What Are CATS Points?

CATS stands for Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme. It is the credit system used by universities in the United Kingdom to describe how much learning a module or program involves. Credits are also called CATS points or simply credits, and they are attached to every module on a UK degree.

How CATS credits work

A full-time academic year is typically worth 120 credits. A standard module is often 20 credits, though some are 10, 30 or 40, and dissertations commonly carry 40 or more. A credit is generally taken to represent about 10 hours of notional learning time, which includes contact time, independent study and assessment.

Credits are tied to levels. In England, modules are described at levels 4, 5 and 6 for the three years of an undergraduate degree and level 7 for a master's. To earn a qualification you need a set number of credits at specific levels, such as 360 for a bachelor's with honors, including 120 at level 6.

Why CATS points matter

Credits show how much study a module involves and how many you must pass to progress. They also help students who transfer, take a year abroad or return to study later, because credits already earned can be recognized by another institution.

Some universities allow you to pass a module with a compensated mark in limited cases, and still award the credits. Your course handbook explains how this works.

An example

A student takes six 20-credit modules in a year, three per semester. Passing all six earns the 120 credits needed to move on to the next level.

Related terms

Compare with ECTS credits in Europe and credit hours in the United States. See also module, mitigating circumstances and external examiner.