External Examiners for all Taught Courses

This page provides information on University policy, forms, and guidance on the appointment, payment, and expected responsibilities of External Examiners.

External Examiners for undergraduate and taught postgraduate degrees are appointed as members of the Board of Examiners and play an essential part in ensuring the academic standards of the examination process.  They are engaged principally to ensure that:

  • the standards set for an award are appropriate for the qualification;
  • the standards of student performance are comparable with similar programmes or subjects in other UK institutions with which they are familiar;
  • the processes for assessment, examination and the determination of awards were sound and fairly conducted.

External Examiners are not normally expected to carry out marking of assessed work; instead, they are involved in reviewing a sample of scripts and assessing whether internal marking has been appropriately and consistently applied.

TitleLast IssuedNext review

Guidance by the General Board on the arrangements for External Examiners

Including information on role, appointment, and responsibilities

Sept 2025Annual general review

Reports of External Examiners:

  • Reporting requirements, including information on the consideration and response to these reports

  • Report Form

     

  • A claim for payment and expenses may be made after submission of the Report.  The Faculty/Department Administrator can provide the relevant form.
  • Dispensation Form
Sept 2025Annual general review
Handbook for External Examiners (published by the Higher Education Academy, external link)Feb 2019n/a