This section of the Code of Practice is intended primarily for the benefit of individuals appointed to a position as an External Examiner at Queen’s.  External examiners may also find useful information of use in other sections of the Code of Practice, especially the sections on Boards of Examiners and Mark Schemes and Classifications.

This section of the Code of Practice will also be of benefit to Queen’s staff seeking information on the University’s expectations regarding the role and remit of external examiners.

The University’s Regulations concerning external examiners can be found in the Boards of Examiners section of the Code of Practice on Examinations and Assessment.

The new risk-based external examining principles at Queen’s will be piloted in the following Schools:

• Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Nursing and Midwifery
• Social Sciences, Education and Social Work

The External Examining Standard Operating Procedures will apply for these Schools in 2023-24. These external examiners will be required to undertake the External Examiners Introductory Training 23-24.

Key Forms:

• Undergraduate Annual Report Form 
• Postgraduate Taught Annual Report Form
• External Examiner Final Report Form

Appointment of External Examiners

All external examiners being nominated for an appointment commencing in 2024-25 will be appointed under the new risk-based external examining principles.  

External examiners are appointed by the Education Committee (Quality and Standards) based on the recommendation of the relevant School. An external examiner should normally have substantial experience in teaching and examining and should hold an academic appointment of at least Senior Lecturer level.

Nominations, and in exceptional cases extension requests, to commence in the following academic year should be submitted to Academic Affairs by the last Friday in March each year for consideration by the Education Committee (Quality and Standards) in May of the relevant year.

Information on the appointment of external examiners, including the criteria for appointment, can be found in the Standard Operating Procedures. 

Key Forms:

• External Examiner Nomination Form Part A - School Nomination
• External Examiner Nomination Form Part B - Nominee Declaration

Part A and Part B of the nomination form should be used to request an extension to an External Examiner appointment. 

The Role of the External Examiner

The External Examining Standard Operating Procedures should be consulted for details on the role of the external examiner. 

• External Examiner Reports

• Fees and Expenses