External examiners (taught programmes)

Information on these pages relate 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.

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.

The External Examiner Procedures document 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. 

The full External Examiner Procedures document is available to download.

Whilst we would encourage you to read the entire document, the sections of it are also set out below to help answer particular questions and to provide easy access to relevant forms and process flowcharts.