Quality and Standards Office

The nomination of an External Examiner is the responsibility of the Head of Department concerned, in consultation with the Programme Director. In choosing a suitable External Examiner, the criteria detailed in the External Examiner's Handbook 2011/12 should be consulted. When making nominations please be aware of the need to avoid potential conflicts of interest and please ensure the nominee has sufficient, relevant experience and qualifications. Before making the nomination, the prospective nominee should be contacted informally to ensure that they are willing to serve.While making it clear that the appointment will require the approval of Academic Board.

To nominate a new External Examiner an External Examiner Nomination Form 2010/11 must be completed and signed by the Programme Director, Head of Department and the Dean of the Faculty before it is submitted to the Quality and Standards Office along with the Nominee's CV. If you have not received an acknowledgement within two weeks, we may not have received your the nomination and you should contact us as soon as possible.

If initially approved by the Director of Quality and Standards and the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic), the nomination will go forward to the Quality and Standards Committee and Academic Board for final confirmation. We advise that nominations are submitted well in advance of QSC and Academic Board meetings.

If successful, appointment is usually for a period of four years. In exceptional cases approval can be sought for extension of an External Examiner's term beyond the usual four years. A rationale to support this is required on the Extension of an External Examiner Form 2010/11.This extension can be for one year only.

Timely arrangements should be made for the a hand over to new examiners so that continuity is maintained, and appropriate arrangements made within the Department for the induction or mentoring of those nominees who are new to the external examining process.

Additional responsibilities for current External Examiners

If your current External Examiner has agreed to take on additional responsibilities, for example another programme, or a course, please use the External Examiner's New Responsibilities Form to notify the University of the intended change. This should be sent to Carole Whitehead who will forward to the Director of Quality and Standards and the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) for approval.