Appointment of examiners
Examiners should normally be appointed well in advance of the thesis being submitted and it is essential, therefore, that the student makes his/her supervisor aware of the expected submission date so that a recommendation for the appointment of examiners can be made to the Faculty. Supervisors are requested to ensure that proposed examiners are available to examine the thesis and complete the paperwork within ten weeks of receiving it to ensure that the student´s progress is not delayed.
Students who choose to submit their thesis without first informing their supervisor should note that this may result in delays in the examination process if the examiners have not yet been appointed.
In cases where the proposed examiner holds an appointment other than equivalent to Professor, Reader, or Senior Lecturer or is from a non-university establishment, a CV and supporting statement should be attached when completing the Appointment of Examiners form, outlining the suitability of the nominee. This should include previous experience as an examiner at higher degree level and/or of research supervision as well as evidence of being suitably authoritative on the subject matter of the thesis.
Honorary members of the University's academic staff may act as internal examiners, provided they have necessary experience of the University's examination procedures and provided they will continue to hold their honorary status for the duration of the examination process.
The form for completion by supervisors is available to download from the link on the right and requires the signature of the Head of Department/Postgraduate Tutor. The form is then forwarded, along with any supporting information on the proposed examiner´s qualifications, to Research & Innovation Services for Faculty approval.
At least two examiners must be appointed, neither of whom has had any direct involvement in the student's research project. At least one examiner must be an external examiner. Most University staff candidates are required to have two external examiners. Where there is no suitably qualified member of staff other than the supervisor, two external examiners are normally appointed. In cases where two external examiners are appointed, departments are also asked to nominate a member of academic staff to act as internal co-ordinator and to liaise with the examiners and the student concerning the arrangements for the oral examination.
In all cases, examiners must be formally appointed before the thesis is despatched to the examiners and the date of the viva voce examination is set. Should an occasion arise where an examiner must be replaced, a form is available for this purpose to download from the link on the right. The same procedure applies as for the original appointment form.
Examiners' fees and expenses
Expenses and fees for examiners should be claimed through Research & Innovation Services, not the academic department, in line with the guidelines issued to examiners with the thesis.
Internal examiners wishing to claim for expenses incurred as part of the examination process should use the University's Grey Expense form.