Credit Transfer Policy

Policy Number:203

Title: Credit Transfer Policy
Last Revised Date: 5th May2023

Policy Version:Vol. 2

1. Introduction

Credit Transfer Policy outlines the criteria and procedures for the transfer of credits earned at other institutions towards a program at Eton University. The purpose of credit transfer is to recognize and reward previous academic achievements, reduce duplication of course work, and facilitate a smoother transition for students from one institution to another. We are a credit transfer-friendly institution, and we believe that this policy can help students to complete their degrees and achieve their academic goals.

Eton University accepts credit transfers from accredited institutions of higher education and colleges. The number of credits that can be transferred varies based on the program, and the academic performance of the student. Generally, the university accepts credits for courses that are substantially similar in content, size, level, and learning outcomes to those offered at Eton University. Courses accepted under this clause list as a transfer and carry no grade designation.

2. Definition

Credit Transfer: the process by which a student's previous academic credits earned at other institution(s) are recognized and accepted by a new institution towards the completion of a degree or credential

Learning Outcomes: the set of knowledge and skills a person is expected to acquire and is able to demonstrate as a result of learning.

Program Overview/Program Handbook: a comprehensive summary of the objectives, structure, requirements, and outcomes of a particular academic program offered by a University. The overview/handbook typically includes a description of the program's goals and learning outcomes, as well as the courses and prerequisites required to complete the program.

Diploma Supplement: document issued by universities in the European Union (EU) to provide a standardised description of the nature, level, context, content, and learning outcomes of the studies that led to the award of a particular diploma or degree.

Advanced Standing: the placement or credit that a student receives in a program based on their prior education or experience. This means that the student may be able to skip certain requirements and start their program/module at an advanced level.

3. Scope

The policy sets out the framework for evaluating and accepting transfer credits, and provides guidance for students who wish to transfer credits from other institutions.

4. Principles

Credit transfer policies are designed to provide students with the opportunity to build on their prior learning experiences and apply them towards a new academic program. The following principles are essential to credit transfer policy:

Transparency: Credit transfer regulations and processes must be transparent, accessible, and clearly communicated to students, faculty, and staff.
Consistency: Credit transfer policy must be applied consistently to all students, regardless of their background, or program.
Rigor: Credit transfer policy must ensure that transferred credits meet the same academic standards and rigor as the credits earned at the receiving institution.
Flexibility: Credit transfer policy and its regulations must be flexible to accommodate the diversity of student backgrounds and learning experiences.
Timeliness: Credit transfer policy must ensure that transfer evaluations are completed in a timely manner, allowing students to make informed decisions about their academic pathway.

5. Eligibility for Credit Transfer

Eton University allows students to transfer credits earned from accredited institutions. The modules for which the credit is being transferred should be substantially similar in content and learning outcomes to the modules offered by Eton University.

Eton University will review student’s credit transfer application if the student has:

studied some modules at university level, or
Partially or fully completed a degree, or
Partially or fully completed a professional or vocational qualification,

provided that:

1.The student has achieved the satisfactory passing grade at the awarding institution and is in good academic standing

2. The taught module carries at least as many credit points as the Eton University module from which the student is to be fully exempted.

In certain cases, where the modules are equal in content but not in size, partial credit exemptions can be approved. Student is expected to be enrolled in the module with ‘advanced standing’, which means that he/she can be exempted from certain requirements of that module.

3. The student is seeking to transfer credits only for taught modules. The Dissertation and Capstone project, as well as any other similar independent projects, are mandatory and cannot be waived or exempted. These modules are not eligible for credit transfer.

4. The modules completed should be obtained within the last 15 years. However, due to the nature of certain programs, where the field is considered as rapidly evolving (such as IT, for example) and frequent curriculum changes are necessary, some modules should have been completed within the past 5 years in order to be considered for credit transfer.

6. Maximum Credits Transferable

Each credit transfer applicant’s case is reviewed as an individual and assessment is carried out to determine the amount of credits that may be transferred, which is not always the same as the maximum amount allowed. The maximum number of credits that can be transferred varies depending on the level of the program. Generally, the following is applicable:

6.1 Undergraduate programs:

Eton University follows a standard in which up to 50% of the total undergraduate program credits can be obtained through credit transfer. The remaining 50% of the credits must be earned at Eton University.

For example, if a degree program requires 420 UK credits, the maximum number of credits that can be transferred is 210 UK credits. Similarly, if the program has 135 US credits, up to 67 credits could be transferred. The actual numbers may vary as for full module exception the numbers are rounded to the nearest lower end in order to avoid fractional modules/credits.

In exceptional circumstances, where the program studied before is nearly identical in syllabus to the program of choice that will be studied at Eton University, we may award a maximum of 75% of the credits required for a degree program, or a combination of 50% transfer credit and 25% experiential credit. For example, we would calculate as follows:

[Total credits x 0.75 =Number of transferable credits ]

[Total credits - Transferable credits = Number of credits required at Eton University]

6.2 Graduate Programs

Eton University follows a standard in which up to 50% of the total graduate program credits can be obtained through credit transfer. The remaining 50% of the credits must be earned at Eton University.

For example, if a degree program, such as Master’s, requires 180 UK credits, the maximum number of credits that can be transferred is 90 UK credits. This is for illustration purposes only, the actual number of credits might vary depending on module credit value, in order to avoid awarding fractional modules/credits. In the event where all course modules carry 20 credits, the number would be rounded to the nearest lower end. Similarly, for the US curriculum, if the program has 135 US credits, up to 67 credits could be transferred.

[Total credits x 0.75 =Number of transferable credits ]

[Total credits - Transferable credits = Number of credits required at Eton University]

However, this is only for illustrative purposes. Many Eton University Masters programs consist of taught modules and a capstone project, which alone carries 60 UK credits. Since the Capstone project is non transferable, it means that the student, if found eligible, could transfer all the taught modules but would still be required to complete a 60 UK credit capstone project.

6.3. Professional Doctoral Degrees

A professional doctoral degree program may permit transfer in the maximum range of 25%-35% of the required credits. It is important to note that transfer credits are restricted to taught modules only and cannot be awarded for the dissertation component of the program.

For example, if the PhD program had 60 US credits overall, we could use the following calculation:

[Total credits x 0.25= Number of transferable credits]

7. Credit Transfer Application Process:

1. Consultation: The first step involves a consultation between the student and Eton University Admissions team; the student should email admission@eton-university.net to inquire regarding Credit Transfer. During this step, the university will explain its policies and rules regarding credit transfer, discuss the process, and advise the student on what documents are required for the application. This consultation will also involve a discussion of the student's previous coursework, and the university will recommend what additional documentation may be required for the transfer of credits.

2. Application and document submission: After the consultation, the student can submit an application and relevant documents to the Admission Manager. This normally involves the following:

a)A completed Credit Transfer Claim Form,

b)An official transcript of previous academic work or a Diploma Supplement (applicable for UK and European Union students). The transcript must indicate the grade earned, the course title, and the number of credits awarded.

c)A program overview and module learning outcomes should be included as a supporting document in order for the academic expert to be able to map how closely the previous study matches that of the Eton University’s modules. If an applicant does not have a Diploma Supplement, then a Program Handbook received at the time of their studies outlining program details can be submitted. However, if that is not available, the applicant should contact their university and request these details. Failure to provide sufficient evidence may delay the processing of the application or result in its rejection.

3. Initial review: The Admission Manager will conduct an initial review of the application and if complete, forward it to the appropriate Academic Manager/Dean

4. Evaluation: The Academic Manager will evaluate the student's previous coursework and determine how many credits can be transferred based on mapping to Eton's module learning outcomes. This evaluation will also take into consideration the quality of the coursework, the accreditation of the institution where the coursework was completed, and other relevant factors.

5. Outcome announcement: Within four weeks of submitting the application, the student will be notified of the outcome electronically via a letter of decision. If a credit application is unsuccessful, the notification sent to the student will include the reasons for such decision. If the student is accepted and agrees with the offer, he or she must sign the acceptance letter and send it back to the university.

6. Processing: After the acceptance letter, Admissions will create enrollment agreement, payment details, and study plan. Once the student has completed all required payments and signed the enrollment agreement, he or she can start studying according to the agreed-upon plan.

8. Credit Transfer Cost

At Eton University we currently do not charge any fees for credit transfer evaluations. The student is expected to pay the standard price of the program regardless of the outcome of the credit transfer application, which means that credit transfer does not decrease the price of the program.

It is important to note that the applicants for credit transfer need to pay standard program application fees, however, if their application for the credit transfer is unsuccessful and they do not wish to proceed with enrolling into the program to study it in full, the application fee will be refunded.

9. Transferability of Credits From Partner institutions to Eton University

Eton University's partnership agreements with other institutions make it easier for students to transfer credits between institutions. The program mapping for many of the courses has already been completed, which means that the transfer of credits from partner institutions to Eton University courses is a more straightforward and quicker process. If a course taken at a partner institution matches the curriculum of a course offered at Eton University, the credits earned for that course can be automatically transferred. In some cases, where the module is substantially similar in learning outcomes but smaller in size (credits), students can partially transfer credits and be enrolled in the module with ‘advanced standing’ which will exempt them from certain requirements previously studied.

The steps students should follow to transfer credits from partner institutions involve consulting with the admission team, filling out and submitting Credit Transfer application form and official transcript only. Our evaluation process ensures the transferability of credits on a case-by-case basis.

10. Transferability of Credits Earned at Eton University

Eton University strives to provide students with a high-quality education that is recognized and respected by other institutions. The University often has partnerships with other universities and colleges on curriculum and there are progression agreements in place which can maximize the number of credits that can be transferred and allow students to join another university with advanced standing.

However, the transferability of credits earned at our institution is at the discretion of the receiving institution. While Eton University will make every effort to facilitate the transfer of eligible credits, it cannot guarantee that all credits earned at our institution will be accepted by other institutions. Students who wish to transfer credits earned at Eton University are advised to consult with the receiving institution to determine their transferability prior to enrollment. Eton University will provide transcripts and other documentation as required to support the transfer process.