University of Kent

• Introduction
• Roles and Responsibilities of External Examiners
• External Examining: the process step by step
• Code of Practice for Quality Assurance of Taught Programmes of Study
  • Annex J: Meetings of Boards of Examiners
  • Annex K: External Examiners
• Credit Framework for Taught Programmes of Study
  • Conventions for Classification of Awards other than Honours Degrees and of Stage 1 of Honours Degrees
  • Marking Conventions
  • Viva Voce Examinations
• Academic Regulations
• Guidance for Examiners
  • FHEQ Level Descriptors
• Annual Reports
• Fees and Expenses

Introduction

The University requires the participation of at least one external examiner in the examining process for all its qualifications.

The input and contributions of external examiners are of great importance to the quality management of Kent’s programmes as it is a key means of ensuring that:

• the academic standard for each award and its component parts is set and maintained by the University at the appropriate level and that student performance is properly judged against this;
• the assessment process measures student achievement appropriately against the intended outcomes of the programme, and is rigorous, fairly operated and in line with the institution’s policies and regulations;
• the University is able to compare the standards of its awards with those of other higher education institutions.

Fees and expenses

Claim form for External Examiners of Undergraduate Programmes - available as Word Document

Claim form for External Examiners of Postgraduate Taught Programmes - available as Word Document

Payment of fees and expenses will only be made on receipt of annual reports. National Insurance Numbers or dates of birth must be completed on the claim form as the University is unable to make payment without this information. Bank details must also be included.

External Examiners may claim travel cost and other reasonable expenses. External Examiners travelling by rail may, if they wish, travel first class. The mileage rate for use of private cars is 45p per mile but public transport should be used wherever possible. Receipts for all expenditure must be attached to the claim form.

The Inland Revenue requires the University to deduct tax at the basic rate unless the Examiner's own Tax Office advises us in writing that tax need not be deducted.