Tripos and Preliminary Examinations

In discussing examination arrangements it is necessary to adopt the University’s technical terminology. The terms used could seem obscure, but this is an area where it is important to align the terms we use internally with the precise formal position of the University. That is because examinations are the responsibility of the University, not the Colleges. 

Most, but not all, Tripos examinations take place in the second half of the Easter Term, i.e. sometime after the middle of May. You will be sent your own personalized timetable by the University at the beginning of that term, or otherwise in good time if your year of your course has earlier examinations. Undergraduates in a minority of subjects sit some or all of their papers at the beginning of the Easter Term and, in a very small number of cases, in mid-January. You will be given due warning by your DoS if this is the case in your subject. The format of examinations varies from Tripos to Tripos.

Each subject has its own Tripos, divided into two or three parts. To qualify for the BA degree, you need successfully to have passed both Part I (often divided into a Part IA and a Part IB) and Part II of either the same Tripos or two different Triposes. In some Triposes there is a Part I followed by Parts IIA and IIB

The College requires all undergraduates to sit an exam at the end of each year. These are normally Tripos or University Preliminary exams.

In order to proceed with your studies at Selwyn, you must each year achieve at least the minimum Honours standard (Class III or above).