Degree break points require ‘major reconfiguration’ of courses

This article raises many important points about how higher education curricula are structured. It is our opinion, however, that the scale of change required is not necessarily at the level suggested by some of the quotes presented. Our recent publication “The multiple dimensions of curriculum mapping: designing a comprehensive outcomes-based framework” (available at: https://journals.uclpress.co.uk/lre/article/pubid/LRE-23-17/) sets out a framework for the clear and systematic implementation of constructive alignment in the design of a typical three-year undergraduate degree. In this, we set out clearly the multiple dimensions along which constructive alignment needs to be ensured – including what we refer to as horizontal alignment across the elements at Level 4 and Level 5. We included this precisely to flag up the importance of exit awards at these levels. One of the motivations behind the research was that by strengthening the coherence of constructive alignment, clearer signals would be sent to all relevant stakeholders as to the substantive content and value of any given award. In short, coherence within any given degree course should be a sine qua non of its design. With that in place, the content and value of exit awards will be much clearer, enabling students and other stakeholders to establish how best to build full degrees from well-structured component parts. Dr Diana Frost (University of Birmingham) Professor Emeritus Rob Ackrill (Nottingham Trent University)

Scotland already has a "credit transfer" system and it works reasonably well, either for students transferring between universities or "articulating" from FE colleges although the numbers involved are modest.

"Introducing break points will “require a radical rethink of the OfS regulatory regime, which currently assumes that dropping out before completing a full degree is the sign of a poor student experience”, he continued." And not just the OfS - but also the internal management and running of universities. I hope we are up to it.