New Aston University qualifications frameworks

Dear Colleague

Following consultation with Schools and Departments, Senate has approved a new set of General Regulations for use from 2009-10: the Aston University Qualifications Frameworks, REG/09/01(1). 

This summarises key information about our awards in one short document (2 pages) . I hope it will be a handy reference point for staff and students.

Most of this information is already included in the individual General Regulations for programmes but there have been a number of recent changes arising from modifications to the National Qualifications Frameworks, and the introduction of an HE Credit Framework in the UK. You may find it useful to note:

1. The numbering of Levels has changed:

Module codes will not change. Documentation which mentions levels such as programme and module specifications, web pages and Blackboard will need to be amended for 2009-10.

2. In order to align with the new HE credit framework Foundation Degree programmes should, from 2009-10, include 100 credits at Level 5 (previously Level 2) instead of 90 credits as under previous Regulations.

3. Ordinary Degree programmes are now at Level 6 NOT level 5 in the FHEQ (previously Level 2).

4. Research Degrees are not credit-rated. This includes Professional Doctorates, MPhil and MSc (by Research) qualifications. The credit for any taught modules included  in a research degree will be awarded to the student on their transcript.

5. Undergraduate Masters or Enhanced Honours Degrees (MEng, MChem etc) should now be called Integrated Master's Degrees. This is a UK-wide initiative led by Universities UK which aims to support the continued validity of these awards under the Bologna Framework. For that reason it is important that we adopt the new term. Please use 'Integrated Masters' in all your correspondence.

6. Some of the minimumrequirements for credit at the Level of the award have changed slightly. Programme Directors are requested to check individual programmes meet what is specified in the Framework (Minimum Credits at award level  - table 1 column 4).

7. The credit requirements for Aston Certificates and Diplomas have changed. Certificates  (now 10 – 50 credits ) and Diplomas (now 60 - 100 credits) may need to be renamed. School are requested to complete this work by 2010-11 at the latest please.

8. ECTS credits and european qualification cycles have been included in this Framework for reference.

View new qualifications framework.

If you have any questions please contact me on ext 4682. If you feel it would be useful to have someone attend a School or Department meeting to explain any aspects of the framework please let me know. I will be happy to organise something for you.

Thanks for your attention.

Gillian Simpson
Assistant Registrar