Levels and awards framework

The Levels and Awards Framework sets the framework for levels and awards under which programmes leading to a qualification of the University of Exeter should operate. It covers the following areas:

Award levels

This section presents the University's use of six levels for its awards. These levels mirror those in the framework for higher education qualifications (FHEQ) published by the Quality Assurance Agency.

Qualification descriptors

To support the above award levels, the University makes use of qualification descriptors. These descriptors indicate the principal outcomes that a student should be able to demonstrate following the completion of an award at a designated level. Those designing or reviewing programmes of study for an award will need to assure themselves that the educational aims, curricula, programme outcomes and other elements of the programme are appropriate to the descriptors for the qualification to which the programme is intended to lead.

This section characterises the qualification descriptors for each of the six award levels.

Credit levels and descriptors

The credit levels and descriptors provide the framework for an award. Credit levels provide descriptive building blocks for awards. They are most commonly used in the context of module descriptions, reflected cumulatively in the credit requirements for awards. This section defines the different credit levels operated by the University, characterising the skills required at each level.

Awards framework

This section lists the framework for University awards, detailing the required credits and credit levels a programme should comply with in order that a particular award can be achieved. 

Generic Mark Scheme

Further evidence on assessment & feedback can also be found in the TQA Manual in particular the Generic Mark Scheme may be useful.

General principles and notes

This section offers further guidance on issues raised by the Levels and Awards Framework.