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Taught External Examiners

This section of the Code of Practice is intended primarily for the benefit of individuals appointed to a position as an External Examiner at Queen’s.  This section of the Code of Practice will also be of benefit to Queen’s staff seeking information on the University’s expectations regarding the role and remit of external examiners.

The innovative risk-based external examining procedures have been rolled across all Schools, revolutionising how we approach quality assurance. This dynamic, risk-based approach focuses on strategic programme enhancement and is a complete reimagining of the external examiner role that will improve our ability to improve and innovate. Dr Paul McCafferty, Director of Undergraduate Education in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, shares his thoughts on the pilot of the risk-based approach in 2023-24 below. Further information on our new external examiner role can be found in the Standard Operating Procedures. A PDF version of the Standard Operating Procedures is also available for reference. To assist with the full implementation, a toolkit has been developed (QUB Staff login required).

Important Note:  Information on fees and reporting for 2023-24 for non-pilot Schools is available below.

  • Reporting (2023-24)

    PGT external examiners from non-pilot Schools should submit their November 2024 report using the below template.

  • Fees (2023-24)

    Fees and Expenses

    Details on the scheme for the payment of external examiners is available on the Examinations Office website.

    External examiner fees for work carried out in 23-24 (other than for those external examiners from Nursing and Midwifery, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Social Sciences, Education and Social Work) will be made in line with previous fee arrangements. Further information is available on the Examinations Office website.

    Payment of fees will not be authorised until the external examiner’s annual report has been received.

    Exceptions to this procedure are outlined below:

    1. Expenses forms relating to examining duties in St Mary’s University College should be returned to the Admissions and Examinations Office, St Mary’s University College, 191 Falls Road, Belfast BT12 6FE. 
    2. Expenses forms relating to examining duties in Stranmillis University College should be returned to the Principal's Office, Teaching and Learning, Stranmillis University College, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5DY. 
    3. Expenses forms relating to examining duties in INTO Queen’s University Belfast should be returned to Academic Support, INTO Queen’s University Belfast, 2-8 Lennoxvale, Belfast BT8 5BY.
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