Kingston University has been rapped for asking an external examiner to change her “damaging” report but, according to a new investigation, there is no evidence of a widespread problem at the institution.

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) launched an investigation after emails from the music school asking an external examiner to change her report were leaked to the press in July last year.

The examiner’s original report, dating from 2004, about an assessment of the undergraduate music course raised concerns about over-generous marking.

When asked whether she thought student standards were comparable to those studying similar programmes in other universities, she said no.

The director of the music MA course then circulated an email which stated: “I feel that [the examiner’s] report is both unfair and very damaging.

"Can we ask her to amend that so it is less damning?

“We must avoid externals with these attitudes in future – we cannot afford this type of bad publicity.”

The preliminary investigation, which was carried out under the QAA cause for concern procedure, found the acting head of music then contacted the examiner.

The QAA report said: “It was made clear, in terms the examiner found persuasive, that there would be dire consequences for the school of music if the report were not amended.”

A revised version of the report was then sent to the university.

The QAA said despite the case raising “some questions about the university’s practices and procedures” and the implication of a “lack of regard for the role of external examiners”, the university remained in “good standing” with the watchdog and a full inspection was not necessary.

The QAA findings stated: “The case refers to one external examiner’s report among the several hundred that are received and reviewed by the university each year.

“No other evidence has been forthcoming to suggest a more widespread problem.

“The QAA Institutional audit of the university in 2005 found that the external examiner system at Kingston was working effectively.”

Vice-chancellor of Kingston University Professor Peter Scott said: “The university takes on board the findings of the QAA review and, while we do not think our procedures were out of line with other institutions, we have taken steps to strengthen the university’s management of its external examiner system.”

Professor Scott said he had implemented a central quality and standards team and introduced a new early alerts procedure for concerns raised by external examiners as well as commissioning an independent investigation.

He said the investigation had concluded the university had “clear and robust procedures” in place for external examiners.

To view the full judgement, visit: qaa.ac.uk/causesforconcern

For more on schools visit our Education section