Why Social Science Matters, Issue 3

What is the purpose of external examining”? This is the opening question posed by the QAA (2010) in a document aimed at contributing to the current debate around the role. It is the right question to begin with, as the subsequent questions, such as the tasks they should perform, and the qualifications that they require, presuppose that we are broadly in agreement as to what their purpose is. The articles in this issue of Why Social Science Matters address this issue, and contribute to the Higher Education Academy sector wide debate about external examining.