Introduction
External examination is one of the most distinctive features of UK higher education. Thank you to all our appointed External Examiners for agreeing to carry out this role for Aston University and we look forward to working with you. We welcome your involvement in our programmes of study and would encourage you to act as a critical friend, identifying our strengths and weaknesses and in turn helping us to improve the experience of our students.
The material below is intended as an aid to your induction and work at the University. If you have any queries please contact the subject area you have been appointed to in the first instance, but if you have any doubt about who to contact, or have a more generic query, please seek advice from the Quality Assurance Team.
Induction and Reference Material
The links below will lead you to the following recommended reading before you commence your role as External Examiner.
The UKSCQA Principles for External Examination is now the definitive reference point for all UK Universities regarding external examination and what Universities are expected to do to ensure they make scrupulous use of external examiners.
Aston Specific Material
The following material is Aston-specific for taught programme External Examiners.
Induction Day Recordings and Slides
- Overview of Aston University and the role of the External Examiner
- Aston University Regulations
- Useful Information - HR, IT and Health & Safety
College Introduction:
- College of Business and Social Sciences
- College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- College of Health and Life Sciences
Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment
Contact the Programme Director for any Blackboard queries.
Regulations
- General Regulations - see section 2 on 'External Examiners' in the General Regulations for the Conduct of Boards of Examiners
- Assessment Regulations and Policies
- Exam Board Briefing sessions are held throughout the year, please contact the Quality Assurance Team for more details.
Report Form
The template for the External Examiner's annual report to the University will be provided by the College you have been appointed to at the time of the Examination Board and should be returned to the College within one month of the Board meeting. The report asks for comments on both good practice and areas for improvement, and External Examiners are encouraged to complete this report as fully as possible.
Aston Staff Portal - Personal Details, Expenses and Payslips