What is the role of the external examiner?
In this section we investigate the role of the external examiner. The most common way of conceptualising the role of the external examiner seems to be that of ‘critical friend’, but there are other roles that the external may adopt as s/he carries out his/her work. Here, the notion of ‘critical friend’ (and its implications for working with departments) is explored in greater depth, along with the three different levels (Subject Level, Programme Level and Award Level) at which the external might be appointed and the specific tasks associated with the levels. Finally, we look at what experienced externals believe that they, personally, gain from the role.
You can download more information about the role of the external examiner from the download section of this page. In which you can find more about:
- Various roles of the examiner
- What tasks does an external examiner do?
- What do external examiners get out of it?