UK Degree Structure

 

This page explains the credit system adopted for UK degree programmes. It is intended to assist CIMA students and members to understand the credits offered by the universities listed in this website.      

Undergraduate (first degree) credit system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Generally, undergraduate (first) degrees offered by recognised Higher Education Institutions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are constructed as follows :

• Each year of study has a value of 120 credits
• A typical three year honours degree has a total value of 360 credits
• An ordinary degree has a total value of 300 credits

Each university determines the number of credits (exemptions) it will grant based on prior qualifications and/or experience. Consequently, credits available to Advanced Diploma holders vary by institution. Some institutions grant up to a full two years of advanced standing (240 credits) towards a first degree so leaving just one year of study to complete a UK honours degree. Other institutions grant between 120 and 240 credits in line with their established admissions policy. For further details, see the Advanced Diploma Credits Granted options under Search.

Undergraduate credit system in Scotland

First degrees offered by institutions in Scotland tend to follow this pattern:

• Ordinary degree - 3 years of study - total credit value 360 credits (120 per year)
• Honours degree - 4 years of study - total credit value 480 credits (120 per year)

Credits will vary by institution in line with their established admissions policy. For further details, see the Advanced Diploma Credits Granted options under Search.

Master's degree structure in the UK

Master's degrees are postgraduate qualifications and are constructed as follows:

Each year of study has a value of 90 credits

A typical two year master's degree has a total value of 180 credits

Each university determines the number of credits (exemptions) it will grant based on prior qualifications or experience. Consequently, credits available to CIMA members vary by institution. Many institutions grant up to a full year of advanced standing (90 credits) so leaving just one year of study to complete a master's degree. Other institutions grant between 30 and as many as 120 credits in line with their established admissions policy. For further details, see the Member Credits Granted options under Search.