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. 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 innovative risk-based external examining procedures have been rolled across all Schools, revolutionising how we approach quality assurance. This dynamic, risk-based approach focuses on strategic programme enhancement and is a complete reimagining of the external examiner role that will improve our ability to improve and innovate. Dr Paul McCafferty, Director of Undergraduate Education in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, shares his thoughts on the pilot of the risk-based approach in 2023-24 below. Further information on our new external examiner role can be found in the Standard Operating Procedures for Risk-Based External Examining. A PDF version of the Standard Operating Procedures is also available for reference. To assist with the full implementation, a toolkit has been developed (QUB Staff login required).
Important Note: Information on fees and reporting is available below.
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Reporting (2024-25)
From the academic year 2024–25, the University requires external examiners to submit only one quality assurance report per academic year, covering all subjects and programmes they examine.
- External examiners for undergraduate programmes only should submit their report for 2024–25 by 30 June 2025.
- External examiners for postgraduate taught programmes only should submit their report for 2024–25 by 28 November 2025.
- External examiners covering both undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes should submit a single report covering all provision they are responsible for by 28 November 2025.
- External examiners should submit their annual quality assurance report using the below online form:
- Fees
Fees and Expenses
Details on the scheme for the payment of external examiners is available on the Examinations Office website.
Payment of fees will not be authorised until the external examiner’s annual quality assurance report has been received.
Exceptions to this procedure are outlined below:
- Expenses forms relating to examining duties in St Mary’s University College should be returned to the Admissions and Examinations Office, St Mary’s University College, 191 Falls Road, Belfast BT12 6FE.
- Expenses forms relating to examining duties in Stranmillis University College should be returned to the Principal's Office, Teaching and Learning, Stranmillis University College, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5DY.
- Expenses forms relating to examining duties in INTO Queen’s University Belfast should be returned to Academic Support, INTO Queen’s University Belfast, 2-8 Lennoxvale, Belfast BT8 5BY.
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