An Introduction to External Examining Procedures at Bangor University Bangor University and Teaching & Learning An Introduction to External Examining Procedures at Bangor University Dr Osian Rees Head of Quality Assurance Nov 11

Bangor University and Teaching & Learning At the start…. University rules and regulations Programme information Usernames and passwords Access to the on-line handbook Access to ‘Blackboard’ Nov 11

Ensuring the academic standards of the University’s awards Bangor University and Teaching & Learning Ensuring the academic standards of the University’s awards Moderate examination papers Moderate a sample of draft continuous assessment tasks Moderate marking of student work including Masters dissertations UG programmes – moderate levels 5 and 6 Attend the Examination Board Nov 11

Ensuring the academic standards of the University’s awards Bangor University and Teaching & Learning Ensuring the academic standards of the University’s awards Advise the Examination Board on comparability of standards and, if appropriate, advise how module marks may need to be adjusted to ensure comparability. Nov 11

The University’s programmes Bangor University and Teaching & Learning The University’s programmes Undergraduate and taught Masters programmes including MA/MSc/MBA/MRes Extended undergraduate degrees e.g. MEng, MChem Programmes in health and education Joint and combined honours Degrees ‘with International Experience’ Nov 11

Bangor University and Teaching & Learning Modules ‘Core’ modules – must be passed Compulsory – must be taken but can be compensated Optional – can be compensated Elective – taken in year 2, can be compensated, not included in the determination of degree classification Modules taught across levels – different outcomes and assessments Nov 11

Marking Pass mark Undergraduate, levels 4 to 6 - 40% Taught Masters, level 7 – 50% Categorical marking of discursive work 70-100% = A grade 60-69% = B grade 50-59% C grade 40-49% D grade 35-39% E grade 0-34% F grade There are subdivisions within grades

Categorical Marking Grades Equivalent % Mark Undergrad Degree Class A* 95 First D+ 48 Third A+ 87 D 45 A 80 D- 42 A- 74 E+ 38 Fail B+ 68 Upper Second E 35 B 65 E- 32 B- 62 F1 25 C+ 58 Lower Second F2 15 C 55 F3 5 C- 52 F4

Standard regulations for progression, award and compensation Bangor University and Teaching & Learning Standard regulations for progression, award and compensation Students must Achieve an overall average of at least a pass (40% at levels 4 to 6, 50% at level 7) Pass all core modules Pass at least 80 or 100 credits, depending on level of study Nov 11

Degree classification Bangor University and Teaching & Learning Degree classification UG degrees: Overall % = [Mean L5 + (Mean L6 x 2)]/3 Masters and MRes (2017 start onwards): Overall % = Mean L7 Standard rules for dealing with borderline candidates (± 2% of borderline) Examination Boards have discretion but actions must be minuted Nov 11

Bangor University and Teaching & Learning June meetings Scripts available for scrutiny Schools expected to hold a separate ‘Mitigating circumstances board’ There may be an ‘Internal board’ prior to the main board that confirms the awards Sign the Confirmation of Results Process (CORP) form at the end of the meeting Complete and return the report Nov 11

External Examiners' Reports Quality Assurance at Bangor University Responsibility lies with academic staff School and College - based committees Staff - Student Committee Teaching and Learning Committee Boards of Studies Regulations Quality Assurance and Validation Task Group (reports to Teaching and Learning Committee and Senate) Nov 11

External Examiners' Reports Programme review External examiner reports Module evaluations Professional body reports Staff-student committee and other feedback NSS, PTES and other surveys Nov 11

Internal Quality Audit Quality audit cycle Internal Quality Audit 2016/17 Revalidation 2017/18 Mid-term review 2019/20

External Examiners' Reports Initial Processing of Reports Academic Registry The Assistant Registrar, Quality Assurance (Dr Sarah Jackson) reads each External Examiner report on arrival. Copies are also sent to the Head of School. Copies are also made available, in full, to students in schools. Nov 11

Resolving Major Issues Reports raising major issues / problems / criticisms are sent immediately to the Head of Quality Assurance (Dr Osian Rees) Such reports are dealt with executively: (a) resourcing issues are brought to the attention of the PVC Teaching and Learning / Executive (b) meetings with the School to discuss and agree a plan of action for enhancement (c) External Examiner informed of actions and outcomes.

External Examiners' Reports Quality Assurance and Validation Task Group All reports are summarised in a table and presented to the QAV Task Group for consideration. Reports with major issues / problems / criticisms are considered individually by the QAV Task Group. QAV Task Group ensures closure on all matters. Letters are sent to External Examiners detailing the actions taken. Nov 11

Consideration of External Examiner reports at School level Reports made available to Programme Directors Reports considered within school-level committees Reports are made available to students No individuals should be named

External Examiners' Reports Annual Review of Courses – QA1 Form Every course is also required to address matters raised by External Examiners in their Annual Review and Development Plans (QA1 Form). QA1’s are also studied by the QAV Task Group to ensure all matters are considered and closed satisfactorily. Nov 11