Information on this page relates to the external examining process for undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes and also to the taught elements of postgraduate research programmes such as iPhDs and professional doctorates. Information about the examining process for standard postgraduate research programmes is available in the Postgraduate Research section of this handbook here .
The External Examiner Procedures is aimed at both external examiners and all members of University staff involved with the delivery and assessment of taught programmes. It includes procedures for nomination and appointment of new external examiners, induction arrangements, roles and responsibilities and the process for scrutinising and responding to external examiners’ reports.
External examining acts as an essential part of the University’s quality assurance and enhancement process, serving to ensure that academic standards are maintained. The knowledgeable and independent views of external examiners are invaluable in confirming that the University’s awards are appropriate and comparable to other UK Higher Education Institutions as well as highlighting good practice and potential areas of enhancement.
University induction is via an online External Examiner Information site which is where external examiners will find all the initial information required at an institutional level. New external examiners will be sent a link to the site in their letter of appointment and asked to familiarise themselves with the content. The site also includes a section on support for new and first-time external examiners.