5.1 Purpose and function of external examining
The External Examining system is a crucial element of the University’s quality assurance and enhancement structure, providing a means to ensure the quality and standards of awards, the standards of student performance and the validity of assessment processes.
Specifically, the primary purposes of the External Examining system are to ensure:-
- that the standards set for the University’s awards, or award elements, are appropriate by reference to relevant national subject benchmark statements, the national qualifications frameworks, the UK Quality Code, and, where appropriate, the requirements of relevant Professional and Statutory Bodies;
- that the standards of student performance in a programme and its constituent modules are appropriate and comparable with those of similar programmes in other UK higher education institutions;
- that the processes for assessment, examination and the determination of awards are sound and have been conducted fairly.
The University recognises the importance and mutual benefit of the work undertaken by staff as External Examiners for other institutions. It is expected that staff agree with their Head of School the time they will need to fulfil their duties as External Examiners.