The role involves engagement with the subject team at intervals throughout the year. It is regarded as the key role in ensuring that assessment matches intended learning outcomes and that standards in the subject modules are set at the right level (in line with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) and that they accord with subject benchmark standards. Experience is also desired of the awarding function, including application of regulations, mitigating circumstances, and the exercise of judgment in cases of failure. External examiners attend one or more meetings of the exam board during the year but are not involved in approving examinations and coursework briefs or determining marks.
As an external examiner, you should expect to:
- receive the module guides as issued to students
- comment on draft examination papers for modules assessed by examination
- receive coursework briefs for information
- comment on new coursework briefs for modules wholly assessed coursework
- sample marked work; the scope of the sample is negotiable. You are NOT asked to re-mark work, and should not change individual marks seen as part of a sample, but you might recommend changes to the whole set of marks for a module
- attend the meeting of the exam board. The external examiner shares the remit of the whole board, advises the board in the light of sampling, but does not have sole authority to decide marks
- make an external examiner report to the University