What is an exam board and what does it do?

An exam board is a committee. They are responsible for considering and approving module results. They also make progress decisions. They can determine awards eligibility, based on a given programme's academic regulations. This ensures academic quality across all programmes.

There are several types of academic committees. It depends on the programme level and type of study. More details are given below.

Board of Examiners

A Board of Examiners is typically composed of a Board Convenor, who is a senior member of the Faculty staff. There are also members of staff who have taught on your programme, as well as an External Examiner from another institution.

It's their task to recommend whether a student is permitted to proceed to the next year of study. Or, if appropriate, be awarded an attainment on the basis of their performance.

Undergraduate Boards of Examiners usually meet twice during the session. This is typically in May/June & August.

Postgraduate Boards of Examiners generally meet twice during the session. This is typically May & September/October.

Some programmes may have more meetings. Or they may have meetings at different times during the academic year. If you're in any doubt about when your Board of Examiners meets, contact your Department or School.

External Examining of Taught Programmes: see Procedure and Guidelines for External Examiners of Taught Programmes.

Postgraduate Research Exam Committee

The Postgraduate Research Exam Committee normally has a Committee Convener. There is also an Internal Examiner and an External Examiner. The supervisor may also attend but in a non-voting capacity. A viva voce (an oral examination) will normally be held for Doctoral candidates. It may be required for some Masters candidates.

Instructions for Format and Submission of Thesis are found on the downloads for students web page.

Students can be informally notified of the outcome shortly after the viva voce examination. Usually, this is done by their supervisor/Department/School. Once the outcome has been processed, the student will be notified.