Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

Credit Framework

Contents
1. Introduction.....................................................................................................4
2. Outline of Credit Framework...........................................................................4
3. Courses of Study............................................................................................5
3.1 Composition................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Credits............................................................................................................6
3.3 Module............................................................................................................6
3.4 Compulsory Modules......................................................................................6
3.5 Optional Modules........................................................................................... 6
3.6 Elective Modules............................................................................................6
3.7 Level...............................................................................................................6
3.8 Stage.............................................................................................................. 7
3.9 Awards........................................................................................................... 7
4. Award Titles....................................................................................................7
4.1 Single Subject Awards....................................................................................7
4.2 Awards in Two Subjects.................................................................................8
4.3 Major/Minor Awards........................................................................................8
4.4 Major/Major/Minor Awards..............................................................................8
4.5 Award of Course of Study including a Pathway..............................................8
4.6 Other Awards................................................................................................. 9
5. Time Limits.....................................................................................................9
5.1 Courses of Study............................................................................................9
5.2 Modules........................................................................................................10
6. Award of Credits...........................................................................................11
6.1 Successful Completion of Module................................................................11
6.2 Condonement...............................................................................................12
6.3 Compensation.............................................................................................. 12
6.4 Concurrent Application of the Condonement, Compensation and Trailing
Provisions.....................................................................................................13

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 1 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

6.5 Application of the Condonement, Compensation and Trailing Provisions....13

7. Progression.................................................................................................. 13
7.1 Introduction...................................................................................................13
7.2 Normal Requirements...................................................................................13
7.3 Additional Requirements..............................................................................14
7.4 Attainment of Minimum Learning Outcomes for Stage 1..............................14
7.5 Failure to Complete a Stage of a Course of Study.......................................15
7.6 Referral.........................................................................................................15
7.7 Referral - Taught Postgraduate Dissertation................................................17
7.8 Trailing and Retrieving Credit.......................................................................17
7.9 Deferral.........................................................................................................18
7.10 Taking Stage 2/3 Modules Before Completing Previous Stage....................20
8. Interim Awards............................................................................................. 21
9. Alternative Exit Awards.................................................................................21
10. Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer.......................................21
10.1 Recognition of Prior Learning.......................................................................21
10.2 Approval of Credit Transfer..........................................................................22
10.3 Exemption on Basis of Credit Transfer.........................................................22
10.4 Arrangements for RPE/CL............................................................................23
10.5 ‘Spent’ Credit................................................................................................23
11. General Credit..............................................................................................23
12. Conventions for Award and Classification of Qualifications..........................25
12.1 Award of Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees..............................................25
12.2 Non-completion of a course of study............................................................25
12.3 Classification of Awards...............................................................................25
12.4 General Requirements.................................................................................26
12.5 Stage Weighting...........................................................................................29
12.5.1 Undergraduate Degree Courses..................................................................29
12.5.2 Foundation Degrees and Postgraduate Taught Courses.............................30
12.5.3 Classification of Awards other than HNC/Ds or Honours Degrees and of
Stage 1 of Honours Degrees........................................................................31

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 2 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

12.5.4 ‘Average’ Method of Classification...............................................................31

12.5.5 ‘Preponderance’ Method of Classification....................................................31
12.5.6 Classification of Honours Degrees...............................................................32
13. Conventions for Managing Progression, Resits and the Award of Credit on
Distance Learning Courses..........................................................................34
13.1 Introduction...................................................................................................34
13.2 Conventions................................................................................................. 34
14. Special Dispensation....................................................................................35
14.1 Approving Exceptions to the Credit Framework...........................................35
14.2 Procedure.....................................................................................................35
14.3 Other Requests............................................................................................36
14.4 Posthumous Awards.....................................................................................36

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 3 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

Note 1: Where the text states ‘School’ this should be understood to refer to
‘School’ or ’Department’ at the sub-divisional level, as appropriate.
Note 2: The term ‘Course of Study’ may be denoted by the shorthand term
‘Course’ throughout the text.

1. Introduction
1.1 The Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study, as described in this
document, applies to all taught courses of study leading to awards of the
University of Kent, with the exception of courses leading to joint awards
where a separate set of academic regulations have been agreed with the
partner provider and approved by Senate. It does not normally apply to
courses leading to the award of a research degree except where (i) such
courses consist at least in part of modules approved and credit-rated by the
University; (ii) the Course Approval Sub-committee (CASC) has approved the
research course in question as credit-bearing and (iii) as explicitly subject to
the requirements of this document.
1.2 All University modules, even if not taken as part of a course of study leading
to an award of the University, are regarded as credit-bearing and are subject
to the requirements of the Credit Framework.
1.3 The Credit Framework will be reviewed from time to time by the Education
and Student Experience Board and the University reserves the right to modify
the Framework in the light of such reviews.
1.4 This document is intended to provide information about the Credit Framework
to students, teachers and examiners. Any queries should be addressed in
the first instance to the Quality Assurance and Compliance Office (QACO).
1.5 For information on quality assurance of courses of study, see the University
Code of Practice for Quality Assurance. For information about Meetings of
Boards of Examiners and about the role and responsibilities of External
Examiners, see Annex J and Annex K of the Code of Practice.

2. Outline of Credit Framework

2.1 In order to be eligible for an award of the University, a student must take an
approved course of study, obtain a specified number of credits, the number
required depending on the award in question, and meet such other
requirements as may be specified for the course of study in question. Each
course of study comprises a number of modules, usually at different levels
and each worth a specified number of credits. In order to be awarded the
credits for a module, the student must normally demonstrate, via
Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 4 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

assessment, that they have achieved the learning outcomes specified for the
module. Limited credit may also be awarded where assessment has been
affected by illness or where the student has demonstrated in other modules
that all course learning outcomes have been achieved (see sections 6.2:
Condonement and 6.3: Compensation).
2.2 Most courses of study are divided into stages, usually equivalent to one year
of full time study. A student must normally satisfy prescribed requirements for
each stage of a course before being permitted to proceed to the next stage.
2.3 Many courses lead to 'classified' awards. For example, most undergraduate
degrees are awarded with First Class, Upper Second Class, Lower Second
Class or Third Class honours, and Certificates and Diplomas may be
awarded with Merit or with Distinction.
Example: a student taking a three year full-time undergraduate honours
degree course is required to obtain a total of 360 credits of which at least 210
credits must be at level 5 or above (including at least 90 credits at level 6 or
above at Stage 3) and at most 150 may be at level 4 (Stage 1 modules are
normally at level 4). Many three year full-time honours degree courses
comprise 120 level 4 credits in Stage 1, 120 level 5 or 6 credits in Stage 2
and 120 level 6 credits in Stage 3. Normally, at least 90 credits must be
obtained in Stage 1 before the student is permitted to proceed to Stage 2 and
at least 90 credits must be obtained in Stage 2 before the student is
permitted to proceed to Stage 3.
2.4 The remainder of this document describes the Credit Framework in detail. A
glossary of terms used may be found at Annex 1.

3. Courses of Study
3.1 Composition
Each course of study comprises an approved set or sets of modules and is
divided into a number of stages. Each module is at a specified level and a
student is awarded a specified number of credits at that level following
successful completion of the module. The University defines these terms as
follows.
3.2 Credits
One credit corresponds to approximately ten hours of 'learning time' (i.e.
including all taught or supervised classes and all private study and research).
Thus obtaining 120 credits in an academic year of 30 weeks requires 1200
hours of learning time, equivalent to 40 hours per week.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 5 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

3.3 Module
A module is a self-contained component of a course or courses of study with
defined learning outcomes, teaching and learning methods and assessment
requirements. The University has agreed that each module should normally
correspond to a multiple of 15 credits i.e. to 15, 30, 45 etc credits, but that
Divisions should be authorised to approve exceptions where they are
satisfied that there is good reason to do so. Modules shall be described in
course and module specifications only as either ‘compulsory’, ‘optional’ or
elective.1
3.4 Compulsory Modules
A module will be designated as ‘compulsory’ where due to the relevance of
its content and learning outcomes to the course of study, it is stated in the
relevant course specification that it is a module that must be taken and for
which credit must be awarded in order for a student to remain in good
standing on the course.
3.4.1 Block Compulsory Modules
A subset of modules will be designated as a compulsory block, where one or
more must be taken and passed in order to meet the requirements of a
course or a pathway on a course.
3.5 Optional Modules
A module will be designated as ‘optional’ where it is indicated in a list
provided by the course-owning School as one of a number of modules it
provides for students to take on an opt-in basis as part of their course of
study.
3.6 Elective Modules
A module will be designated as ‘elective’ where it is provided on an optional
basis and falls outside the subject area of the student’s course of study.
3.7 Level
Each module must be at one, and only one, of the following levels:
level 3 Foundation
level 4 Certificate
level 5 Intermediate
level 6 Honours

1
Except where the specification was last approved prior to December 2012, as other
terms may have been used.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 6 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

level 7 Master’s
level 8 Doctoral
The level descriptors adopted by the University for these levels can be found
in Annex 2. Where there are two modules at different levels which have the
same or similar curriculum, they may share some or all of their teaching but
will normally have different learning outcomes and assessment as
appropriate to the level of the credit awarded for each module. Where
module specifications relate to an undergraduate placement year, year
abroad or term abroad the module specification shall be set at level 5 or 6.
3.8 Stage
Most courses of study are divided into a number of stages and students must
achieve specified requirements in each stage except the final stage before
being permitted to progress to the next stage. For undergraduate honours
degree courses, a stage will normally consist of modules amounting to 120
credits. Undergraduate courses of study comprising 120 credits or less will
normally consist of a single stage.
3.9 Awards
In order to be eligible for the award of a certificate, diploma or degree by the
University, a student must obtain at least the minimum number of credits
specified for that award at the specified levels. These requirements are set
out in Annex 4. Individual courses or groups of courses will normally specify
additional requirements which must be met for the award of the qualification
in the subject concerned, for example by requiring the student to take and
obtain credits for specified modules.

4. Award Titles
4.1 Single Subject Awards
4.1.1 Qualifications other than Honours degrees may be awarded in a single
subject (e.g. Certificate in French) provided that at least 75% of the credits
required for the award are in the subject concerned.
4.1.2 Honours degrees may be awarded in a single subject provided that at
least 75% of the credits used for determining the class of Honours are in
the subject concerned.
4.2 Awards in Two Subjects
4.2.1 Qualifications other than Honours degrees may be awarded in two
subjects (e.g. Certificate in French and German) provided that credits in

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 7 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

each of the subjects contribute at least 37.5% of the credits required for
the award.
4.2.2 Honours degrees may be awarded in two subjects provided that credits in
each of the subjects contribute at least 37.5% of the credits used for
determining the class of Honours.
4.3 Major/Minor Awards
4.3.1 Qualifications other than Honours degrees may be awarded in a major
subject with a minor subject (e.g. Certificate in French with German)
provided that credits in the major subject contribute at least 60% of the
credits required for the award and credits in the minor subject contribute at
least 25% of the credits required for the award.
4.3.2 Honours degrees may be awarded in a major subject with a minor subject
provided that credits in the major subject contribute at least 60% of the
credits used for determining the class of Honours and credits in the minor
subject contribute at least 25% of the credits used for determining the
class of Honours.
4.4 Major/Major/Minor Awards
4.4.1 Qualifications other than Honours degrees may be awarded in two major
subjects with a minor subject (e.g. Certificate in French and Spanish with
German) provided that credits in each of the major subjects contribute
30% of the credits required for the award and credits in the minor subject
contribute 25% of the credits required for the award.
4.4.2 Honours degrees may be awarded in two major subjects with a minor
subject provided that credits in each of the major subjects contribute at
least 90 of the credits used for determining the class of Honours and
credits in the minor subject contribute at least 60 of the credits used for
determining the class of Honours.
4.5 Award of Course of Study including a Pathway
4.5.1 A course of study may include one or more pathways. Where a course is
designed to include a pathway, the pathway will be defined in the course
specification(s) by the articulation of course-level learning outcomes that
are exclusive to the pathway concerned. The course specification will state
which modules must be taken in order to satisfy the requirements of the
pathway (see the note below). The pathway will be reflected in the title of
the course of study by the addition of a subject-related defining term in
parentheses, indicating the distinctive nature of the pathway’s content and
learning.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 8 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

4.5.2 It is suggested, though not required, that all the pathways of a course are
set out in a single specification, in order to make explicit the pathway
variants. Course learning outcomes that apply to specific pathways should
be clearly indicated as such (e.g. by the subheading ‘Additional learning
outcomes for the pathway in X’).
4.5.3 A course with pathways is distinct from an award in two subjects or with
major/minor subjects (see section 4.2 – 4.4 above), as a course pathway
is designed to allow a specialism within a single subject, rather than the
study of two separate subjects.
4.5.4 Note: the distinctive course-level learning outcomes of the pathway may
be provided by compulsory modules that are also optional in other
pathways or an associated generalist course specification.
4.6 Other Awards
4.6.1 Where none of the above requirements are met or a course of study
covers more than three substantive subjects, awards should be in a
generic subject area which includes the subjects in question, for example
Physical Sciences or Social Sciences or Humanities, or in Combined
Studies.
4.6.2 Note: Where an award includes a Year Abroad or Year in Industry, the
credits relating to that year are excluded when calculating the balance of
contributing credits in order to determine the final award title.

5. Time Limits
5.1 Courses of Study
In order to remain eligible for an award, students must normally complete
their course of study within the time limits set out below. (See also the
Academic Regulations.) These time limits include any periods of intermission
and any period of time in which a student is repeating part of the course of
study and apply to both full-time and part-time students. Course
specifications specify the normal period of time over which the course will be
completed.
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma 6 years
Foundation Degree 6 years
Non-Honours Bachelor’s Degree 8 years
Bachelor’s Degree with Honours 8 years

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 9 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

Graduate Certificate or Diploma2 4 years

Extended Master’s Degree 8 years
Postgraduate Certificate 4 years
Postgraduate Diploma 6 years
Master’s Degrees (graduate entry) 6 years
Master of Clinical Science 8 years
The maximum period of study will exclude interruptions that derive from
periods during which students have been unable to engage with their studies
due to reasons linked to protected characteristics.
Periods where the University suffers serious disruption to its capacity to
deliver a course or courses due to Force Majeure events will not be regarded
as contributing to the maximum period of study permitted for the completion
of any award.
5.2 Modules
Credits awarded for successful completion of a module will remain eligible to
contribute towards an award for a prescribed period and up to a maximum of
eight years from the date on which the credits are awarded. Module
specifications, particularly in rapidly developing subjects, may specify that
credit obtained will remain eligible to contribute towards an award for less
than eight years. Where the module specification does not specify any period
of eligibility, this will be taken to be eight years.

6. Award of Credits
6.1 Successful Completion of Module
6.1.1 A student who successfully demonstrates via assessment that they have
achieved the specified learning outcomes for a module will be awarded the
number and level of credits prescribed for the module. Assessment
methods vary between modules and assessment is designed so that
achievement of the pass mark or above will demonstrate achievement of
learning outcomes. Normally individual assessments hold the same pass
mark as the pass mark of the module. Module specifications will state if
the pass mark has to be achieved overall and/or in prescribed elements of
assessment.

2
For the purposes of this Code, Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas are
regarded as undergraduate courses.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 10 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

6.1.2 Where a module learning outcome is tested only in one component of

assessment, the assessment in question will become pass-compulsory for
the module. Where a student has an overall mark for a module which is
above the pass mark but has failed a pass-compulsory component of the
assessment, the overall mark for the module will be recorded as one mark
below the pass mark e.g. if the pass mark is 40, an overall mark of 39 will
be recorded. In certain modules, assessment may be on a Pass/Fail or a
Fail/Pass/Merit/Distinction basis and numerical marks will not be awarded.
For all modules at levels 3 to 6 the pass mark will be 40%. For all level 7
modules the pass mark will be 50%.

6.1.3 A component of assessment that is marked on a pass/fail basis should

only be treated as pass-compulsory where the assessment in question
tests a unique module learning outcome for that module.

6.1.4 Except where denoted as non-compensatable or non-condonable in the

relevant course specification, modules for which a pass-compulsory
component of assessment has not been demonstrated may be
compensated or condoned only where the module learning outcome in
question has been demonstrated by the student in the same or an earlier
stage of the course.

6.1.5 Where modules are marked on a Pass/Fail or a Fail/Pass/Merit/Distinction

basis (other than for BTEC Higher Nationals), the following shall apply:
i) Courses graded in this way need not result in a classified award.
ii) Where classification is permitted:
with Merit’: a mark of merit or above for more than 50% of the credits
obtained in the modules contributing to classification
‘with Distinction’: no module marks of ‘pass’ and a mark of distinction for
more than 50% of the credits obtained in the modules contributing to
classification
iii) Failed modules passed on a second or third attempt will be awarded a
mark of ‘pass’ except where the resit/repeat attempt was taken on an
unpenalised basis on grounds of mitigation.
iv) Honours degrees may not be classified by this algorithm.
6.2 Condonement
6.2.1 Where a student fails a module or modules but it is accepted that this was
due to illness or other mitigating circumstances, the Board of Examiners
may condone such failure and award credits for the module(s), up to a

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 11 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

limit of 25% of each stage of a course of study (Annex J section 5.2) and
with the possible application of additional measures (Annex J section 5.3),
provided that there is evidence to show that the student has achieved the
course learning outcomes and provided that the student has submitted
written medical or other evidence to substantiate any claim of illness or
other mitigating circumstances. The marks achieved for such modules will
not be adjusted to take account of the mitigating circumstances but
transcripts issued to the student will indicate modules for which credits
have been awarded via condonement. In order to ensure that the
application of condonement does not disadvantage a student when an
award is classified, where credit for a module is awarded by condonement,
the mark awarded for that module should be excluded from the calculation
of the classification of the award. Course specifications specify modules in
which failure cannot be condoned.
6.2.2 Note: The above does not preclude a Board of Examiners from adjusting a
module mark where a student has failed to complete assessment
requirements for good reason as described in Annex 6, section 24.
6.3 Compensation
6.3.1 Where a student fails a module or modules, but has marks for such
modules that are within 10 percentage points of the pass mark for the
module in question (see note 1 below), the Board of Examiners may
nevertheless award the student the credits for the module(s), up to a limit
of 25% of each stage of a course of study, provided that there is evidence
to show that course learning outcomes have been achieved. The marks
achieved for such modules will not be adjusted but transcripts issued to
the student will indicate modules for which credits have been awarded via
compensation. In order to ensure that the application of compensation
does not disadvantage a student, where credit for a module is awarded by
compensation the mark used for determining progression and
classification should be the pass mark for the module. The mark on the
transcript will not be adjusted. Course specifications specify modules in
which failure cannot be compensated.
6.3.2 Note 1: i.e. the achievement of a mark in the range 30%-39% for modules
at levels 3 to 6; the achievement of a mark in the range 40-49% for
modules at level 7.
6.3.3 Note 2: The above does not preclude a Board of Examiners from adjusting
a module mark where a student has failed to complete assessment
requirements for good reason as described in Annex 6, paragraph 23.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 12 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

6.4 Concurrent Application of the Condonement, Compensation and Trailing

Provisions
The application of condonement, compensation or trailing provisions is
limited to a maximum cumulative total of 25% of the credit available for any
stage. See section 7.5 for information on the Trailing of credit.
6.5 Application of the Condonement, Compensation and Trailing Provisions
The provision allowed for the condonement or compensation of failure or for
the trailing and retrieving of credit should only be applied with respect to
students who fail modules amounting to 25% or less of the credit available for
the stage.

7. Progression
7.1 Introduction
When a student has completed a stage of a course of study other than the
final stage, the appropriate Board of Examiners will decide whether the
student may progress to the next stage of the of study, or to another course
of study.
7.2 Normal Requirements
The normal requirement for progression from one stage of a course of study
to the next is that the student should have obtained 100% of the credits for
the stage. Where a student has failed to obtain 100% of the credits for the
stage, but has obtained at least 75% of the credits and has obtained credits
for those modules which the course specification indicates must be obtained
before progression is permitted, the appropriate Board of Examiners might
require the student to repeat or resit the failed modules or it might give
permission for the failed modules to be compensated, condoned or trailed
into the next stage.
7.3 Additional Requirements
Boards of Examiners may apply additional requirements for progression (i.e.
additional to the achievement of the credit required to proceed to the next
stage) provided that:
 this involves progression into a stage composed predominantly of
modules of a higher level;
 the additional requirements are outlined in an approved course
specification for the cohort under consideration; and

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 13 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

 any students who do not meet the additional progression criteria either
have (i) an alternative progression route onto another course of study or
(ii) receive an appropriate exit award (as outlined in the approved course
specification for the cohort under consideration).
7.4 Attainment of Minimum Learning Outcomes for Stage 1
Where a Board of Examiners is satisfied that a candidate has attained the
minimum learning outcomes for Stage 1 of an undergraduate degree course,
it shall have discretion to award the necessary credits for progression
notwithstanding the marks obtained on particular modules.
Note: This discretion will be used only in exceptional circumstances where a
candidate has failed to obtain marks necessary to proceed on modules
whose learning content is not central to the learning outcomes of the course,
where the marks on the failed modules are inconsistent with the overall
performance of the candidate and where they have been able to demonstrate
achievement of the minimum course learning outcomes in other modules.
The object of this discretion is to encourage interdisciplinary and
experimental study and the take-up of modules outside a candidate’s core
course, such as languages or elective modules, and so as not unreasonably
to penalise students who have chosen to take such modules but through
experience have found them particularly difficult and burdensome.
7.5 Failure to Complete a Stage of a Course of Study
When a student has completed a year of study but has not completed a
stage of a course of study, the Board of Examiners will recommend whether
the student may continue with their studies.
7.6 Referral
7.6.1 Where a student is not permitted to progress to the next stage of a course,
or at the end of a year of study other than the end of a stage of a course
has failed a module or modules, the Board of Examiners may permit the
student to undertake further assessment in failed modules. The method of
reassessment for any module may take one of two forms:
(a) ‘Like-for-Like’ Reassessment: in this method the referred student must
undertake a form of reassessment that allows for a mark to be
recorded against each element of assessment that has been failed.
This may take the form of individual reassessments (literally like-for-
like), or it may be a composite form of reassessment that allows for
the mark achieved to be entered against each of the failed elements;
marks already obtained for elements of assessment that the student is
not required to undertake again will be carried forward; or

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 14 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

(b) Single Instrument of Reassessment: where this method is used, the

reassessment takes the form of a single piece of work, the mark for
which will replace the marks for all elements of assessment obtained
at a previous attempt and will stand as the mark achieved for the
module as a whole.
7.6.2 Under referral, the maximum mark that can be awarded for the module will
be the pass mark for the module.
7.6.3 The method of reassessment will be specified in advance and set out in
the module specification. This specified method will normally be taken by
all students so referred on the module concerned. The Board of
Examiners may permit exemptions from the requirement to undertake the
reassessment in the format specified on grounds in order to meet the
conditions of an Individual Learning Plan. Except in cases where students
have been informed in advance that alternative assessment will not be
permitted, elements of assessment that are unrepeatable, e.g. seminar
contributions, should be substituted by other assignments testing the
same learning outcomes. In cases where alternative assessment is not
permitted, students failing unrepeatable elements may only retrieve credit
by repeating the entire module. Where a module cannot be reassessed or
repeated, the Board of Examiners may permit the student to take another
module for a capped mark in its place, or to transfer into a cognate course
of study.
7.6.4 Two referral opportunities per module will be normally permitted3 except
where there is clear evidence of non-engagement by the student with their
studies (see below). The first such referral opportunity will normally take
place in the August re-sit period following the initial failure. Where a Board
of Examiners permits a referred student to take a substitute module on the
grounds that the original module cannot be reassessed or repeated, this
will count as a referral opportunity and not as a first attempt.
7.6.5 Where there is clear evidence of non-engagement with their studies by a
student, such as extensive failure to attend timetabled teaching sessions
(on campus or online), no attempt to submit assessed work for any
module and a failure to engage with interventions made by the University
to correct this situation, the Board of Examiners may recommend that the
student be withdrawn from the University. The student will notified of this
recommendation in writing with a deadline set of 28 calendar days for an
appropriate response. Where no such response is received in this time
period, the recommendation for withdrawal will be confirmed.

3
Except for the dissertation element of taught postgraduate courses of study.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 15 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

7.6.6 Where the Board of Examiners makes the recommendation set out in
section 7.6.5 above it should be satisfied that the due process for a
student in attendance with very low engagement has been followed, as set
out in the Student Attendance and Engagement Policy.
7.6.7 It should be noted that Boards retain the option to compensate failure in a
module under the conditions and limits set out at 6 above. Compensation
and referral constitute different options available to examiners when
considering failure on modules. A student who is compensated (i.e.
awarded credit for a close fail) is not referred (i.e. required to repeat
elements of assessment).
7.6.8 A student who is so referred in a module may be required to, or may elect
to, repeat the module, before progressing to the next stage of the course,
provided that it is being taught in the year in question, or may choose to
take a different module provided that the requirements of the course of
study are still met, but must do so before progressing to the next stage of
the course.
7.6.9 In cases where a student has failed to obtain half or more of the credit
required to progress to the next stage of study, it is advisable for the Board
of Examiners to recommend that the student be required to repeat these
modules in attendance during the following academic year rather than
undertake further assessment during the August re-sit period. In these
cases the student's first opportunity to undertake further assessment
would take place in April/May the following year with their final referral
opportunity being offered to them in August of that year. In cases where
students have been recommended to repeat the modules by the Board of
Examiners, but are unable to do so, they may be permitted by the Boards
of Examiners to re-sit examinations only in April/May of the following year.
This recommendation would be based on academic judgement and there
is, therefore, no grounds for appealing against the recommendation.
7.7 Referral - Taught Postgraduate Dissertation
A student who is referred in the dissertation element of a taught postgraduate
course may resubmit the dissertation on one occasion only in a revised
form not later (except in cases of illness or other good cause) than twelve
months after the decision to allow resubmission has been made by the Board
of Examiners. Such resubmissions will be capped at the pass mark. Where
the Board of Examiners require only minor corrections to the dissertation, it
will not be regarded as a referral and the original mark allocated will stand.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 16 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

7.8 Trailing and Retrieving Credit

7.8.1 Where a student is permitted to progress to the next stage of a course but
has not been awarded full credit for the previous stage, the student will still
need to obtain credits for modules for which they have so far not been
awarded credit in order to meet requirements for the award of the
certificate, diploma or degree for which they are registered. The student
may be permitted to ‘retrieve’ such credits, up to a maximum of 25% of the
credits for the stage, in one of two ways as follows:
7.8.2 By undertaking further assessment, for example a re-sit examination,
before the start of the next academic year. A student who is permitted to
retrieve credit in this way may elect to repeat the module, provided that it
is being taught in the year in question, or may choose to take a different
module, provided that the requirements of the course of study are still met.
7.8.3 By progressing to the next stage of the course and simultaneously
undertaking such further requirements as the Board of Examiners
specifies in relation to the failed modules. This is known as trailing credit.
Where credit is trailed, the Board of Examiners may permit the student to
repeat the failed module(s) provided it/they are available and the timetable
permits; or to take an alternative module as permitted by the course
specification; or may allow reassessment to be undertaken according to
the method specified by the module specification in keeping with section
7.6.1 above. Where a student trails credit in this way and again fails to
obtain the credits, the credit may not be trailed to the next stage of the
course e.g. a student will not be permitted to progress to Stage 3 of a
course unless they have obtained all Stage 1 credits and met the minimum
progression requirements in Stage 2.
7.8.4 At most two retrieval opportunities per module will be permitted as
described in section 7.6.4.
7.9 Deferral
7.9.1 Deferral: the decision on grounds of mitigation to allow a student to
undertake reassessment for a module or modules as if for the first time
(i.e. an uncapped retrieval attempt), or as appropriate, as if for the second
time4.
7.9.2 A student may be deferred on a module or modules for reasons of
extenuation under the following scenarios:
4
(i) as if for the first time, i.e. without incurring the penalty of a capped mark or a
reduction in the number of permitted attempts; or (ii) as if for the second time, i.e. with a
capped mark, but without incurring a further reduction in the number of permitted
attempts.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 17 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

(i) where the module(s) have been failed; or

(ii) where the module(s) have been passed, but the final mark(s) achieved
for the affected module(s) are significantly out of line with the final
marks achieved for the student’s unaffected modules.
7.9.3 Under scenario ii, the final module mark should be judged as
‘significantly out of line’ where it falls in a range that is at least two
classification bands below the student’s mean average level of
achievement as derived from those modules in the Stage that were
unaffected by the mitigating circumstances reported;
7.9.4 Where a module has been passed it would be inappropriate to defer the
student on that module as if for the second time (as the final module mark
could not be improved upon under this scenario).
i. Students so affected are to be given the choice whether they will re-sit
the assessments concerned or will accept the pass mark already
achieved.
ii. Such reassessment opportunities will normally take place in the
summer before the next academic year.
iii. Where student performance has been significantly affected in line with
the specified conditions specified at section 7.8.2.ii (while resulting in
passes for the affected modules) for 50% or more of the credit
required for the stage, students should be allowed the option to repeat
these modules in attendance as if for the first time in the following
academic year.
iv. Where a student elects to take up the opportunity to re-sit or repeat in
attendance a module that they have already passed, the mark
achieved at the earlier attempt will be struck from the record. Students
will not be given the opportunity to choose between the better of the
marks achieved. The mark achieved at the AFT attempt will stand,
even where this results in the failure of the module(s) concerned.
7.9.5 Where the student has met requirements for progression to the next stage
of the course, they may be permitted to ‘trail’ the deferred assessment, i.e.
to proceed to the next stage and simultaneously undertake the deferred
assessment as for the first time or, where appropriate, the second time
(see 7.9.1 above).
7.9.6 Where a student is offered a deferred reassessment opportunity for a
module, the method of reassessment will take one of two forms:
(a) ‘Like-for-Like’ Reassessment: in this method the deferred student must
undertake a form of reassessment that allows for a mark to be

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 18 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

recorded against each element of assessment that has been failed.

This may take the form of individual reassessments (literally like-for-
like), or it may be a composite form of reassessment that allows for the
mark achieved to be entered against each of the failed elements;
marks already obtained for elements of assessment that the student is
not required to undertake again will be carried forward; or
(b) Single Instrument of Reassessment: where this method is used, the
reassessment takes the form of a single piece of work, the mark for
which will replace the marks for all elements of assessment obtained
at a previous attempt and will stand as the mark achieved for the
module as a whole.
7.9.7 Under deferral, the final mark that can be awarded for the module will not
be the pass mark for the module, but the actual mark achieved under the
method of reassessment selected by the School5: Where a deferred
student repeats a module or modules in attendance, all marks achieved
during previous attempts at those modules will be discounted and
overwritten by the marks achieved during the repeat attempt.
7.9.8 Please note that it would be appropriate and necessary to offer a deferral
as if for the second time only in the circumstances where a student had
been referred in a previous attempt at the module(s) in question. Under
such circumstances it would be inappropriate to offer a student the
possibility of an uncapped module mark. Any deferred attempt, however,
would not further reduce the number of resit opportunities.
7.10 Taking Stage 2/3 Modules Before Completing Previous Stage
Students may be permitted to take a Stage 2 module before completing
Stage 1 or a Stage 3 module before completing Stage 2 provided that:
i) the Director of Division (or nominee) has approved the arrangement in
advance;
ii) such higher stage credit should not be used for the purposes of
progression or be permitted to contribute to an award until the
progression requirements for the current stage have been confirmed by
the Board of Examiners and;

5
N.B. Schools are required when reassessing deferred students via the single instrument
method to check that the result achieved via this method does not result in a worse
outcome than would have been achieved under the 2017-18 deferral conventions, which
allowed for marks awarded for assessments passed to contribute to the calculation of the
overall mark for the module. Students should be awarded the better of the results
achieved through these two means. This additional step only applies to those students
who commenced their courses of study before 2018-19.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 19 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

iii) any relevant prerequisite module for the current stage has been
successfully completed by the student concerned.
Or
iv) the student is studying on a course governed by the conventions for
managing progression on Distance Learning Courses (see section 13).

8. Interim Awards
The University does not award interim qualifications. Thus, for example, a
student who is taking a course of study leading to an Honours degree will not
automatically be awarded a Certificate when the credits required for a
Certificate have been obtained. However, in some courses, students register
initially on a Certificate course, may then proceed to a Diploma course and
may then proceed to a degree course. In these circumstances, successful
students are awarded all three qualifications. See also section 9: Alternative
Exit Awards.

9. Alternative Exit Awards

A student who successfully completes an appropriate volume of credit as part
of a course of study, but who does not successfully complete the whole
course will be entitled to receive an alternative exit award from the relevant
Board of Examiners, for example, the award of a Certificate, Diploma or non-
Honours degree, where they have achieved sufficient credit at the
appropriate level required for the award concerned and has satisfied any
further requirements for the particular course of study where such have been
specified in the relevant approved course specification.
For full details refer to Annex 5: Alternative Exit Awards of the Credit
Framework.

10. Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer

10.1 Recognition of Prior Learning
10.1.1 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a generic term for the process by
which Higher Education Providers recognise and, where appropriate,
award credit for learning that has taken place before entry onto a course of
study. The University's policy covers the following types of prior learning:
 RPEL: Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning - a process through
which learning achieved outside education or training systems is

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 20 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

assessed and, as appropriate, recognised for academic purposes,

usually through the award of credit.
 RPCL: Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning - a process, through
which prior certificated learning which has not previously resulted in
the award of UK university credits or qualifications positioned on the
relevant HE qualifications framework is assessed and recognised by
the University for academic purposes, usually through the award of
credit. Prior Certificated Learning may include credit or awards made
by non-UK HEIs, professional development or employment-related
awards.
 Credit Transfer: of credits or qualifications from a UK higher
education awarding body for use towards a University of Kent
qualification. As the credits or qualification have been awarded in
accordance with the UK Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications, the process of recognition requires academic staff to
assess the relevance of the prior credit/award as they relate to the
University course in question. The procedure for assessing such
applications is set out below:
10.1.2 A student who can provide evidence of previous relevant successful
learning, either at this University or elsewhere, may, within specified limits,
have this prior learning recognised and be exempted from part of a course
of study. Annex 3 sets out, for each award, the minimum number and
levels of credits which must be obtained by taking part of the course of
study leading to the award concerned. Where the prior learning has taken
place at a UK HEI it will be regarded as Credit Transfer and may be
processed as below:
10.2 Approval of Credit Transfer
Admissions Officers, in consultation with appropriate Directors of Studies, are
authorised to approve requests for credit transfer within the limits specified in
Annex 3 that are supported by official transcripts or equivalent provided that
they are satisfied that the applicant has achieved learning outcomes
equivalent to those of the stage(s) or module(s) from which exemption is to
be granted. The level and volume of credits from which the applicant is
granted exemption may be less than those on which the application is based.
A record of all such decisions and a copy of the evidence on which they were
based will be kept by the Admissions Officer concerned. These records will
be reported annually in the Autumn Term by the Admissions Officer to the
relevant Divisional Committee for sampling and monitoring purposes.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 21 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

10.3 Exemption on Basis of Credit Transfer

Where a student is granted exemption from part of a course of study on the
basis of credit transfer, the marks obtained by the student for such prior
learning will not be used for classification purposes, i.e. for determining an
Honours classification or in deciding whether an award should be made with
Merit or with Distinction except where it is agreed as part of an inter-
institutional agreement that they should be so used.
10.4 Arrangements for RPE/CL
The arrangements for the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning and the
Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning are set out in Annex R of the Code
of Practice for Taught Courses.
10.5 ‘Spent’ Credit
10.5.1 The University will permit a limited volume of credit “spent” on the
achievement of an award to be “re-spent” on a second award of an equal
or lower level subject to the following conditions:
i) That, with the exception noted below at 10.5.1.ii, the maximum volume
of spent credit that might be permitted to contribute to an award
should be governed by the limits established in Annex 3 of the Credit
Framework;
ii) That with regard to importing credit spent in the award of
undergraduate Honours degrees and Integrated Master’s degrees6
such spent credit may only be used to gain exemption from the
requirements of Stage 1 of the relevant course specification;
iii) That, except where courses share a common title for separate awards
(i.e. PGCert/PGDip/Master’s in X), credit spent on a University of Kent
award may not be re-spent on another Kent award of the same or
lower level where the credit derives from modules shared by the
courses leading to the awards in question;
iv) That such credit may not be “re-spent” on more than one occasion.
10.5.2 Applications for the re-use of such credit should be governed by the
procedures for RPECL set out in Annex R of the Code of Practice.

11. General Credit

11.1 General Credit may be defined as follows:

6
For the purposes of this Code, Integrated Master’s Degrees are regarded as
undergraduate courses.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 22 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

11.1.1 “All assessed learning can be awarded credit. The credit gained is a
general recognition of assessed learning at specified levels. It is general
credit. When the credit is recognised through the admissions procedure of
an HEI as directly contributing to a course it becomes specific. The
change in designation from general to specific relates directly to the
relevance of the learning to the proposed course (see seec.org.uk).”
11.1.2 General credit therefore represents the whole of the learning achieved on
an accredited course of study. An honours degree would have a General
Credit value of 360 credits. Specific Credit is the volume and level of credit
which can be used from the General Credit value for Accreditation of Prior
Certificated Learning into another course.
For example: a student gains a qualification in History, worth 120 credits
at level 4 from a UK Higher Education Institution.
The General Credit value of this qualification is 120 credits at level 4. If
the applicant requests RPCL on the basis of this to a similar Kent degree
course in History, it is probable that all of the General Credit value could
be recognised. However if the applicant requests RPCL with the same
level 4 qualification to a Kent degree course in History and Politics, only a
limited amount of the credit might be recognised. This would be
determined by the academic staff mapping between the external and Kent
course/module learning outcomes to identify how much credit could be
used for RPCL. It may be that 60 credits of the History qualification could
be used for the History part of the first year of the History and Politics
course. These 60 credits would be the Specific Credit value.
If the application for RPCL were to a completely unrelated course, e.g.
Forensic Science, then it is less likely that any of the General Credit could
be recognised as Specific Credit, since it may not be possible to map the
learning outcomes from the external History course to the Forensic
Science learning outcomes. There may be exceptions to this if a course
has modules covering more generic skills, such as research skills.
11.2 For RPEL a General Credit value can be awarded to the RPEL Portfolio
submitted. As with RPCL, if appropriate, the General Credit value can then
be used in its entirety if it can be mapped to the learning outcomes of the
module(s) for which credit is being claimed. Again as with RPCL it may be
that only a specific amount of the General Credit can be mapped to the
learning outcomes of the module(s) for which credit is sought.
11.3 For all RPECL claims it should be noted that the Kent Credit Framework and
course requirements may limit the amount of credit than can be applied for.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 23 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

11.4 Kent recognises the validity of studies undertaken at other UK Higher

Education Institutions, therefore, it will normally recognise the General Credit
value of qualifications obtained from these institutions. Note, however, that it
cannot be assumed that the General Credit value can automatically be fully
recognised as credit into a Kent award. As per the example at section 11.1, a
mapping must first be carried out to determine what level and volume of
credit can be used for an RPECL claim. In addition the Kent Credit
Framework and course rules may limit the amount of credit that can be used
for RECL.
11.5 The Specific Credit value can never exceed the General Credit value of the
qualification being used to apply for RPCL.

12. Conventions for Award and Classification of Qualifications

12.1 Award of Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees
A student may only be recommended for the award by the University of a
Certificate, Diploma or Degree in a specified subject provided that:
12.1.1 they meet the minimum requirements in terms of the number and levels of
credits for the award in question as set out in Annex 4, except where the
student has been granted limited exemption from these requirements
through credit transfer, recognition of prior learning or recognition of prior
experiential learning
and
12.1.2 they meet the requirements of the course of study which has been
approved as leading to the award in question, except where the student
has been granted limited exemption from these requirements through the
processes for Credit Transfer or the Recognition of Prior Learning.
12.2 Non-completion of a course of study
Where a student, on completion of a course of study leading to a named
award, fails to meet the requirements for that award, the Board of Examiners
may permit the student to undertake further assessment in failed modules.
Please see section 7.6 above for referral and section 7.9 for deferral.
12.3 Classification of Awards
Students who successfully complete an Honours degree course will be
awarded a degree with First Class, Upper Second Class, Lower Second Class
or Third Class honours. Students who successfully complete a course of study
leading to the award of a Certificate or Diploma may be awarded a Certificate
or a Diploma with Merit or with Distinction. Students who successfully complete

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 24 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

course of study leading to the award of a Foundation degree or Master’s

degree may be awarded the degree with Merit or with Distinction. The
requirements for such awards are set out below.
12.4 General Requirements
12.4.1 Marks obtained for all modules taken as part of the course of study will
contribute to the classification of an award except in the case of Honours
degree courses where classification will be based only on Stages 2 and 3
and, where relevant, Stage 4, i.e. marks obtained in the first year of a full-
time honours degree course and marks obtained in any foundation year
will not contribute to Honours classification.
12.4.2 The volume of credit to be awarded for the successful completion of
student placement years, whether taken in industry as part of an approved
undergraduate course, will be 120 credits. The level of the credits will be
stated in course specifications. While such credits will contribute to the
total volume of credits required for an award, and may contribute to
classification where the marks have been awarded by Kent staff7 they
should not be included in any calculations undertaken for the purpose of
determining fields of study for joint awards, major/minor awards or
major/major/minor awards.
12.4.3 Where a student fails to achieve the required credits for successful
completion of a year in industry, the student will be required to recover the
failed credits. Where the year in industry is not integral to the subject
matter of the qualification overall failed, the student might alternatively be
awarded a degree without a reference to the ‘year in industry’ in the award
title.
12.4.4 The conventions governing the award of credit for periods of study abroad
are set out in Annex 14 of the Credit Framework.
12.4.5 While modules taken on a pass/fail basis contribute towards the volume of
credit required for an award, they should be discounted when calculating
overall average marks for the stage and for classification.
12.4.6 Where a student is exempted from part of the course of study on the basis
of credit transfer, marks obtained for such prior learning will not be used
for classification purposes except where it is agreed as part of an inter-
institutional agreement that they should be so used.
12.4.7 In order to ensure that the application of compensation and condonement
do not disadvantage a student when an award is classified:

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 25 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

 Where credit for a module is awarded by compensation, the mark

used for determining progression and classification should be the
pass mark for the module.
 Where credit for a module is awarded by condonement, the mark
awarded for that module should normally be excluded from the
calculation of the classification of the award.
The marks on the transcript will not be adjusted.
12.4.8 Where a student fails a module at the first attempt and subsequently
passes the module, or takes and passes an alternative module in place of
a module which has been failed, the minimum pass mark will be used for
classification.
12.4.9 With respect to students who first registered on a course leading to a
postgraduate taught award8 prior to 2019-20, Boards of Examiners may
recommend the award of a higher classification than that indicated by the
marks obtained provided that the student would have qualified for a higher
classification if they had obtained two more marks for each module and
provided that the Board of Examiners is satisfied that there is substantial
evidence that the marks obtained do not fully reflect the candidate’s
overall achievement. Such evidence should normally take one or more of
the forms stated below. The marks obtained should not be hanged.
a) Documented evidence of significant medical or personal problems or
of unexpected hardship.
b) Evidence obtained from a viva voce examination.
c) The views of an External Examiner on the quality of work of the
candidate
d) Performance in one module substantially below that on other modules.
e) Evidence of achievement commensurate with the higher classification.
Such evidence might include a significant number of answers to
individual questions which are of appropriate quality or, in appropriate
subjects, evidence of problem solving ability.
Credit may not be awarded through this means.
12.4.10 Boards of Examiners have discretion to make recommendations
notwithstanding the Conventions in exceptional cases provided that such
recommendations do not lower the classification arising on the application
of the Conventions and provided always that the student has obtained at

8
Or students who entered Stages 2, 3 or 4 of their undergraduate courses of study in
2011-12.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 26 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

least seven eighths of the credits normally required for the award of the
qualification in question (including credits awarded via condonement
and/or compensation). “Exceptional” in such cases should be interpreted
as having reference to the unique and severe concessionary
circumstances of individual candidates.
12.4.11 With respect to students who first registered on a course leading to a
postgraduate taught award from 2019-20 onwards, the provision allowed
under sections 12.4.8 – 12.4.9 for raising candidates to a higher
classification band may not be applied.
12.4.12 The signature of all the External Examiners present shall be appended to
the final list of results as evidence that they endorse the classifications.
12.4.13 Students who successfully complete the stated requirements are entitled
to receive the award for which they are registered at the University. Where
courses of study allow for ‘incremental registration’ a successful student
will, therefore, pick up each award in turn. The classification of such
awards will be managed as follows:
(i) Undergraduate courses: where students are permitted to register
on an incremental course basis (Certificate > Diploma > Degree) they
should normally be classified for their degree not only on the basis of
their performance in the degree, but also with regard to their
performance in the diploma course. Such students will, therefore, be
classified over two 'stages' (diploma and degree).
Note: This regulation does not apply to students entering the
University for the final stage of a degree course from another
institution, or to students taking 'top-up' degrees, or students
progressing into the final stage of a degree course from either a HND
or Foundation Degree (i.e. the marks obtained at another institution
or in the final stage of either a FD or a HNC/HND cannot be factored
into a calculation of degree classification).
(ii) Postgraduate courses: where students are permitted to register on
an incremental course basis (PG Certificate > PG Diploma >
Master’s Degree, or PG Diploma > Master’s Degree) they should
normally be classified for their award on the following basis:
a) PG Certificate – students to be classified on the basis of their
performance on the PG Certificate.
b) PG Diploma – classification will be made on the basis of student
performance across both the PG Cert and PG Dip ‘stages’; or,
where the PG Dip consists of a single 120 credit stage, across
the PG Diploma as a whole.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 27 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

c) Master’s – award to be made on the basis of either student

performance across the PG Cert, the PG Dip and the Master’s
‘stages’; or, where the PG Dip consists of a single 120 credit
stage, on the basis of student performance on the PG Dip and
the Master’s together.
12.4.14 Taught courses at both UG and PGT level will normally be classified by
both the ‘average’ and the ‘preponderance’ methods, with students to
benefit from the better result derived from each method.
12.4.15 It may be appropriate for courses of study validated at other institutions by
the University to operate alternative marking and classification schemes.
Decisions to operate alternative marking schemes will normally require
approval by the Working Group for Regulations and Conventions. The
decision will be recorded in the course approval documentation. Where
such a decision has been approved, courses may be exempt from the
classification methods set out in Annex 6 of the Credit Framework.
12.5 Stage Weighting
12.5.1 Undergraduate Degree Courses
12.5.1.1 The standard weighting of stages for three year undergraduate degree
courses will be 40% for Stage 2 and 60% for Stage 3.
12.5.1.2 The standard weighting of stages for four year undergraduate degree
courses (i.e. degree courses leading either to Bachelor’s or integrated
Master’s9 awards) will be 20% for Stage 2, 30% for Stage 3 and 50% for
Stage 4.
12.5.1.3 Where a student completes Stages 1 to 3 of a four stage Bachelor’s or
undergraduate integrated Master’s degree course, but does not
complete Stage 4 and, therefore, qualifies for the award of an approved
alternative exit Bachelor’s degree, the standard stage weighting in such
cases will be 40% for Stage 2 and 60% for Stage 3.
12.5.1.4 With regard to stages or terms taken in placement in industry, the
following rubric will apply:
(i) where the student’s mark or marks have not been awarded by Kent
staff, the placement will be graded on a pass/fail basis and will
therefore be zero-weighted with respect to classification;
(ii) where the student’s mark or marks have been awarded by Kent
staff, the mark or marks achieved will be recorded and will carry

9
For the purposes of this Code, Integrated Master’s Degrees are regarded as
undergraduate courses.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 28 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

such weighting towards classification as has been approved by the

relevant Director of Division (or nominee);
(iii) Where a stage includes a term abroad, that stage will make a
contribution to the final classification in the normal way. The
standard weighting of 40/60 will apply in such cases.
(iv) Terms abroad may not form part of the final stage of a UG degree
course, as this condenses the greater weighted contribution of the
final stage to classification to those few modules taken at Kent and
may disproportionately impact on the classification outcome.
12.5.1.5 Where individual assessment elements of any module are marked by a
non-Kent marker the principle of point (i) above will also apply.
12.5.1.6 Where assessments are marked by a non-Kent staff member as part of
the arrangements leading to a University of Kent award for a franchised,
validated, dual or joint course of study, the marks awarded will make the
same contribution as if they had been recorded by a Kent member of
staff.
12.5.1.7 Schools seeking to apply non-standard weightings to stages may only
do so with the approval of the relevant Divisional committee (i.e.
DESEC/DGSSEC). Such applications should demonstrate that there is
sound pedagogical reason for applying the non-standard weighting or
provide evidence that the non-standard weighting meets a PSRB
requirement.
12.5.2 Foundation Degrees and Postgraduate Taught Courses
For the purpose of classification, modules and/or stages may have
different weightings as approved by the relevant Divisional committee (i.e.
DESEC/DGSSEC). With respect to Foundation Degrees, stages will be
weighted equally for classification unless a specific differential weighting
has been approved.
12.5.3 Classification of Awards other than HNC/Ds or Honours Degrees and of
Stage 1 of Honours Degrees
12.5.3.1 The following classification rules apply to all Certificates and Diplomas,
including Certificates and Diplomas of Higher Education, Graduate
Certificates and Diplomas10 and Postgraduate Certificates and
Diplomas, to Foundation Year courses, Foundation Degrees and
Master’s* degrees other than ‘Extended Master’s’ degrees (which are
awarded with Honours following successful completion of an extended
10
For the purposes of this Code, Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas are
regarded as undergraduate courses.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 29 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

undergraduate Honours degree course), the Master of Architecture

(M.Arch) and to Stage 1 of Honours degree courses.
12.5.3.2 *Some courses leading to the award of a Master’s degree do not make
provision for the award to be made ‘with Merit’ or ‘with Distinction’ while
others make provision for the degree to be awarded ‘with Distinction’
but not ‘with Merit’.
12.5.3.3 Taught courses at both UG and PGT level will normally be classified by
both the ‘average’ and the ‘preponderance’ methods, with students
to benefit from the better result derived from each method.
12.5.4 ‘Average’ Method of Classification
‘with Merit’: an average mark of 60 or above but less than 70.
‘with Distinction’: an average mark of 70 or above.
12.5.5 ‘Preponderance’ Method of Classification
The following calculation is to be used11:
‘with Merit’:
an average mark over all contributing modules of 57 or above and
a mark of 60 or above for 50% or more of the credits obtained
‘with Distinction’:
an average mark over all contributing modules of 67 or above and
a mark of 70 or above for 50% or more of the credits obtained
12.5.6 Classification of Honours Degrees
Taught courses at both UG and PGT level will normally be classified by
both the ‘average’ and the ‘preponderance’ methods, with students to
benefit from the better result derived from each method.
Where there is clear evidence, however, that there is a PSRB requirement
for an undergraduate course of study to be classified by a single method,
Schools must seek the prior approval of the relevant Divisional committee
(i.e. DESEC/DGSSEC) to classify solely by either the ‘average’ method or
the ‘preponderance’ method (refer to sections 12.5.4-12.5.5 above).
i) Weighted Average Mark
The final weighted average mark for classification purposes will be
determined by the application of weighting to the average marks achieved
11
Except with regard to students who enrolled on a relevant course of study prior to 2015-
16. Contact QACO for guidance on this point.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 30 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

for each relevant stage of the degree course. The final weighted average
mark will be used for classification under both the average and
preponderance methods of classification.
ii) ‘Average’ Method of Classification
A candidate who has met the requirements for the award of an Honours
degree will be placed in an Honours class based on the rounded weighted
average mark, with modules weighted as agreed by the relevant Divisional
committee (i.e. DESEC/DGSSEC) and calculated to two decimal places,
over all modules in Stages 2, 3 and, where relevant, 4 of the course of
study, according to the following:
First Class Honours 70 and above
Upper Second Class Honours 60 – 69.49
Lower Second Class Honours 50 – 59.49
Third Class Honours 40 – 49.49
iii) ‘Preponderance’ Method of Classification
A candidate who has met the requirements for award of an Honours
degree will be placed in an Honours class on the attainment of:
at least the following number of credits in that class or above AND
at least the following weighted average mark over the examination as a
whole:
For degrees with 240 contributing credits:
Class Number of Average mark
Credits in class over all
or above contributing
modules
First Class 120 67
Upper Second 120 57
Class
Lower Second 120 47
Class
Third Class 240* Not Applicable
For degrees with 360 contributing credits:

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 31 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

Class Number of Average mark

Credits in class over all
or above contributing
modules
First Class 180 67
Upper Second 180 57
Class
Lower Second 180 47
Class
Third Class 360* Not Applicable
For degrees/students with contributing credits other than above:
Class % of Credits in Average mark over
class or above all contributing
modules
First Class 50% 67
Upper Second 50% 57
Class
Lower Second 50% 47
Class
Third Class 100%* Not Applicable

* where credits have been awarded via compensation for a module mark
of less than 40, the credits should be treated as being in the Third Class
category.

13. Conventions for Managing Progression, Resits and the Award of Credit
on Distance Learning Courses (including Apprenticeship Courses)
13.1 Introduction
Courses delivered by distance learning may be designed to permit multiple
in-stage attempts by students to pass modules. The conventions set out in
this document are therefore established in order to accommodate this greater
flexibility in design that are a feature of such courses of study.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 32 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

13.2 Conventions
Where a course of study is delivered to a significant proportion via distance
learning the following conventions may be used to manage progression,
resits and the award of credit:
13.2.1 Distance Learning Courses should retain the standard volume of credit per
stage for the award in question;
13.2.2 Students will be permitted no more than three attempts to pass any
module;
13.2.3 Resit or repeat attempts will be permitted in the term following the failed
attempt;
13.2.4 Referral/Deferral Boards may be staged at the end of any term in order to
make decisions on permitting a resit or repeat attempt in the following
term.
13.2.5 Referral/Deferral Boards will operate on a membership of Chief Examiner,
one other examiner involved in the assessment of the modules and a
secretary.
13.2.6 A Progression and Award Board of Examiners will be staged at least
annually in order to make decisions on progression, the award of credit
and the award of qualifications; such Boards will comprise the standard
membership for Boards of Examiners;
13.2.7 Decisions on condonement, compensation and the trailing of credit will
remain end-stage decisions and will be considered by the Progression and
Award Board;
13.2.8 Students who have not exhausted the maximum number of permitted
attempts at a module may, at the discretion of the Progression and Award
Board, be allowed to trail up to 30 credits to the next stage of the course.
13.2.9 Progression and Award Boards may permit a student to take up to 30
credits from the next stage of the course before the student has formally
progressed to that stage. Such higher stage credit should not be used for
the purposes of progression or be permitted to contribute to an award until
the progression requirements for the current stage have been confirmed
by the Board of Examiners.
13.2.10 Other than the provisions set out in these conventions, Distance Learning
courses will be subject to the standard requirements of the Credit
Framework.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 33 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

14. Special Dispensation

14.1 Approving Exceptions to the Credit Framework
The Education and Student Experience Board is authorised to approve
exceptions to the requirements of the Credit Framework for Taught Courses
in individual cases under special circumstances provided that it is satisfied
that there is good reason to do so. Such special circumstances would
encompass extreme events beyond the control of the student concerned and
which caused severe difficulty.
14.2 Procedure
Where an exemption from the requirements of the Credit Framework is
sought the procedure to be followed is:
i) The relevant School or Partner Institution (as appropriate) should
determine whether there is good reason for an exemption and that there
is support for making the request. If it is determined at this stage that
there is not good reason and/or support for the exemption the student
should be so informed and the matter will be closed. Note that without
support from the Division or Partner Institution the request for an
exemption will not be considered further.
ii) If it is determined that there is good reason and support for the request,
the details and a rationale for the required exemption should be
forwarded to the Quality Assurance and Compliance Office (QACO). The
QACO will confirm the particular requirements of the Credit Framework
for which the exemption is sought and review whether the rationale
addresses those requirements.
iii) The QACO will submit the request and rationale to the Chair of the
Education and Student Experience Board (or nominee) with any
accompanying comments. The Chair will approve or not approve the
exemption request on the basis of this submission. The QACO will inform
the Division or Partner Institution concerned of the decision.
iv) Exemption approvals will be reported to the next meeting of the
Education and Student Experience Board.
v) The approval or non-approval of an exemption request is a discretionary
power and no appeal is permitted.
14.3 Other Requests
Where the request is for a deviation from the course specification, but it does
not require an exemption from the Credit Framework, the request can be
considered and approved/not approved by the Divisional DESE or DGSSE. A
record must be kept of the consideration and outcome of all such requests.
Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 34 of 35
 Credit Framework for Taught Courses of Study

14.4 Posthumous Awards

14.4.1 Where a student has died before completion of their course of study, the
Board of Examiners may recommend a posthumous award if it is satisfied
that that the evidence indicates that the award would have been passed. The
recommendation will be made to the Chair of the Education and Student
Experience Board, who will consider the matter on behalf of the Board and
report back to it on the outcome, via the Quality Assurance and Compliance
Office.
14.4.2 Should any regulations or credit conventions require dispensation in order to
confirm the recommendation, the Chair may consider the appropriateness of
doing so as relevant to the case in question. Where the Chair exercises this
power, this will also be reported to the Education and Student Experience
Board, normally at its next meeting.

Author: QACO
Applies to: 2023/24
Approved by Senate: September 2020
Last Revised: November 2023
Next review: September 2024
Page 35 of 35