External examining at Southampton Solent University
A Brief Introduction
This guidance is intended for individuals who have been approached with a view to being considered for approval as an External Examiner at Southampton Solent University, possibly in conjunction with our Collaborative Partners.
This guidance provides a brief explanation of the main duties of External Examiners. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all roles and responsibilities. On appointment, more detailed guidance will be provided, along with an invitation to the external examiners' briefing day organised by the University.
What do External Examiners do at Southampton Solent University?
The role of the external examiner(s) is to ensure that the University's academic standards are maintained and meet sector expectations and requirements.
SSU operates a two tier assessment board structure and therefore operates a two tier external examiner system, appointing both Unit External Examiners and Progression & Award External Examiners.
Responsibilities of Unit External Examiners|
Responsibilities of Progression & Award External Examiners|
What is the time commitment?
Unit external examiners are expected to carry out their duties throughout the year. However, the busiest time will be immediately after assessment has been completed when you will be asked to review work. You will then be required to report to the appropriate Unit Assessment Board. In addition, you may be required to meet with students and be present for exhibitions of student work. This should be discussed with the Course/Programme Leader.
In addition, you may be required to meet with students and be present for exhibitions of student work. This should be discussed with the Course/Programme Leader.
Progression and Award external examiners are primarily involved with Progression and Award Boards which take place in June and September.
What is the period of appointment?
All external examiners are usually appointed for a period of four years. Exceptionally, this can be extended by a further year.
Do external examiners work alone or as part of a team?
Unit external examiners are usually appointed to a range of units, assigned to one particular unit assessment board. There will normally only be one external examiner assigned to each unit, although there are some exceptions to this. There will be a large range of units considered by one unit assessment board and therefore a range of unit external examiners present at each board.
Progression and Award external examiners are appointed to a specific progression and award board. There will normally be two progression and award external examiners appointed to each board.
What are the fees and when are they paid?
All fees need to be claimed for by each external examiner following the completion of duties. The fee is split into two parts to reflect the responsibilities of the role. You will be advised of your fee on appointment. Alternatively, the relevant Faculty Quality Office can provide you with this information. For more information, refer to the Fees and Expenses section.
The appointment process
You will be contacted by a member of the Faculty to establish your interest in the post.
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If you are interested in the post, your contact details will be passed to the Faculty Quality Office who will process the paperwork for your nomination.
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You will be asked to complete a nomination form and to forward your CV to the University.
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Your nomination will first be put forward for Faculty approval, based on the University's criteria for appointment (outlined in the University's Academic Handbook, Section 2I ).
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If your nomination is approved by the Dean of the Faculty, your nomination will be recommended to the University's External Examiner Scrutiny Group (EESG) for consideration.
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If your nomination is approved by EESG, your nomination will be recommended to Academic Board for final approval.
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Once your nomination is approved by Academic Board, the Academic Services will issue a letter of appointment and an external examiner's agreement for you to complete.
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You will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK, in line with employment legislation. The University is unable to make any payment until this evidence has been received.
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You will be directed to relevant pages of this website, where you can access the University's policies and regulations (hard copies available on request).
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You will be invited to the external examiners’ briefing day to complete the induction process.
Nomination flow chart|