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Disclaimer: This page is only for reference by staff and students at TEIs operating under the Common Awards scheme.
Durham University staff and students should instead refer to the Learning and Teaching Handbook here.

The information on this page is reviewed every three months.

 

Extract from Durham University Learning & Teaching Handbook

10.3 No. of External Examiners for a programme

 

1. The University’s standard practice is to appoint external examiners for taught programmes on the following basis:

 

a. For undergraduate programmes, one external examiner per 50 final year students of programmes taught in the department.

 

b. For taught postgraduate programmes, one external examiner per 25 students on a programme.

 

2. Cases for the appointment of additional external examiners can be made on the following grounds:

 

a. The number of external reference points (for example PSRB requirements) are such that more external examiners are required in a subject than would be the case under the criteria in paragraph 1 above.

 

b. The need to ensure an appropriate match between the number of external examiners and the quantity and complexity of assessed material being examined.

 

c. The number of specialisms is such that more external examiners are required than would be the case under the criteria in paragraph 1 above.

 

3. Any cases for the appointment of additional external examiners over and above the number resulting from the application of the criteria in paragraph 1 above should be made by the nominating department for consideration by the chair of the relevant FEC.  The decision of the chair of FEC in such cases will be final.