1. External Examiners Induction Academic Regulations
Ian Porton
Assistant Registrar

2. External Examiners Induction
Changes were made to the framework in 2014 to enable:
More sense of the ‘programme’
A better institutional sense of progression
Students to have more time to assimilate their learning, and have more opportunities for formative assessment
Some small differences between UG (Levels 4-6) and PG (Level 7) regulations
A few UG, PG and collaborative programmes have a February intake

3. Module Structure UG modules (levels 3,4,5 and 6)
Most are 30 credits over 1 year (15, 45 and 60 credits allowed)
There are some15 credit modules, which take place over half a year
Full time students should take 120 credits over an academic year
PG modules (level 7 & level 8)
30 credits over 1 term (60 credits allowed)
Full time students should take 60 credits per term, with a 60 credit dissertation/advanced research module taken over the summer
Each credit is equivalent to a (notional) 10 student study hours

4. Advanced Independent Research Module - Level 7
Sometimes called the PG dissertation module in library based disciplines
May be 2 x 30 credits
May be supervised over summer period
if agreed as such at programme approval
Marks considered at an October assessment board

5. Modules – Structure (2)
Each 30 credit module comprises up to 4 assessed components (pro rata double modules)
Components have weights (adding up to 100%)
(Component weights are recorded on DELTA)
Components have marks (0-100%)
(Component marks are recorded on DELTA)

6. Transition modules for UG students
Where students have uneven credit profiles, programme teams have developed a number of transitional modules to help students retrieve missing credit at particular levels
Should only be for collaborative partners still transitioning.
Final year before transitional modules end

7. Types of Collaborative Partnerships
Franchise
License for whole or part programmes
Same core modules (variation in options)
Modular regs apply
Validation (and joint awards)
Partner programme
UEL approve, externally examine and quality assure
Some negotiated variation with modular regs possible

8. Modules - Assessment Either or Sequence
Pass/Fail (e.g. placement modules) or
0% – 100%
Levels 3-6 Pass ≥ 40 (component threshold ≥ 30)
level 7 Pass ≥ 50 (component threshold ≥ 40)
Sequence
Both UG and PG students are summatively assessed during and towards the end of the module; resits are in the summer;

9. Compensation Non-discretionary and earliest opportunity Postgraduate
compensate one 30 credit module
any module, provided allowable by PSRB
90 credits already achieved
≥45% and component thresholds met
Undergraduate
compensate one 15 or 30 credit module per level
Any module, provided allowable by PSRB
At least 90 credits already achieved at the level or higher
≥35% and component thresholds met

10. Reassessment and Repeat - UG
Reassessment if not passed (or pass compensated) on assessment
all components <40 reassessed
all components ≥40 marks carried through
reassessment in summer
repeated component mark capped
achieved mark shown on Diploma Supplement as well
If not passed on reassessment, then relevant assessment board will make the decision based on the student profile. Most common decisions will be:
Student progresses but makes up the missing components (missing components are capped)
Student repeats the whole year again, including any passed components and modules – not capped
Student is not allowed to repeat

11. Reassessment and Repeat – PG
Reassessment if not passed (or pass compensated)on assessment
all components <50 reassessed
all components ≥50 marks carried through
reassessment in summer
repeated component mark capped
achieved mark shown on Diploma Supplement as well
If not passed on reassessment
repeat module (‘with attendance’)
capped at 50%
no prior marks carried through
do alternative module (option modules only)
rules for first time study apply
No further assessment or reassessment is allowed on a repeated module after reassessment

12. Reassessment – a note Coursework/exams Projects/dissertations
should be a new piece of work
should be of the same standard and address the same learning outcomes
should enable students to demonstrate ability across the range (not just pass/fail)
Projects/dissertations
reassessment – the same title improved
repeat – a new project dissertation

13. Classification Postgraduate Masters Undergraduate
Pass 50-59%, Merit 60%-69%, Distinction 70%+
Undergraduate
Arithmetic mean of the
best 90 credits at level 6 x
0.8 +
Arithmetic mean of the next
best 90 credits at level 5 and /or 6
x 0.2
70% - 100%
First Class Honours
60% - 69%
Second Class Honours, First Division
50% - 59%
Second Class Honours, Second Division
40% - 49%
Third Class Honours
0% - 39%
Not Passed
Introducing new formula

14. Boards – these may be combined
Progression Board (one per Department)
approves standards for all Department modules
awards compensation (and credit)
confirms module marks and progression decisions for students
formally implements Extenuation decisions
note investigation of assessment options
awards credit
awards APL credit
Award Boards
confers award and classification
notes exit awards for withdrawn students without a full credit profile

15. Role of the External Examiner
Consider the appropriateness of the assessment tasks (exams/coursework)
View and consider samples of student work in order to confirm (or otherwise) standards
Be a member of the Assessment Board
Focus on standards (not individual marks)
Focus on consistency of marking
Focus on fairness of the Board activity, looking at progression decisions
Do not be a third marker, arbitrator, or alter individual marks

16. Role of the Lead External Examiner
Has the Award Board followed fairly and consistently the agreed procedures and regulations of the University of East London?