University Regulations

The University Calendar contains the University Regulations. The following regulations may be of particular relevance to visiting external examiners:

• Examination regulations covering taught courses (UG and PGT)
• Senate examinations and degree conventions covering taught courses (UG and PGT)
• Regulations for first degrees (UG), Taught PG Courses (PGT) and PG Research degrees (PGR)
• Constitution of the Undergraduate Board of Examiners (UG)
• Constitution of Taught Postgraduate Board of Examiners (PGT)
• Appointment and duties of examiners for Postgraduate Research degrees (PGR)

The Teaching Quality homepage site details the University's quality assurance strategy and processes. The Graduate School carries much information about policies and processes for PGT and PGR courses.

University Forms

• External Examiner's Report template for Undergraduate courses |
• External Examiner's Report template for Undergraduate 2+2 courses |
• External Examiner's Report template for Postgraduate Taught courses |
• Departmental response: Appendix to External Examiner's Report, for completion by Head of Department or nominated deputy (UG and PGT courses) |
• External Examiner's Independent Report template for Postgraduate Research courses, for completion prior to viva |
• External and Internal Examiners' Joint Report template for Postgraduate Research courses, for completion after viva |
• Expenses Claim Form for External Examiners (UG and PGT) word | pdf (see also the notes for completing the expenses form pdf)
• Expenses Claim Form for External Examiners (PGR)  |
• Personal Record (VAM Payment) Form for External Examiners (PGR) (see notes of guidance incorporated)

Please note that it is necessary for you to complete both the Personal Record (VAM Payment) form and expenses claim form, as an external examiner for a postgraduate research degree, in order to receive payment and claim expenses. Under new Home Office Regulations, your appointment is now subject to confirmation of your eligibility to work in the United Kingdom and the University is required to obtain and hold on file documentary proof of this. The Personal Record (VAM Payment) form includes a list of relevant documents as specified by the Home Office. It would be most convenient if you could send a photocopy of the relevant document to the Graduate School upon appointment and the Graduate School will then hold this on file. This will avoid delays subsequently in the examination process and in the payment of your fee. You will also be asked to bring the original copy of the document used with you when you attend for the viva.

Guidance

• Guidance for external examiners on duties and responsibilities (UG and PGT) word | pdf
• Guidance for external examiners (PGR): see Part III of Guide to Examinations for Higher Degrees by Research
• External Examiner's (taught courses) university calendar

• Checklist for departments on inducting new external examiners

Case Studies

• Social Sciences (UG/PGT)
• Arts (UG/PGT)
• Sciences (UG/PGT)

Visiting the University

Information on visiting the University, including a map of campus, can be found here.

National Guidelines

• QAA UK Quality Code Chapter B7 - External Examining
• QAA Subject Benchmarks (for UG courses and some PGT courses only)
• HE Qualifications Framework