Credit structures

Credit

Credit volume reflects the expected student effort required to complete a course successfully. Credit volume is a calculation of the required learning hours (including independent work and assessment) on the basis of 1 credit for 10 hours of notional student effort.
The change to the structure of the academic year also means we can simplify the credit structures of degree programmes.
A standardised and simplified credit structure based on multiples of 15 credits will be adopted for all courses.
Most third year undergraduate courses and taught masters' courses already use this credit structure of 15 and 30 credits.
The changes will be implemented from the start of the 2012-13 academic year.
This new credit structure and academic framework provides greater flexibility in course delivery and more opportunities for students to take electives.
Full-time undergraduate programmes comprise 120 credits each year
Most full-time postgraduate programmes comprise 180 credits.

The new academic framework will apply from Autumn 2012 onwards. There will be no change to assessment regulations for the current (2011-12) round of assesments and resits.

The new structure has been developed in consultation with staff and students and via formal committee structures.

Further information on the new academic framework can be found at the Portfolio and Periodic Review for 2012 (Link)