1. The Role of the External Examiner at Plymouth University
Dr Mark Anderson
Head of School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

2. Assessment of standards
External Examiner involvement ensures that:
the University’s awards are comparable in standard to awards in other UK HE institutions
standards are appropriate by reference to published national subject benchmarks, FHEQ and the University’s programme and module specifications
Role of the External Examiner

3. Role of the External Examiner
Assessment Processes
External Examiner involvement also ensures that the assessment process:
measures student achievement against the intended learning outcomes
is in line with the University’s Assessment Policy
is operated fairly and equitably and in accordance with University Regulations
Role of the External Examiner

4. Underpinning Processes
Common academic regulations
Two-tier assessment panels/boards: separate roles of Subject and Award External Examiners clarified in External Examiners’ Notes for Guidance:
Subject external:
reviews standards and achievement of learning outcomes
Award external:
ensures that decisions on progression/awards for students are in line with the regulations and students treated equitably
Role of the External Examiner

5. Expectations of a Subject External Examiner
Agree assessments
Review appropriate sample of work (and agree with subject team the means by which the sample is to be selected)
Agree with subject team an appropriate method for adjusting module marks if necessary
Role of the External Examiner
Marking and Moderation Policy incorporates guidance on sampling arrangements.

6. Expectations of a Subject External Examiner
Subject external examiners are not expected to:
Act as second or third markers or conduct viva voce examinations
Amend individual student marks or review student profiles
Consider extenuating circumstances
Role of the External Examiner

7. Expectations of a Subject External Examiner
The University also expects the Subject External Examiner to:
carry out an interim ‘visit’ to see assessment in practice, and meet with students and with the programme team
submit an annual report
Role of the External Examiner
PU wishes to reaffirm its commitment to encouraging externals to engage with the ongoing teaching and learning process but has recently revised the wording of this expectation in recognition of the logistical difficulties presented by Plymouth’s geographical location.
Now ‘at least one interim engagement per year (which may take the form of a ‘virtual’ visit by video conference or skype’) and at least one face to face visit during his/her term of office.

8. Expectations of an Award External Examiner
Acts as ‘critical friend’ to the Award Assessment Board
Provides informative comment upon whether or not the University is maintaining the threshold academic standards of its awards
Role of the External Examiner