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Programme Reviewers

External Programme Reviewers

Quality Programme Reviewer Form V3 - 07/08/2025

Quality programme reviews are carried out locally by academic units e.g. Schools, in line with QA006 Review of Taught Programmes.

The relevant Programme Board through the Programme Director is responsible for the selection of an independent expert reviewer that must meet the selection criteria for that of an External Examiner (ref QA005 Role of External Examiners - Taught Programmes).

Current Quality programme reviews normally spend an additional day on campus to review programmes following the annual Quality programme reviews meeting where s/he will meet with a representative selection of staff and students or other stakeholders of the programme. This helps inform the Programme Quality Review Report.

If the Quality Programme Reviewer is not the External Examiner then the fee must be paid from the relevant school budget. While the fee amount is at the discretion of the School based on the level of work involved, it is recommended that the fee is in line with the external examiner visiting fee of €250 per day. The fee should be agreed locally and authorised by the Budget Holder before the Programme Reviewer is invited to carry out this work.

Travel Expenses Policy Overview

In accordance with QA304 and QA302 Policies

Scope of Reimbursement: Only expenses essential to fulfilling the programme reviewers duties at the University of Galway will be reimbursed.

Expense Documentation:

All expenses must be initially paid by the External Academic engaged as Programme Reviewer and supported by original vouched receipts.
External Academics are required to submit all receipts to the appropriate School/Unit contact for verification and approval of the associated costs.
University approvers and budget holders must retain all receipts for audit purposes (a minimum of 6 years, or longer where required for research‑related funding) and email the receipts, along with the timesheet, to timesheets.bureau@universityofgalway.ie for payment processing.

Reimbursement Process:

All expenses must be paid by the External Academic engaged as Programme Reviewer and will be reimbursed based on the original vouched receipts. Credit card slips alone are not accepted as valid proof of payment.

Currency Conversion: Convert all expenses to Euro using the Xe Currency Converter, applying the exchange rate from the receipt date.

Transportation: Use the most economical transport available - standard or economy class for flights, and public transport for ground travel.

Motor Travel: Reimbursement is €0.418 per kilometer traveled within Ireland. Mileage outside Ireland requires justification and will be considered case-by-case.

Prohibited Expenses: Alcoholic beverages are not eligible for reimbursement.

Quality - Other Types of Reviewers

Quality Reviewers are independent peer reviewers who assess the quality of a Unit, a School or Programme and issue recommendations for quality improvements through a Review Report.

Payments of fees and expenses to other types of Quality Reviewers employed by the University under the following Policies & Procedures are processed through the Quality Office: