1.2. Location of Examinations 

In principle, all final examinations and graduation concerts should be held on campus. If any final examinations or graduation concerts need to be organized outside the campus, an application must be submitted well in advance, with strong justification supported by the Division Head, to the School Assessment Committee and the School Dean (for undergraduate courses), or to the Assessment Committee and the Graduate Panel (for postgraduate courses). 

1.3. Form of Examinations 

a) The form of a course examination is determined based on the course outline provided by the course instructor at the beginning of the term. 

b) No online final examination is allowed. 

2. Examinations for Performance Major Courses and Chamber Music Courses (for Instrumentalists) 

2.1. Examination Organization Final examinations for performance major courses, and chamber music courses (for instrumentalists) are organised by the relevant Divisions. Divisions are responsible for venue booking and setup, performance order setting, making of repertoire lists, jury panel coordination, rehearsal scheduling, audience admission, etc. 

2.2. Order of Performance 

a) The order of performance is, in principle, determined randomly.

b) The order will be released about two weeks before the examination.

c) Students with scheduling conflicts may negotiate with other students and their collaborative pianists to exchange order. Students must notify the Division and School Registry Office of the updated order. 

d) All examinees should arrive at the examination venue early to prepare for their performance according to the established order. Examinees who arrive late may, at the discretion of the examination panel, be disqualified from taking the examination. 

2.3. Repertoire 

a) Repertoire requirements are determined by the Divisions. 

b) Students are required to submit their repertoire information for the final examination by the deadline set by their Division. Late submissions will not be accepted. 

c) Students who need to change their repertoire should first consult their instructor, and inform both the Division and School Registry Office in writing of the updated repertoire by the deadline specified by the Division. Late requests for changes, or changes without the instructor’s approval, will not be accepted. 

d) If a student performs repertoire that differs from what was submitted, the jury panel may deduct marks at their discretion. 

3. Absence from Examinations 

3.1. Unapproved Absences 

A student who is absent from any examination without permission shall be given a failure grade in that examination. 

3.2. Application for Absence from Examinations 

3.2.1. Undergraduate Courses 

a) Absence from centralized examinations 

Students shall apply in SIS following the instructions from the University Registry. 

b) Absence from non-centralized examinations 

A student who is unable to attend a course examination for medical or other compelling reason should apply to the course instructor in writing with accompanying supporting documents (e.g. medical certificates) and submit an absence application via SIS. This should be done at the earliest possible instance and no later than five working days from the examination date. All make-up arrangements, if approved, must be completed within 15 calendar days after the original examination date. 

3.2.2. Postgraduate Courses 

A student who for medical or other compelling reasons is unable to sit for any examination or any part thereof shall apply in writing (application form) with documentary evidence at the earliest possible instance but not later than five working days after the examination for permission. The Dean of the Graduate School will determine in consultation with the Graduate Panel concerned what follow-up action is required. Application for such absence for medical reasons shall be accompanied by a medical certificate signed by a qualified and registered medical practitioner. All approved make-up arrangements must be completed within 15 calendar days following the original examination date. 

3.3. Make-up Examinations 

For any make-up examinations, the course instructor has the right to adjust the marking scheme and criteria based on the situation of the student, so as to maintain fairness to all the other students in the same course. 

4. Performance Attire 

Students participating in performance-oriented examinations are required to wear appropriate performance attire to show respect for the examiners and audience (if any).

5. Examination Discipline 

a) For written examinations, students should be seated in alternate seats whenever space permits in the examination venue. 

b) Students should bring their student ID cards for inspection when attending exams. During written exams, student ID cards should be placed on the desks for verification by invigilators. 

c) Students can only ask questions concerning the examination papers during the first 30 minutes of the examination session. 

d) Invigilators should record students’ examination attendance and record any absences, information of students without IDs, and other irregularities using the Examination Irregularity Record Form (Appendix), and submit the records to the School Registry Office within three calendar days after the examination. 

e) Violations of examination rules and academic integrity policies will lead to disciplinary actions in accordance with the CUHK(SZ) Disciplinary Guidelines and Procedures. 

f) Course Instructors and Divisions may refer to the University’s Rules to be Observed by Candidates at Examination Centre to specify rules for written exams. 

6. Examination Invigilation 

a) At least one academic staff member should invigilate final examinations on site. Or the School Dean’s prior approval must be obtained. 

b) In principle, written examinations with more than 50 students should be invigilated by at least two invigilators. 

7. Special Examination Arrangements 

a) If special examination or assessment arrangements are needed, prior approval should be obtained from the School Board or School Dean (for undergraduate courses), or from the Graduate Panel and Board of Graduate Studies (for postgraduate courses).

b) The approval should be based on the specific circumstance and subject to the guiding principles that academic standards should be upheld; and academic integrity and fairness should be maintained for all students, irrespective of how the examination/assessment is conducted.

8. Supplementary Examination 

No supplementary examination is allowed for students failing an examination unless under very special circumstances with proper approval by the University. 

9. Management of In-Term Assessments 

Midterm examinations, quizzes, and other assessments during the term are scheduled and managed by course instructors. 

10. Severe Weather Arrangements 

In the event of severe weather conditions, examination arrangements will be adjusted with reference to the General Arrangements for Classes and Examinations on Approach of Typhoons and Rainstorms. Students should pay close attention to notifications from the School and University during such times.

In the event of any inconsistency with the University’s prevailing rules and regulations, the relevant University regulations shall take precedence.

September 2025