Credit rating

3.1 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework

3.1.1 The framework for qualifications is an outcomes-based structure based on a consistent qualification nomenclature; qualifications descriptors; and credits.

3.1.2 The framework is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a straightjacket.  The descriptors of levels and qualifications, whilst setting out clear and meaningful reference points, are nevertheless generic descriptors.  Similarly, the credit definitions of qualifications are designed to set some minimum expectations in terms of overall volume and level of outcome.

3.1.3 Levels, level descriptors and qualification descriptors provide reference points for locating the ‘level’ of any group of outcomes (a qualification, module or other programme element).

3.1.4 Credit points provide the associated measure for describing the volume of outcomes, not of study time.  One credit point represents the learning outcomes expected to be achieved by the average learner at the relevant level in 10 hours of total learner effort.

3.1.5 HEI qualifications, levels and credit definitions:

SCQF 12 PhD/DPhil
Research-based Doctorates do not have a credit rating*		 Other Doctorates
Min 540 with min 420 at level 12
SCQF 11 MPhil Credit definitions do not normally apply*
  Masters Min 180 with min 150 at level 11
  Masters (following an integrated programme from undergraduate to Masters level study) Min 600 with min 120 at level 11
  Postgraduate Diploma Min 120 with min 90 at level 11
  Postgraduate Certificate Min 60 with min 40 at level 11
SCQF 10 Scottish Bachelors degree with Honours
Min 480 with min of 180 at levels 9 and 10, including a minimum of 90 at level 10.		 Qualifications that are typically for graduates or equivalent but are not of postgraduate level of outcome
SCQF 9 Scottish Ordinary degree
Min 360 with min 60 at level 9		 Graduate Diploma
Minimum of 120 at minimum of level 9
    Graduate Certificate
Minimum of 60 at minimum of level 9
SCQF 8 Diploma of HE
Min 240 with min 90 at level 8		  
SCQF 7 Certificate of HE
Min 120 with min 90 at level 8		  

Note

Programmes of work that are assessed solely by a final thesis, or by published work, artefact or performance that is accompanied by a written commentary placing it within its academic context need not be credit rated.

3.1.6 The framework has been designed to bring consistency and a common language within which institutions will describe the particular features and purposes of their individual programmes and qualifications.

Full details of the SCQF and the level descriptors can be found at scqf.org.uk.

3.2 University Guidelines on Assigning Credit

Undergraduate programmes

3.2.1 The basic module of study at Stirling is assigned 20 SCQF credit points. Honours programmes, Cert. H.E. and Dip H.E. should all meet or exceed the minimum credit requirements of SCQF.  Ordinary degrees have a minimum credit total of 360 points.

3.2.2 Modules should normally be assigned either level 8 or level 10, except in particular cases where level 7 or level 9 is deemed appropriate. Level 7 may be appropriate for:

  • Modules that are not part of the mainstream first-year curriculum – an example would be beginners language modules;
  • Personal Development modules - Learning Strategies, Career Planning, Data and IT Skills;
  • Continuing Studies/Other Academic modules coded CST9xx;
  • Modules that are intentionally set a more elementary level;

Level 9 should be considered for:

  • Modules that are not normally components of Honours degree programmes. Examples of these might be CELT modules and some modules in Nursing and Midwifery.
  • Modules that are normally taken before admission to Honours, i.e. those that are associated with the Semester 4 curriculum.
  • This approach will give greater credibility to the assignation of level 10, and should not affect the compliance of existing patterns of General, Bachelors or Honours degrees.

See University Calendar

Postgraduate Taught Programmes and Professional Doctorates 

3.2.3 Credit values for Postgraduate Taught programmes and Professional Doctorates should have SCQF credit values and credit levels that meet or exceed the minimum credit requirements of SCQF.  All taught Masters degrees of the University should represent an equivalent academic achievement and an example could be:

120 credits (taught component) + 60 credits (dissertation) = 180 credits

See

Higher Degrees by Research

Higher Degrees by Research

3.2.4 All Master’s degrees by research for all subjects will be classified as the Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.).  Students that registered for research degrees prior to September 2003 will continue to be registered for M.Litt. and M.Sc., including those who transfer to a Masters degree from Ph.D. and those who are examined for the Ph.D. but recommended for the award of a Masters degree.

See

Academic Council, October 2002 and June 2003