Academic credits and levels

Information on academic credits, academic levels and studying multiple short courses and modules in health-related professional and short courses.

Academic credits

Each module/short course is worth a specific amount of credit. The amount of credit is dependent on the amount of study/learning required to achieve the module outcomes.

• Half module – 10 credits
• Single module – 20 credits
• Double module – 40 credits
• Triple module – 60 credits

Academic levels

There are different levels of learning reflecting the degree of analysis, reflection and evaluation required to evidence your competency and academic achievement.

This evidence is presented through a variety of assessment methods such as exams, assignments, and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE). Therefore, credit will be awarded at a certain level.

• Level 4 – Certificate
• Level 5 – Diploma
• Level 6 – Degree
• Level 7 – Master's

In order to gain an undergraduate degree you need:

• 120 Level 4 credits
• 120 Level 5 credits
• 120 Level 6 credits

In order to gain a postgraduate level award you need:

• Postgraduate Certificate – 60 Level 7 credits
• Postgraduate Diploma – 120 Level 7 credits
• Master’s – 180 Level 7 Credits

Short courses and modules

All undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are made up of compulsory and optional modules. In order to gain an undergraduate or postgraduate degree level qualification there are a range of short courses and modules that you can undertake to gain academic credit.

There are options not to undertake an assessment of learning should you not require academic credit. This may apply where the course is being taken as a professional development opportunity and where a Statement of Attendance will suffice as evidence for practice. We also offer a range of non-credit bearing courses throughout the academic year.

Please be aware that although you might decide not to work towards an undergraduate and postgraduate degree, at the time of applying for a module, the University will enroll you onto a titled pathway for administration purposes only. This can be amended to suit your future preference in accordance with the awards offered through Professional Development.

To find out more, please email has.cpd@uwe.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)117 32 81158.