Student Achievement Component

• • Variable credit values
  • National certificates and diplomas
  • Studying extra courses
  • Full-year programmes
  • Studying integrated programmes
  • Studying more than normal learning hours
  • EFTS value - accelerated or compressed programmes
  • EFTS value - convergence of methods
  • EFTS value of qualifications
  • Course size
  • Additional courses
  • EFTS factors of courses

EFTS value - accelerated or compressed programmes

Some tertiary education organisations allow learners to complete qualifications more quickly than normal. Where this approach is standard for learners in a qualification, we consider it an accelerated or compressed programme of study.

In determining the compressed or accelerated qualification’s EFTS[1] value for funding purposes, Rule SAC044[2] and Rule SAC045[3] apply.

An exception to the 1 EFTS per year funding limit will mean that the TEO[4] may need to divert funding from elsewhere in the mix of provision agreed in its Investment Plan to fund the new qualification.

TEOs developing qualifications for which more than one EFTS per year of SAC[5] funding will be sought should advise us at the beginning of qualification development. We encourage full consultation between all parties to qualification development over compressed delivery.

It is expected that the information identified in Condition SAC358[6] will be provided to, and considered by, the relevant quality assurance body during qualification approval, as required under Condition SAC359[7]. We will advise the TEO if any further information is required.

When learners achieve the qualification more rapidly than the norm because of their own abilities or increased efforts, they will attract more than the normal funding for a given period, subject to the level of funding agreed in the TEO’s Investment Plan. However, the total EFTS value of the qualification will not change.

 

• [1]

  Equivalent Full-Time Student (EFTS)

• [2]

  Rule SAC044: EFTS value of qualifications - accelerated and compressed programmes

  The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will take a conservative approach to funding accelerated or compressed programmes of study. The convergence of all three methods of determining the Equivalent Full-Time Student (EFTS) value will be considered by the TEC when deciding on the appropriate EFTS value for funding purposes.

  Note: Some tertiary education organisations allow learners to complete qualifications more quickly than normal. Where this approach is standard for learners in a qualification, the Tertiary Education Commission considers it an accelerated or compressed programme of study.

• [3]

  Rule SAC045: EFTS value of qualifications - compressed or integrated programmes

  The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) only recognises two situations where the Equivalent Full-Time Student (EFTS) value for a qualification (or combination of qualifications) may differ from the norm:

  • Where a tertiary education organisation is delivering a programme in less than the normal amount of time
    Note: This normally results in a reduced EFTS value in relation to the qualification’s credit value
  • Where a learner is studying integrated programmes.

  In the situations above, the EFTS value of a one-year qualification must still equate to the lesser of:
  

  • one EFTS unit, unless the TEC has approved an exception to the one EFTS per year funding limit
  • 0.03 EFTS units multiplied by the number of equivalent full-time weeks of learning.
• [4]

  Tertiary education organisation (TEO)

• [5]

  Student Achievement Component fund (SAC)

• [6]

  Rule SAC358: EFTS value of qualifications - more than 1 EFTS per year

  In exceptional circumstances the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will consider approving funding of more than one Equivalent Full-Time Student per year for a qualification. A tertiary education organisation (TEO) seeking such approval must first meet all the following requirements. Once these requirements are met, the TEC will consider the specific merits of applications on a case-by-case basis:

  • Delivery over more than the standard (two trimester) period within a year is either necessary for, or significantly assists, achievement of the qualification’s outcomes
  • Optional summer school study is not a suitable option compared with compulsory year-round study
  • The TEO must provide evidence that students generally, or the specific target group if applicable, would be able to cope with the proposed study programme throughout the duration of the qualification.
• [7]

  Rule SAC359: EFTS value of qualifications - more than 1 EFTS per year conditions

  It is a requirement for approval of funding a qualification at more than 1 EFTS per year that the tertiary education organisation (TEO) provide for students who are not able to complete the qualification in the reduced time frame.

  The TEC will advise the TEO if any further information is required in addition to information that was provided to, and considered by, the relevant quality assurance body during qualification approval.