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How does CATS work?

As a CATS student you will have access to most undergraduate and postgraduate modules across the University, allowing you to combine modules from different subject areas to develop your unique programme.

Credit points

For each module you complete, you will be awarded credit points. Each module that you pass will count towards a specific amount of higher education credit points. You can study modules without completing any assessments, however, you will not receive any credit points.

Modules can either last one academic year (double module) or one semester (single module). Each single module is worth 15 credit points and a double module is worth 30 credit points.

You can gain full qualifications through accumulating credit points. Generally speaking, the higher the qualification, the more credits you will require.

For example at undergraduate level you will need:

  • 120 credits for a Certificate of Higher Education
  • 240 credits for a Diploma of Higher Education
  • 360 credits for an Honours Degree

Part-time and full-time study methods

If you are a part-time student, you will be able to study up to a maximum of five single modules (75 credits) per academic year. If you are a full-time student, you'll be able to study between six and eight modules (90 - 120 credits) per academic year.

Part-time students study alongside full-time students and have equal access to the full range of facilities and support mechanisms at Herts.

You may decide to stop at staged points, such as after achieving a Certificate of Higher Education, or decide to continue studying for a full honours degree or postgraduate qualification.

The time it will take you to achieve these awards will be dependent on your mode of study (i.e. full time or part time) and the amount of modules you take each year.

I was looking for part-time study when I found out about the CATS programme. The best thing about it is the variety of modules available and the flexibility and I thought "that sounds like me".

Sharon Mack, part-time CATS student

How to apply

You can apply now to study a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses or single modules via our website.

For more detailed information about our programmes and course modules, contact the Admissions team:

tel +44 (0) 1707 284800
fax +44 (0) 1707 284870
ask@herts.ac.uk