External Examiners - Postgraduate ResearchFees & expenses

Fees

The University fees for PGR examining are as follows:

  • Masters (MSc/MRes/MPhil) - £90.00
  • Doctorates (PhD/DBS/EdD) - £200.00
  • Higher Doctorates (DSc) - £200.00

To claim the fee an Undertaken Duties form should be completed. We recommend that this is done on the day of the viva.

Expenses

The University will pay reasonable travel, accommodation, and subsistence expenses incurred in the performance of examination duties.

A completed claim form should be returned to the host department, with original receipts for all expenses claimed.

Credit card slips are not acceptable as receipts. It may not be possible to pay expenses that are not accompanied by appropriate supporting evidence. It is advisable that you keep a photocopy of the claim form and any receipts.

Remember to quote the name and registration number (if known) of the student to whom the claim relates. You must also include the name of the department/department contact and the date of the viva.

Travel

We'll reimburse the cost of standard class, advanced purchase train tickets for travel to/from your home or place of work to the University.

First-class train travel will not normally be covered. Transfer costs (i.e. mileage and taxis) and parking costs will also be reimbursed.

Air travel within the UK is discouraged unless the overall cost is cheaper. If travelling from outside the UK, air travel should be agreed in advance with the host department. You must do this before making a reservation.

Accommodation

Accommodation should normally be booked by the host department. The University will pay the cost directly to the hotel.

Examiners may book their own accommodation, up to a maximum of £95 per night. They can claim the cost back via an expenses claim form. There are many conveniently located hotels close to the University. We have negotiated preferential bed and breakfast rates.

Accommodation costing more than £95 should be agreed upon with the host department before making a reservation. The University will pay for the number of nights required to conduct the viva (normally one and a maximum of two).

Costs such as mini bar items, pay-per-view television, and telephone calls will not be reimbursed.

Subsistence

The cost of meals will be reimbursed up to a maximum of £12 for breakfast, £15 for lunch and £25 for dinner. This includes drinks, when supported by receipts or included in the hotel bill.

The cost of alcohol (for dinner only) will be refunded when taken with a meal. Alcohol will not be reimbursed when taken during working hours i.e. during lunch. Gratuities will not be refunded unless included on an itemised bill as a service charge.

The University reserves the right to decline payment, in part or in full, of any expense item which is considered to be unreasonable or excessive.

Payment

All fees and expenses will be paid directly into your bank account.

If your claim is received and processed before the payroll cut-off date, your claim will be paid at the end of the same month.

If you miss the cut-off date then payment will be made at the end of the following month.