The experience of external examiners1

Abstract

This article reports on the role and responsibilities of external examiners on undergraduate law degrees in the UK. It is believed to be the first qualitative national survey of external examiners as a group within the UK. The results indicate that law external examiners are predominately male, white and occupy senior posts although there are clear distinctions between ‘old’ (pre 1992) and ‘new’ (post 1992) universities. The study is significant because it throws light on differing practices across the UK in ‘old’ and ‘new’ universities in relation to number of visits, induction, perception of standards, fee structure, number and nature of tasks to be completed and (in particular) the power to change marks even if only samples have been moderated. As a result of this report there is evidence that there have been changes in practice in law schools.