Probably the most straightforward way to view CATS initially is to separate the two aspects “credit accumulation” and “credit transfer”.

Credit accumulation refers to the fact that the majority of taught postgraduate courses have three exit routes: certificates, diplomas and Masters degrees, with the exit award being distinguished by the number of MEd points gained. The credit ratings are as follows:

Students who accumulate the requisite number of MEd points are entitled to the appropriate award. Credit transfer refers to the process whereby a student holding a relevant award of a recognised Higher Education Institution may, on application, be permitted to transfer credit for that award to the MEd programme.

A request for credit transfer should be made at the time of application to the MEd programme. CATS forms are sent out with the MEd application form and are also available on the College website. All applications for credit transfer must be submitted with the MEd application form. Each application will be considered on an individual basis and the applicant will be notified in writing.

Those students who are currently studying or have already studied on an MEd programme at another UK university or recognised institution and who wish to transfer to the St Mary’s programme are required to pay a CATS application fee of £48. The maximum credit which can be transferred for postgraduate courses taken at another institution is one third of the total required for the course. This equates to 60 CATS points towards a Masters degree.

All awards for credit transfer including PGCE, must have been completed within a 10 year time frame on admission to the programme.

In the event that a student holds two awards which could contribute credit transfer, credit may be given for one award only. All students gaining credit should also note that they will be required to complete two of the core modules for any named award; otherwise, they will be awarded an MEd/PG Diploma in Educational Studies.

From the introduction of the CATS scheme, a successful MEd will be considered to be the completion of a cycle of study and may not contribute to a new PG Certificate or PG Diploma. If after completing an MEd you wish to study for an PG Certificate or PG Diploma, you must begin a new cycle of study.