What is a credit comparison?

Academic credit is a way of measuring and recognising learning. Credits are awarded on completion of a block of learning, such as a module, and can be accumulated towards the total number required for a qualification. Credits can therefore be used to enable students to transfer between institutions and programmes of study.

Credit systems vary between countries, and between institutions. A credit comparison thus enables learning completed under different systems to be measured and compared to the UK context. UK ENIC credit comparisons express one academic year or two semesters of full-time study as 360 UK ENIC credits. This is used as a common reference point for different academic credit systems and blocks of learning.

Credit comparison information on our statements gives the number of UK ENIC credits and the comparable level of the UK qualification frameworks at which they were completed. The information looks like this:

• XYZ credits at RQF Level X / SCQF Level Y / CQFW Level Z
• XYZ credits at RQF Level X / SCQF Level Y / CQFW Level Z.

UK ENIC credit comparisons are for guidance only. Eligibility for credit transfer and entry to programmes of study based on this advice remains at the discretion of admitting institutions.

What types of qualification / study are eligible for a credit comparison?

A credit comparison may be offered when we are unable to provide a direct comparison to a UK award for a qualification. Statements of Comparability can now include information on credit earned in cases of:

• Incomplete qualifications
• Partially documented qualifications
• Some kinds of short courses, including some micro-credentials.

How could a credit comparison help me?

• If your award cannot be directly compared to a UK qualification

The wide diversity of study programmes around the world means we are not always able to provide a direct comparison to a UK qualification. In these cases, we typically compare to a framework level to indicate the level of the study that has been completed. Now, by providing credit comparisons, we are able to provide further guidance on how these qualifications compare to the UK system.

• If you have incomplete qualifications and / or partial documentation

Credit comparisons may also help individuals who have had their studies interrupted, or who do not have complete documents due to circumstances beyond their control, including refugees or persons in refugee-like situations. An assessment of their prior learning enables these individuals to have their educational achievements recognised and may help them to continue their studies or further their career.

• If you have completed micro-credentials

Micro-credentials are short courses or learning experiences, typically with a professional or vocational focus. They are more flexible than traditional qualifications and can be achieved through a wide variety of learning methods. A credit comparison may help determine the value of these credentials and provide an understanding of how they may:

• Be ‘stacked’ towards a degree programme
• Contribute towards a larger qualification
• Lead to professional advancement.

What if my transcripts do not show credits, or my institution did not use a credit system?

In cases where information on credit is not available, it may prove to be more difficult to compare credit volumes. In these situations, the volume of study may be determined based on the course content and the expected total learning hours required for the award. The evaluation may involve a review of the course syllabus and other materials to determine the level and depth of study.