External examiners: Induction

Generic and Programme Specific Induction

The generic online induction explains the role of an External Examiner at Middlesex University.

Many External Examiners have considerable experience of assessing undergraduate or postgraduate student work. However, assessment systems vary between universities. We therefore ask all new External Examiners to review the online induction materials.

When you are appointed, we will send you a link to the generic online induction. You must confirm that you have completed it. Once you confirm completion, you will receive a taxable fee of £100.

All External Examiners also receive a separate programme-specific induction from the programme team. This induction provides information about your programme. You can meet the programme team and ask questions about the programme to which you have been appointed.

Inexperienced external examiners

External Examiners without previous experience can complete a "shadow year". During this year, they work alongside the current External Examiner.

The shadowing External Examiner must meet the University’s appointment criteria. The shadow year is additional to the main four-year contract.

A proposed External Examiner who cannot complete a shadow year should work as a Mentee during their first year. They will work with an experienced External Examiner who is already in post.

The assigned Mentor must be an existing member of the external examining team. Where possible, the Mentor will be linked to a similar subject or programme.

Professional Development Course for External Examiners

Middlesex now offers all new and inexperienced External Examiners the opportunity to complete the Advance HE Professional Development Course for External Examiners.

AQS will pay for either of the course’s two remote study modes:

• remote delivery, comprising online preparation and two half-day workshops delivered on Zoom
• fully online delivery, comprising online preparation and six weeks of synchronous and asynchronous activity on the Advance HE VLE.

After completing the course, the External Examiner will receive:

• a certificate of completion, which will be replaced by a digital badge in due course
• an entry on the searchable list of certificated External Examiners on the Advance HE website
• membership of the External Examiners’ Community of Practice on Connect.

Useful Information

• QAA - External Examining Principles
• QAA - External Examining, Putting the Principles into Practice (PDF).

Contact us

For general enquiries about your External Examiner appointment or vacancies at Middlesex University, email externalexaminer@mdx.ac.uk.

For queries about Assessment Board information, email assessmentofficers@mdx.ac.uk.

Existing External Examiners who need to update their contact details or personal information should email externalexaminer@mdx.ac.uk.