The Internal Examiner is normally responsible for ensuring that the University’s examination practices are followed, that the Joint Report Form is completed properly and forwarded to the Graduate School Administrator.
Criteria that internal examiners must meet
Internal Examiners MUST:
- Have a contract of employment at Newcastle University and be registered on the approved list of supervisors held by the Faculty.
- Have expertise in the broad field of the thesis under examination.
- Be familiar with the University procedures for the examination of doctoral degrees (where examiners have not conducted an examination at Newcastle they must be briefed by the
- School/Institute and an Independent Chair must be appointed – see below).
Criteria that may exclude internal examiners
Internal Examiners MUST NOT:
- Have had any direct involvement with the research project under examination.
- Be members of the supervisory team that have supported the work of the student.
- Be a postgraduate student.
- Be a visiting member of Newcastle University.
What if I can’t find a suitable internal examiner?
Given the highly specialised nature of work in the ICM, it is not uncommon that no suitable internal examiners are available. Or rather, it is likely they have been involved in the project in some capacity.
For clarity, members of the progression panel are not necessarily excluded from being an internal examiner. This is unusual, and the graduate school would need to be convinced that there is no conflict of interest. It is understandably difficult for the examiner to revisit the thesis with completely fresh eyes. Therefore, it is likely to be approved only where the examiner in question has considerable experience of postgraduate examination.
To summarise, we would advise against this option unless there is no alternative. Preferably, please consider the option of two external examiners.