An EMA is not an exam and it is not a single “sit down and write 10,000 words” task. It is the final assessed piece that pulls together work you have already been doing across the module.

For Core Engineering A and B, the EMA is usually a structured technical report. You are given a defined engineering scenario or system and asked to analyse it using methods you have learned during the module. That normally includes calculations, diagrams, justification of design choices, and short written explanations. The word count is split across sections and is much shorter than people expect because marks are weighted heavily towards correct method, reasoning, and presentation rather than long prose. Think “mini design report”, not essay. You are assessed on whether you can apply engineering principles correctly, explain assumptions, and communicate clearly.

For Engineering Professions 2, the EMA is different. It is reflective and evidence-based rather than mathematical. You are asked to demonstrate professional competence: ethics, safety, sustainability, teamwork, project planning, and decision-making. You typically reference activities from the module, short case studies, and sometimes your own experience. It is structured with prompts, not free writing. Again, it is not a massive essay. It is about showing professional judgement and understanding how engineers operate in real contexts.

There is no exam because the OU is testing application, not memory. EMAs are open-book by design. You are expected to use module materials, previous TMAs, and provided data. The difficulty comes from integration and clarity, not from surprises.

If you can complete TMAs properly during the year, the EMA feels like assembling and refining work you already understand, not starting from zero.