Academic Regulations 2010/11 - Academic Registry and Council ...

Academic Regulations 2010/11Part 1– Framework and GovernanceDuties1.51. The duties of external examiners are:i. To comment on the assessments for each module for which they are responsible, theextent to which the assessments cover the syllabus, and whether they enablestudents to demonstrate their achievement of the learning outcomes.ii. To consider, comment upon and approve all examination question papers and tocomment on marking schemes for individual papers, assessment criteria and modelanswers.iii. To confirm whether or not the standard of marking is satisfactory by scrutinising asample of scripts for each module and, if necessary, a sample of coursework.iv. To comment on the standards of achievement of students and the comparability ofthis achievement to standards elsewhere.v. To comment on the standards of proposed awards and their comparability to similarawards made elsewhere.vi. To make known any causes for concern in relation to academic standards achievedby students, the standards of modules and the standards of awards to be made,should such cause arise.vii. To provide independent opinion where there is a significant unresolved differencebetween the marks awarded by the first and second markers on any script or piece ofwork.viii. To advise the Subject Examination Board on appropriate action where the marks forany module are significantly outside the normal pattern and to confirmrecommendations by markers for actions where the marks for any module/ aresignificantly outside the normal pattern.ix. To attend, or conduct, oral examinations, where applicable.x. To attend meetings of the Subject Examination Board, and participate fully in decisionmaking.xi. To endorse results and progression decisions, and recommendations for award, bysigning the relevant documentation.xii. To attend meetings of the Degree Examination Board, where they choose.xiii. To submit a full report, including an optional confidential report to the Principal.xiv. In addition, for those external examiners who are also intercollegiate examiners, tocomment on the standard of the University of London awards conferred by QueenMary and their comparability with similar awards at other colleges of the University ofLondon.xv. To perform any other duties requested by Senate or the Degree Examination Board,following appropriate consultation over the nature of those duties.1.52. By agreement with the Subject Examination Board and in consultation with therelevant department(s), external examiners may also carry out other duties includingthe approval of project topics and essay titles, interviewing students about theirprogramme of study and experience of it, comment informally on proposed changesto the curriculum, comment on proposed changes in assessment methods.Removal1.53. External examiners are normally replaced upon completion of their period of office.From time to time, there may be cause for QMUL to terminate the appointment of anPage 17 of 110