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Credit and Module Framework

Credit and Module Framework

This version of the Credit and Module Framework was approved by Senate in July 2008 (further information on amendments can be found at the end of this webpage) and is applicable to all courses and students.

Credit is a quantified means of expressing and measuring learning equivalence, awarded for the demonstrable achievement of learning outcomes. The University recognises credit as a means of measuring, describing and comparing learning achievement which sets out how much learning is required for each course and at what level. Warwick uses the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) to express credit weightings for each unit of learning. Credit is expressed in quantified form so that achievement in different contexts can be broadly compared in terms of intellectual depth (level) and relative volume (number of credits).

The Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme is a system which enables learners to accumulate credit and which facilitates the transfer of that credit within and beyond the providing institutions. The scheme was established by the Council for National Academic Awards (CNAA) and adopted by the mid 1990s by 80% of UK HEIs, including Warwick.

The CAT Scheme equates 1 credit (or credit point) with 10 hours of learning effort or notional learning time, used as a measure of volume. Notional learning time is the number of hours which it is expected that a learner (at a particular level) will spend, on average, to achieve the specified learning outcomes. This might comprise a variable combination of contact time, (lectures, seminars, labs etc.) and self-directed learning time (background reading prior to classes, research for written assignments, completion of assessments and examination preparation). Thus, a module allocated 30 credits or ‘CATS points’ should require students to commit approximately 300 hours of work to achieving the learning outcomes for the module.

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    Documents

    • This version was approved by the Senate, 2 July 2008 [minute 93(d)/07-08]
    • Clarification in section 8 approved by chair's action on behalf of AQSC, 29 April 2009: addition to the final sentence of the phrase "To ensure equity in the treatment of students and"
    • Amendment to Section 4 relating to language modules approved by the Senate, 7 July 2010
    • Amendments to Sections 2, 4, 5, and 8 approved by AQSC, 5 December 2012, to reflect changes in policy on the total number of credits to be taken (approved by Senate 3 July 2012); national changes in nomenclature of levels of study.
    • Amendments to Section 2 (table of Warwick Qualifications) and Section 7 approved by Senate 29 June 2015
    • Amendments to Section 2 (table of Warwick Qualifications) to include Graduate Diploma approved by AQSC October 2017
    • Amendments to Section 2 (table of Warwick Qualifications) to define level of balance of credit for Integrated Master's approved by Senate April 2023.
    • Amendments to Section 8 Assessment to define pass marks by FHEQ level or historic course regulations approved by Senate April 2023