Comprehensives

Comprehensives, also known as comprehensive exams or comprehensive examinations, are a type of assessment used in higher education, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. They are typically administered at the end of a course or program of study, rather than being continuous assessments. Comprehensives are designed to evaluate a student's understanding of a subject or field, often covering a broad range of topics and concepts.

In the United States, comprehensives are commonly used in graduate programs, particularly in fields such as literature, history, and the arts. They may take the form of a written exam, an oral defense, or a combination of both. The format and content of the exam can vary depending on the institution and the specific program.

In the United Kingdom, comprehensives are often used in undergraduate programs, particularly in subjects such as law, medicine, and dentistry. They are typically administered as a written exam, and may cover a range of topics and concepts from the course or program of study.

Comprehensives are intended to assess a student's ability to apply their knowledge and skills to new and unfamiliar situations, and to demonstrate their understanding of the subject or field as a whole. They are often seen as a more rigorous and challenging form of assessment than continuous assessments, and can be a significant factor in determining a student's final grade or degree classification.

Overall, comprehensives are an important component of many higher education programs, and are designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of a student's knowledge and skills in a subject or field. However, the specific format, content, and administration of comprehensives can vary depending on the institution and the specific program.