Information for external examiners
External examining is a key part of the University’s quality assurance system, providing impartial assurance that assessment is operated fairly and equitably for all our students, and the standards are comparable with those in other higher education institutes (HEIs).
External examiners are appointed to all provision leading to the University’s HE awards. This section looks at external examining for taught programmes. The administration of the system is managed by the Quality Unit.
The University operates a two-tier examination system and appoints module external examiners and a smaller group of framework (or principal) external examiners. In both cases examiners are appointed for a period of four years. Details of the examiner’s remit are included in the letter of appointment and further information about external examining at the University is contained in the external examiner handbook.
Annual reports
External examiners must submit an annual report by the deadline indicated in the letter of appointment. The standard deadlines are:
- undergraduate programmes – 31 July of each academic year
- postgraduate programmes – 31 October of each academic year
Each year you will be emailed a link to that year’s Annual Report Form.
Fee and expenses claims
The annual fee for external examining can only be claimed after an annual report has been submitted. Claims for expenses can be made at any time. You will need to complete an external examiners fees and expenses claim form.
Research degree examiners
The University’s Postgraduate Research Thesis and Examination policy details the responsibilities of the examining team, the conduct of the examination process, the possible outcomes and the requirements for awards.
Internal and External examiners are required to submit a signed 500 word pre-viva report in Gateway at least ten days prior to the viva-voce examination. Gateway is our online postgraduate research management system. Examiners’ access to Gateway will be organised by the Graduate School.
Examining teams are required to complete a joint report on the viva-voce examination within seven days of the examination. The report will be drafted and agreed in Gateway. A sample of the form can be viewed in Gateway.
For more information relating to research degree examination, please contact Laura Pereira.