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Press release

Credit survey shows solid support for framework

A joint survey by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), Universities UK and GuildHE, on the implementation of the Higher education credit framework for England, shows that the vast majority of higher education institutions are using the framework to align credit values for their programmes.

The survey’s aim was to measure the extent to which the credit framework had been implemented in England within higher education institutions (HEIs) funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

Anthony McClaran, QAA’s Chief Executive, said ‘The survey shows that the credit framework is valued and widely adopted in England. The widespread use of credit will enhance the opportunities for students to transfer between different programmes and help them plan how they approach their education path. In the few instances where the credit framework is not being used there are institutionally specific circumstances and conditions that make it inapplicable.’  

  • Of the 129 HEIs  surveyed and 108 (83 per cent) responded
  • In the main, HEIs confirmed that they operate arrangements for using credit (100 out of 108)
  • Of the eight HEIs that reported that they did not operate arrangements for using credit, only five stated that they currently had no intention to introduce credit arrangements
  • Of the 100 HEIs that confirmed that they operate arrangements for using credit, 96 stated that these align with the Higher education credit framework for England. Of those HEIs that stated that their arrangements for credit did align with the Higher education credit framework for England, 47 stated that changes had taken place to ensure alignment.

Changes identified were predominantly in relation to amendments to the amount of credit associated with an award, particularly the minimum number of credits at the level of the award. Other changes mentioned included revisions to the nomenclature of credit levels.

Ninety three of the HEIs that confirmed that they operate arrangements for credit confirmed that the credits associated with each programme were included within a published description of the programme.  Where this was not the case, they intended to publish such information within the current academic year.

Where HEIs reported that they did not offer credit arrangements, and had no intention to introduce them, reasons offered for not doing so related to the non-modular nature of provision, and other reasons specific to the HEI.

Report and survey results >>

Notes to editors:

  1. For further information and interview requests please contact:
    Katie Sharrock, Public Relations Officer, on 01452 557074, k.sharrock@qaa.ac.uk
  2. The survey sought a response from each of the 129 HEIs that were in receipt of HEFCE funding in July 2009. Using QAA's list of senior quality assurance contacts, each HEI was contacted directly and asked to complete the online survey. In addition, the survey was promoted by UUK and GuildHE to its memberships. Where HEIs failed to respond to the survey by the initial deadline, they were contacted directly in order to try and maximise the response rate.
  3. QAA checks how UK universities maintain their own academic standards and quality. We review and report on how they meet their responsibilities, identify good practice and make recommendations for improvement. We publish guidelines to help UK universities and colleges develop effective systems to ensure students have the best learning experience.

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