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For external examiners of taught courses

The University places great value on its relationships with its external examiners; you play a critical role in assisting the University to discharge its responsibilities with respect to the standards of our awards. Thank you for all that you do to support this integral and essential part of our quality assurance framework.

Induction

Upon appointment, you will be invited to attend a University induction event. These are held twice a year (usually in March and in September) by Zoom (online meeting), and we strongly encourage you to attend. The induction includes briefings on the role of the external examiner and on the University’s Regulations for progression and award. See the induction information for specific dates.

Your school/department will also make contact with you once your nomination as External Examiner has been approved and will offer you a school/departmental briefing as part of your induction schedule.

Undertaking your role

The core tasks to be undertaken are to:

• review (and comment on) draft assessment tasks (eg draft examination questions);
• assist in the ongoing calibration of standards through a review of a sample of completed assessments (eg examination scripts, essays, practice-based assessments);
• be a member of the Board of Examiners and attend Board meetings;
• submit a report to the Board of Examiners and University Education Committee annually within six weeks after the final Programme (Ratification) Examination Board meeting. Where you have been appointed to both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, a separate report should be submitted for each level;
• comment on proposed modifications to programmes.

Annual Reports

The templates for the External Examiner Annual Report Forms 2024-25 are available below.

Please select the appropriate form to complete:

• External Examiner Annual Report Form 2024-25 - All except HYMS

• External Examiner Annual Report Form 2024-25 - HYMS only

You may wish to refer to the 2024-25 Summary of Questions prior to completing the form.

Fees and expenses

Your fee will automatically be paid after you have submitted your report. In addition, the University will pay travelling expenses and any other reasonable expenses necessarily incurred in accordance with our guidelines:

• External Examiner Expenses Guidelines (PDF , 59kb)

Please claim your expenses using the form and sending it to examiners@york.ac.uk. Expenses claims must be processed within three months of incurring the cost. Please submit the form in a timely manner, even if you have not yet submitted your report:

• External examiner expenses and claim form (MS Word , 30kb)

Serious concerns

If, during the course of your engagement, you have serious concerns about the academic standards or quality of provision for which you have external examiner oversight, these concerns may be raised directly with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students via submission of a confidential report.

If you continue to have serious concerns relating to systemic failings with the academic standards of University provision after contacting the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, you may write to the Vice Chancellor and President. You may also ultimately make a notification to the Office for Students if your concerns have not been satisfactorily addressed.

• OfS Notifications

Further information

If you have any questions about your engagement as external examiner, please contact your department or examiners@york.ac.uk.