University of Wales, Newport - Credit achieved up to March 2013

A module is a self-contained and coherent packaged unit of study of learning with a general credit rating, an assigned level, defined learning outcomes, and assessment strategies appropriate to its level and outcomes.

A credit point is defined as what can be achieved in ten notional hours of student learning time. The normal yearly workload for a full-time undergraduate student is 120 credits.

The credit rating of each module is shown on the transcript. 

As set out in the National Qualification Framework for Higher Education:

  • Level 4-5 - BTEC/Pearson HNC/HND
  • Level 4-6 - The stages of undergraduate study with level 6 being the final stage of honours degree
  • Level 7 - Masters programme
  • Level 8 - Doctoral programme

GRADE POINT EXPLANATION (MODULE) HONOURS DEGREE POSTGRADUATE DEGREE EDEXCEL/PEARSON AWARD PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE
A 16 Highest standard First Class Honours Distinction Distinction Pass
A 15   First Class Honours Distinction Distinction Pass
A 14   First Class Honours Distinction Distinction Pass
B 13   Upper Second Class Honours Merit Merit Pass
B 12   Upper Second Class Honours Merit Merit Pass
B 11   Upper Second Class Honours Pass Merit Pass
C 10   Lower Second Class Honours Pass Pass Pass
C 9   Lower Second Class Honours Pass Pass Pass
C 8   Lower Second Class Honours Pass Pass Pass
D 7   Third Class Honours Pass Pass Pass
D 6   Third Class Honours Pass Pass Pass
D 5 Bare Pass grade Pass Pass Pass Pass
E 4 Marginal Fail grade Fail Fail Fail Fail
F 3 Fail grade Fail Fail Fail Fail
F 2 Fail grade Fail Fail Fail Fail
F 1 Fail grade Fail Fail Fail Fail
0 0 Fail grade arising because candidate did not attempt assessment Fail Fail Fail Fail
Def   Assessment was not attempted but a claim of extenuating circumstances has been approved by the Examination board Fail Fail Fail Fail
z   Grade on merit has been cancelled due to an academic offence Fail Fail Fail Fail

20 University Credits = 10 ECTS Credits

12 University Credits = 6 ECTS Credits

15 University Credits = 7.5 ECTS Credits

ECTS Grade University Percentage Mark
A A14-A16
B B11-B13
C C9-C10
D  C8-C9
E D5-D7

There is no unified credit system in the USA; credit equivalencies should be checked by institutions on a individual basis.

Further information on ECTS is currently available on the European Commission webpage

The codes used to indicate the levels of modules in BTEC/Pearson programmes are:

N/H National level module in context of Higher National programmes
H Module designed for Higher National Certificate/Diploma programmes
CE Module designed for Continuing Education
PD Module designed for Professional Development

Module values indicate the proportion of formal learning support required for each module. The total value of modules satisfactorily completed must meet the minimum module value requirement for the programme. 

Upon successful completion of a module, a grade is awarded. The table below gives a guide to the grades of Pass, Merit and Distinction however the bands were determined by the course studied. 

Grade Grade Point Mark (These grades indicate the level of achievement in the underpinning knowledge, skills, and understanding)
Distinction A14-A16
Merit B11-B13
Pass D5-C10
Exempt By experience or a qualification acceptable to BTEC/Pearson
Credited  Success on an equivalent BTEC/Pearson module

Grades of Merit and Distinction are not normally awarded in respect of CE or PD modules 

More information on the framework of BTEC/Pearson programmes and the content of programmes for particular occupations in available from the Pearson website.

The location of study indicates whether the course was undertaken at one of the University campuses or at one of our callaborative partners

The language of instruction for modules is English and/or Welsh, unless otherwise stated