Health and Human Sciences numeracy test scheme

Foreword
The following Terms and Conditions of the Health and Human Sciences Numeracy Test have been written to ensure that applicants are considered fairly and consistently. The Terms and Conditions of the scheme, as outlined in this document, are final. The Terms and Conditions will be reviewed on an annual basis; the Terms and Conditions will not be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, on any ground of mitigation.

Background
This test has been devised to allow applicants that have applied to the University of Plymouth and that hold a conditional offer for particular Health and Human Sciences programmes, the opportunity to demonstrate they can achieve the required numerical ability to enter onto their chosen programme. Applicants that are eligible for this test are those applying to the following programmes at the University of Plymouth (see below) and who have not yet achieved a grade C/4 in their Mathematics GCSE. The content of the test includes numeracy such as fractions, decimals and division and will not require the use of additional mathematical equipment other than a calculator.

Eligible programmes:

School of Nursing and Midwifery:

• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult)
• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)
• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child Health)
• BSc (Hons) Midwifery
• MNurs (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health and Child Health)
• MNurs (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health and Mental Health)
• MNurs (Hons) Nursing (Child Health and Mental Health)
• MSc Pre-registration Nursing (Adult Health)
• MSc Pre-registration Nursing (Child Health)
• MSc Pre-registration Nursing (Mental Health)

Important information
This test is not the equivalent to a Mathematics GCSE and all applicants resitting their Mathematics GCSE are strongly advised to complete all elements of their GCSE in addition to taking this test. Passing this test will demonstrate that an applicant has the numerical ability to enter onto their chosen Health and Human Sciences programme, but it is not an accredited qualification. All applicants must sit their Mathematics GCSE, where applicable, to ensure maximum chances of getting onto the programme.

Please note: this test is only applicable to the aforementioned programmes at the University of Plymouth and will not grant access onto programmes at any other institution or university, or other faculties within the University of Plymouth.

Terms and conditions

1. Eligibility
1.1 Only applicants that have received a conditional offer from the University of Plymouth for a programme within the Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences are eligible to sit the test in an attempt to satisfy the Mathematics GCSE element of their conditional offer. 

1.2 Applicants that have sat their GCSE and achieved a grade 2/3 are eligible to sit the exam. Applicants must have attempted their Mathematics GCSE at least once but not yet achieved it to be eligible. 

1.3 Applicants that do not pass the Health and Human Sciences Numeracy Test but score above 55% will have the opportunity to take the test on a further two occasions (a maximum of three attempts in total). To be eligible for the resit opportunity applicants must score between 55% – 69%. No allowances will be made either side of these benchmarks.

1.4 For University applications received before the January 15 deadline there will be a maximum of three attempts available (providing an applicant achieves the 55% benchmark). However applications received later in the year will have fewer opportunities due to the academic timetable. Applicants are advised to take this into consideration when applying for programmes within Health and Human Sciences.

1.5 Extra time is incorporated into the test to cater for applicants that have a disability such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. 

1.6 All Health and Human Sciences numeracy tests will be held on the main University of Plymouth campus and will not be held at any other location. 

2. Prior to the exam
2.1 Applicants that are eligible to sit the test will be notified via email at least one month prior to the test date. Applicants will be invited via email and if they wish to sit the test, will need to register via the registration link in the email. 

2.2 Applicants will be given a link to online revision materials and are strongly advised to use these in their preparation, in order to give themselves the best chance of passing.

3. Extenuating circumstances
3.1 Applicants will not be eligible to apply for extenuating circumstances. By attending the test applicants are confirming they are fit and well enough to sit the test. Illness will not be taken into account when marking papers. Where a resit test is available, applicants who feel unwell should defer to a later test date (if available, depending on academic year timetable) if they feel their health circumstances may affect their ability to perform.

4. What to expect on the day
4.1 Applicants are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the exam start time and must bring photo ID, a calculator and a pen with them. 

Please note a mobile phone is not considered an acceptable calculator and use of mobile phones during the test will not be permitted. 

4.2 Once applicants are registered, and their IDs have been verified by invigilators, all bags must be placed on the floor at the front of the test room. Mobile phones must be put away in bags and any mobile phones found to be in use during the test may result in disqualification from the scheme.

4.3 There will be two test papers to complete on the day which require answers to be hand written. One that allows use of a calculator and one that does not. Paper A will take one hour. Paper B will take one hour. 

4.4 Applicants will be allowed a 15 minute break between papers, but must ensure they are back in their seat ready for paper B within 15 minutes. 

4.5 No conferring between applicants will be permitted, and each applicant will be seated one space away from the next. The test will be held under test conditions and therefore no talking, use of mobile phones or distracting other applicants will be allowed. Breach of the aforementioned test conditions may result in disqualification from the scheme. 

4.6 If applicants require to use the toilet during the test they will be accompanied by an invigilator (of the same sex) who will wait outside the stall. 

5. Lateness
5.1 Applicants are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before the stated start time of the test, and any applicants that arrive more than five minutes late will not be allowed into the test room and will be invited back to another test date.

Extra time will not be awarded to any late arrivals. 

5.2 Applicants will be notified of the time and date of the test a minimum of four weeks prior to the test, ensuring that all applicants are given adequate time to make travel arrangements for their test. 

6. Results
6.1 Applicants will receive their results within seven working days of sitting the test by email. The email will state the applicant’s score in each paper; the overall total score; and whether or not the applicant has met the required standard in order to pass the mathematical component of their conditional offer. The results will be sent to the email address that the applicants used to register for the test. The Faculty Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions team are unable to release results until all papers have been marked and will not release any marks early.

7. What happens next
7.1 If you pass (score 70% or above)
If an applicant successfully passes the test by achieving a score of 70% or above the Admissions Team will mark the GCSE Mathematics element of their conditional offer as satisfied. Please note that this will not be reflected on UCAS Track. Only scores of 70% or above will be considered a pass, with no exceptions. Please note passing this test only satisfies the Mathematics GCSE element of your offer and does not interfere with any other outstanding conditions still to be satisfied.

Please also note passing this test only satisfies the Mathematics GCSE element of particular Health and Human Sciences programmes.

7.2 If you fail but score above 55%
If an applicant fails to achieve 70% but scores above 55% and this is their first or second attempt at the test they will be invited to another attempt of the exam, if further opportunities are available within that academic year. No exceptions will be made to the resit benchmark under any circumstances.

i. The University is unable to share individual papers with applicants as these papers may be used again in the future and therefore must remain confidential and can only be used during the exam.

7.3 If an applicant scores less than 55% on any of their attempts they will be marked as failed and will not have any further resit attempts for that application cycle. If they fail to achieve 70% by their third attempt they will be advised to reapply to University of Plymouth the following year, but they will not be able to defer their place. 

No exceptions will be made.