What is the revised guidance?

The Framework provides a benchmark for providers of higher education in England to reference when designing their degrees and other higher education courses. The Framework is enabling and directive, rather than prescriptive, and is used by higher education providers in England to award credit once a student has successfully completed a module in recognition of the amount and depth of learning achieved. The previous Framework document was developed by the Credit Issues Development Group (CIDG) and published by QAA in 2008.

How has the revised guidance been developed?

QAA has worked alongside an expert group, chaired by Professor Sue Rigby, comprising individuals drawn from the higher education sector including representative bodies UUK, GuildHE, SEEC and NUCCAT. Readers from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have also advised on the revisions.

What does the revised guidance cover?

The revised Framework is organised into four sections, covering credit levels within higher education awards and guiding principles, examples of the use of credit, and how credit can support learner mobility through short courses and micro-credentials. It also looks at the innovative use of credit across a range of new awards and types of delivery, and the history of credit and changes within the sector since 2008, as well as signposting further resources.

Why are we consulting?

QAA worked with an expert advisory group in revising the guidance. We now wish to gather wider views from the higher education community and stakeholders in order to further shape the draft prior to final publication in spring 2021. QAA operates in a consultative and transparent manner which is intended to ensure that the final outcome is representative of as wide a pool of views as possible.

Who should respond to the consultation?

We welcome contributions to this consultation from anyone with an interest in the awarding of credit. This may include higher education providers with degree awarding powers who award credit, quality teams, academics with responsibility for designing curriculum, and students, as well as employers, professional bodies and those working in higher education sector organisations.

How should I respond?

You are invited to comment on any aspect of the revised guidance by completing a short online survey. The document below includes a copy of the survey questions to help you prepare your responses in advance.

When are responses required by?

Please submit your response by Midday on Monday 8 February 2021.

Further information

If you would like any further information, or wish to discuss the process of revising the guidance in more detail, please email Dr Andy Smith.