20 Credit Modules
What has changed?
Previously all modules you took were worth 15 credits towards your overall degree. Now most modules have changed from 15 credits to 20 credits. You'll still need 360 credits for an undergraduate honours degree.
If you're doing a PGCert you'll still need 60 credits, if you're doing a PGDip you'll still need 120 credits and if you're doing a foundation degree/HND you'll still need 240 credits.
There's no reduction in the study hours for your programme overall. They're simply divided up differently.
How does this benefit me?
Fewer modules should allow you to study each module in more depth, making your time more manageable and providing an opportunity for more independent study. For more advice about how to manage your time please visit our time management webpage.
As part of the change to 20 credits there's a maximum of two formal assessments per module so overall you're doing fewer formal assessments per module. Some modules may also have a required pass/fail element.
As part of the process staff have reviewed, and where appropriate, redesigned modules to include innovative teaching practices to enhance your future employability.
It's important to note that we've aimed to ensure no student will be disadvantaged by any changes.
How does this affect me?
Students who passed 120 credits (undergraduate degree) in 2011/12 will still be taking 120 credits in 2012/13. The only difference is it's through 6 modules instead of 8. Please see the examples below:
Student 1
Student 1 is a stage 1 student moving on to stage 2 in academic year 2012/13. He has passed all his modules and has 120 credits. He can move into stage 2 having successfully passed stage 1. In stage 2 he'll take six 20 credit modules.
Student 2
Student 2 is a stage 2 student moving on to stage 3 in academic year 2012/13. She has achieved 120 credits via 15 credit modules in stage 1 and the same for stage 2. She can move into stage 3 having successfully passed stage 1 and 2. At stage 3 she'll take six 20 credit modules.
Overall you'll need 120 credits at each stage. You're able to proceed to the next stage with 105 credits but you'll still need to make up the 15 credit shortfall at this stage. How it affects you depends on your individual circumstances. The University needs to be sure you've passed everything you need to qualify for your programme award. If you've 105 credits and have failed a module i.e. you have an 'F' grade you'll have to make sure you've passed it (or its equivalent) at 20 credits in your next stage. If you've an 'Fm' (marginal fail) grade our regulations allow for compensation of 15 credits to allow you to progress, provided you have at least 90 credits at D- at that level. This will enable you to meet the 105 credit progression requirement. Please see the examples below for possible scenarios.
Student 3
Student 3 is a stage 2 student moving on to stage 3 in academic year 2012/13. She has only achieved 105 credits in stage 2 because she marginally failed (Fm) a module. This marginal fail may be compensated to give a total of 120 credits and therefore she'll have the 15 credits and move on to stage 3 as normal.
Student 4
Student 4 is a stage 2 student moving on to stage 3 in academic year 2012/13. She has only achieved 105 credits in stage 2 because she failed (F) a module. This means she needs to take an extra module in stage 3 to make up for her shortfall in stage 2. As each module will be worth 20 credits she'll end up with an extra 5 credits. If you have to pay for your modules as a part time or postgraduate student you'll be charged the 15 credit rate for the catch up module.
Student 5
Student 5 enrolled in January 2012 as part of academic year 2011/12. This means he'll be halfway through his stage of study when the 20 credit modules are implemented. He'll still need 120 credits to pass each stage. He achieved 60 credits in stage one (spring semester). Over the summer the University moves to 20 credits. He needs to take 60 credits to complete stage 1 in the autumn semester. Depending on programme studies this could be enrolling on 2 (1 x 20 credits and 1 x 40 credits) or 3 modules (3 x 20 credits).
Don't worry if your circumstance isn't covered above, programme teams will be able to advise you if you haven't achieved 120 credits (undergraduate degree), 180 credits (masters degree), 240 (foundation degree/HND) this year. Options will be available to make sure you have the opportunity to meet the learning outcomes to achieve enough credits to progress. If you have any concerns contact your lecturer they'll be able to advise you.
