Glossary

CATS

The standard UK Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) is a system of HE institutional arrangements for measuring student progression towards defined learning outcomes and qualifications. This provides a time-based measure of teaching and learning (see the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] ). One CATS credit is equivalent to ten hours’ total study, including writing assignments, field work, etc. The CATS system calculates that 360 CATS credits are required for an undergraduate degree and 180 credits for a masters degree.

course

The terms ‘course’ and ‘module’ are used both within and across HE to refer to a set of modular, standardised, independent or interrelated teaching units that, when combined, construct a undergraduate or postgraduate degree qualification. Degree programmes may also be called ‘courses’ but to avoid confusion, the term ‘course’ is used hereafter in the first sense to refer to both courses and modules.

ICTs

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) refer to digital resources and technologies utilised for preparation, administration, teaching and learning on courses and modules that are supported by ICT infrastructure and devices, including personal computers, laptops, tablet devices, smart phones and software, etc.

sustainability

This refers to environmental sustainability, which includes the reduction of negative environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, consumption of natural resources, waste generation and the protection of biodiversity. The term ‘sustainability’ also has a wider use that covers economic and social success criteria that are also important for sustainable higher education.