2.1 It is expected that partner organisations have in place their own approach to internal verification and standardisation / moderation (by their own staff) which is commensurate with the University’s policy on moderation.

2.2 Partner arrangements will be reviewed by the University at partner approval, subsequent validations of new awards and at Collaborative Periodic Review. It will also be considered by the collaborative course leader at University and by the external examiner(s) appointed by the University.

2.3 Details of the specific verification, marking and standardisation / moderation procedures must be included in the relevant Operational Handbook for the provision.

2.4 The University will appoint external examiners to review, usually on a sample basis, assessed student work. External examiners are expected to visit the partner and meet with students at the partner location at least once in their 4 year tenure.

2.5 External examiners will be expected to see evidence of internal moderation by partner staff and will be asked to comment upon the effectiveness of this. External Examiners do not routinely comment on Level 4 work unless such work substantively contributes to the award (e.g. Foundation Degree, HND/C, some diplomas and certificates).

2.6 Relevant University academic staff will second mark (see definitions below), student work at the partner. This is an integral part of assuring standards as a new course commences at a partner organisation and the scale of the second marking will, normally, reduce considerably after the first year of operation providing the outcomes of marking and other quality metrics (external examiner comments, statistical analysis of student achievement, student feedback, etc.) are in line with expectations. For further guidance on this issue, see below.