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Published for 2024-25
| 1.1 Purposes | 1.3 Key to Abbreviations |
| 1.2 Reference Points |
| 1. | The University College London Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) defines the underpinning structures of all Programmes leading to taught and research Qualifications at UCL. |
| 2. | All UCL Qualifications and Programmes of Study must be aligned with the Qualifications and Credit Framework. |
| 3. | The QCF is a constituent part of the UCL Academic Manual which forms the basis of the contract between students and UCL. |
1.1 Purposes
| 1. | The main purposes of the QCF are: |
| i) | To promote a shared and common understanding of UCL Qualifications | |
| ii) | To promote consistency in the use of Qualifications and credit across UCL faculties and departments | |
| iii) | To provide a reference point for setting and assessing academic standards when designing, approving, monitoring and reviewing Programmes of Study and Modules | |
| iv) | To ensure that UCL Qualifications are of an academic standard at least consistent with the standards referred to in the UK Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) | |
| v) | To communicate to employers, schools, parents, prospective students, Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs) and other stakeholders the achievements represented by the Qualifications of UCL | |
| iv) | To inform international comparability of academic standards. |
1.2 Reference Points
| 1. | The Qualifications and Credit Framework is drafted with reference to the following: |
| i) | The Office for Students regulatory framework for higher education in England. | |
| ii) | The UK Quality Code for Higher Education. | |
| iii) | The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (FHEQ) | |
| iv) | The Higher Education Credit Framework for England: Guidance on Academic Credit Arrangements in Higher Education in England | |
| v) | The Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area (FQ-EHEA) | |
| vi) | The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) under the Bologna Declaration | |
| vii) | The QAA Degree characteristics statements, including the Doctoral Degree Characteristics, the Masters Degree Characteristics and the Foundation Degree Characteristics | |
| viii) | The requirements of Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs) associated with particular Programmes of Study, some of which grant a licence to practise. |
1.3 Key to Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
APL | Accredited Prior Learning |
ECTS | European Credit Transfer System |
EPL | Experiential Prior Learning |
FE | Further Education |
FHEQ | The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
FQ-EHEA | Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area |
FTE | Full Time Equivalent |
HE | Higher Education |
HEI | Higher Education Institution |
PSRB | Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body |
QAA | Quality Assurance Agency |
QCF | Qualifications and Credit Framework |
QTS | Qualified Teacher Status |
RPL | The Recognition of Prior Learning |
| See also Section 2: The Qualifications of UCL for Qualification abbreviations. |