1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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