Description of Levels (Units)
Unit Codes:
Unit codes contain an indication of level within the structure of the code as shown on the Unit Codes page. These correspond to a level code which is a standard code designated by the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ).
The following codes and definitions are used:
|
Number in Unit Code |
Definition in Unit Catalogues |
FHEQ level (see below) |
Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
0 |
Foundation |
3 |
Pre-degree level (level 0 within unit codes is also used for non-credit bearing units) |
1 |
Certificate |
4 |
Initial degree level, normally taken in Year 1 of an undergraduate programme |
2 |
Intermediate |
5 |
|
3 |
Honours |
6 |
|
4 or 5 |
Masters |
7 |
Units with level 4 or 5 within the unit code are considered to be taught at the same level under the FHEQ. Units with level 5 within the unit code are normally only available to postgraduate students. |
6 |
Doctoral |
8 |
Available only to postgraduate research students |
FHEQ levels & awards:
The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) is used to describe the levels of both units and of overall programmes of study to assist with the maintenance of academic standards; to inform international comparability of academic standards, especially in the European context; to ensure international competitiveness; and to facilitate student and graduate mobility. The FHEQ lays out the minimum levels of credit students are expected to attain in order to gain specific awards. Programmes of study at the Â鶹´«Ã½ are constructed to help students gain the appropriate credits at each level but, as a student, it is your responsibility to ensure that you take enough credits at each level (failure to do so may mean that you do not gain your intended award).
The table below shows the minimum levels of credit needed for some awards offered by the University:
| Awards | Total credits needed |
Minimum credits at FHEQ level 4 |
Minimum credits at FHEQ level 5 |
Minimum credits at FHEQ level 6 |
Minimum credits at FHEQ level 7 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taught (postgraduate) Masters Degrees |
|
90 |
75 |
|||
| Undergraduate Masters Degrees |
|
240 |
60 |
48 |
48 |
60 |
| Bachelors Degree with Honours |
|
180 |
60 |
48 |
48 |
|
| Foundation Degree |
|
120 |
60 |
60 |
||
This table shows only the minimum credits needed at each level. Students will be required to complete a total number of credits as given in the 'Total credits needed' column. For example...
A student on a Bachelors degree with honours must attain a minimum of 60 credits at FHEQ level 4, 48 credits at level 5 and 48 credits at level 6 but must gain a total of 180 credits over the course of their programme of study; meaning that an additional 24 credits (at any level) must be taken on top of the minimum credits at each level.
Students may be allowed to obtain more credits at a higher level (e.g. students on an undergraduate masters programme may obtain 78 credits at level 7 (Masters level) and only 42 credits at level 6 (honours level). You can find a complete list of all awards and corresponding levels of credit at the end of QA3 within the Quality Assurance Code of Practice.
Note: Completion of a number of units at any particular level does not mean that an award can be made at that level. Awards are covered by the scheme of study for a particular programme: only if a programme defines, for example, the possible award of a postgraduate diploma as an exit point on a programme leading ultimately to a master's degree, can such an award be made.
