Spring Newsletter 2012 Listening to what our external examiner says...
For the last few years our external examiner has been Dr Chris
Deacy from the University of Kent at Canterbury. His thorough
and meticulous work has given us valuable insight into how our
programme compares to other similar masters programmes. Here are
some things he raised in his annual report:
...The standard of work is clearly comparable to that at other
institutions. I teach at MA level at my own institution and have
been an MA external examiner at another institution in the past.
The standard is comparable... 
...This is a Masters level programme and the feedback given to
students was often excellent in the way that it drew attention to
how the expectations on this programme are different to that found
at BA level...
...In In the case of MTHD20, the tutor has written that "it is
important to explain some of theological terms of liberation
theology and political theology prior to the discussion of public
theology. Perhaps we will need to spend one or two more sessions on
methodology before dealing with issues in public theology." This is
an example of good practice – i.e. taking stock of what students
have found this year and revisiting the module in that
light...
...Students can be satisfied that the marking process is
transparent and fair. The range of modules is very good and the
standard of work on this programme is appropriate at this level and
is comparable to the standard of M level programmes in other
institutions. The pastoral care of students is also something that
is taken very seriously and I was impressed at the SAP by the
extent to which individual student cases were addressed
compassionately and judiciously...
...Chris also looks in detail at cases where marks given by first
and second markers vary by more than a few percent, and independent
marking is needed. This happens a few times a year, and we are
working to try and minimize this. What is most important is
that when it does occur, the way we deal with it is as fair
and transparent as possible:
...I was particularly impressed with the way in which final marks
were awarded following internal moderation and/or blind second
marking. On occasions, a particular script might be seen by up to
four staff members (plus the External). If two markers were to come
to different marks on a given assignment the reasons for the final
mark were stated and evidence of communication was
supplied...