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

Studying more than normal learning hours

When a TEO[1] requires all learners enrolled in a qualification to study for more than the normal learning hours, we will consider a higher EFTS[2] value for the qualification. In relation to the EFTS value calculation, the result will be a non-alignment between the number of teaching weeks and the credit value and learner hours for the qualification.  

Under Rule SAC046[3] the relevant quality assurance body will have had to quality assure the extended weekly learning hours. TEOs must meet the requirements of Rule SAC047[4].  Where we are not satisfied with the higher EFTS value, under Rule SAC048[5] the TEO must determine the EFTS value for the qualification based on the number of full-time-equivalent teaching weeks.

• [1]

  Tertiary education organisation (TEO)

• [2]

  Equivalent Full-Time Student (EFTS)

• [3]

  Rule SAC046: EFTS value of qualifications - study for more than normal hours

  When a tertiary education organisation (TEO) requires all learners enrolled in a qualification to study for more than the normal learning hours per teaching week, the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will consider an Equivalent Full-Time Student (EFTS) value for the qualification that is higher than would be derived from the teaching weeks, provided the relevant quality assurance body has quality assured the extended learning hours.

  Note: This rule is subject to rules relating to qualifications delivered at more than 120 credits (1 EFTS) per year.

• [4]

  Rule SAC047: EFTS value of qualifications - study for more than normal hours evidence

  A tertiary education organisation (TEO) must demonstrate all of the following before the Tertiary Education Commission will base a higher Equivalent Full-Time Student (EFTS) value (for study exceeding the normal learning hours per week) on learning hours:

  • Learners who are awarded the qualification achieve an equivalent academic standard to those completing similar qualifications in a normal period
  • Both the required learning hours and the weekly teaching inputs required for such programmes are proportionally greater than the norm to enable learners to achieve the necessary accelerated academic progress
  • The TEO has informed learners accurately about their higher-than-normal expected work commitments
  • The TEO has appropriate support mechanisms for learners who have difficulty coping with the programme intensity.
• [5]

  Rule SAC048: EFTS value of qualifications - study for more than normal hours value where TEC not satisfied

  If the Tertiary Education Commission is not fully satisfied that a higher-than-normal Equivalent Full-Time Student (EFTS) value (for study exceeding the normal learning hours per week) should be based on learning hours, the tertiary education organisation must determine the EFTS value for the qualification based on the number of full-time-equivalent teaching weeks.