Credit transfer in higher education: a review of the literature

The policy drive in UK higher education (HE) for many years and across various administrations has been for diversity in delivery and increased student choice. This rapid evidence assessment literature review explores the research, commentary and current thinking about credit transfer as a method to support flexibility of study in HE. This review was commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and undertaken by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES). The report covers: credit, credit accumulation, credit transfer, and the systems and frameworks supporting it;...  [+] Show more

The policy drive in UK higher education (HE) for many years and across various administrations has been for diversity in delivery and increased student choice. This rapid evidence assessment literature review explores the research, commentary and current thinking about credit transfer as a method to support flexibility of study in HE. This review was commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and undertaken by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES). The report covers: credit, credit accumulation, credit transfer, and the systems and frameworks supporting it; take-up and provision of credit transfer schemes; operational issues and practical implications; challenges for transferring credit; and potential benefits. The review also draws, where appropriate, on lessons from credit transfer in other countries.

Edited excerpts from publication.