distinction
/dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/The highest grade band awarded for outstanding work in a test or course.
Example: She passed her final exams with distinction.
C220 words · Proficient
University & Exams vocabulary — C2
University & Exams vocabulary for academic life as an institution, including tenure, dean and doctorate, plus peer review and accreditation.
20 questions
Words in this set
20viva
/ˈvivə/A spoken test in which a student answers questions about their own research in front of examiners.
Example:
She passed her viva after two hours of tough questions.
adjudicate
/əˈdʒudɪˌkeɪt/To officially decide the result of a dispute about a mark or a competition.
Example:
An independent panel was asked to adjudicate on the appeal.
psychometric
Relating to tests that measure mental abilities such as reasoning or memory.
Example:
Applicants had to complete a psychometric test as part of the selection process.
invigilation
The official supervision of students while they take an exam.
Example:
The department is short of staff for exam invigilation this term.
calibration
/ˌkæləˈbreɪʃən/The process of checking that different examiners apply exactly the same marking standards.
Example:
Markers attended a calibration session before the essays were graded.
compensatory
/kəmˈpɛnsəˌtɔri/Describes extra marks in one part of an exam that make up for a weaker result in another part.
Example:
A strong coursework mark can be compensatory for a weak exam result.
high-stakes
Describes an exam that has serious, important consequences for the person taking it.
Example:
University entrance exams are a high-stakes test for many teenagers.
summative
Describes an assessment given at the end of a course to judge overall achievement, rather than to give ongoing feedback.
Example:
The final exam is a summative assessment of the whole term's work.
accreditation
/əˌkrɛdəˈteɪʃən/Official approval confirming that a course or institution meets a required standard.
Example:
The programme still waits for official accreditation.
tertiary
/ˈtɜrʃəri/Relating to education after secondary school, such as university or college.
Example:
Only a third of the population has access to tertiary education.
doctorate
/ˈdɑktərət/The highest academic degree, awarded for original research, usually taking several years to complete.
Example:
She earned her doctorate in chemistry at twenty-eight.
baccalaureate
/ˌbækəˈlɔriət/A qualification awarded to students who finish secondary school, especially one recognised internationally.
Example:
He completed the International Baccalaureate before starting university.
honorary
/ˈɑnərˌɛri/Given as an honour, without the usual study or exams normally required.
Example:
The university gave the author an honorary degree.
commendation
/ˌkɑmənˈdeɪʃən/Official praise given for excellent work, sometimes awarded alongside a qualification.
Example:
She graduated with a commendation for her outstanding thesis.
alumni
/əˈlʌmˌnaɪ/The former students of a school or university, thought of as one group.
Example:
The alumni meet every summer at the old college.
tenure
/ˈtɛnjər/Permanent job security granted to an academic after years of proven work.
Example:
She's finally got tenure after eight years of teaching.
chancellor
/ˈtʃænsələr/The most senior official of a university, often a ceremonial or honorary role.
Example:
The chancellor presented the degrees at graduation.
dean
/din/A senior member of staff in charge of a particular department or faculty at a university.
Example:
Students with serious problems could appeal to the dean.
bursar
The official at a university who manages its money and finances.
Example:
The bursar's office handles all tuition payments.
