What is an accredited short course?
An accredited short course, sometimes referred to as Short Course for Credit, is quite simply a short course that is taken for credit.
In addition to the usual course attendance, you will be given an assessment to complete. After successful completion you will gain Cranfield learning credits. To gain these credits registration as an Associate student is required.
Why register to take an accredited short course?
There are many benefits to completing accredited short courses as an Associate student:
Flexibility: Ideal for those balancing professional responsibilities or personal commitments. Allows you to engage with academic pursuits without committing to a full postgraduate degree.
Credit accumulation: Earn formal recognition for completed coursework, which can enhance a resume and demonstrate commitment to continuous professional development.
Test the waters: Provides an opportunity to experience the course content, teaching methods, and workload before committing to a full postgraduate degree.
Pathway to a postgraduate award: Credits earned from individual modules can be transferred towards a full postgraduate degree at a later stage, allowing students to build towards a higher qualification over time (up to a maximum of 5 years).
This modular approach not only minimises initial commitment but also supports a gradual transition into postgraduate education, catering to both immediate and long-term academic and professional goals.
What does being an Associate student mean?
Being registered as an Associate student allows you to study a short course(s) / module(s), complete associated assessment(s) and gain Cranfield learning credits (following successfully completion of the associated assessment(s).
It’s a more formal process that requires a detailed application form, a review of your suitability for postgraduate study, including your previous award evidence, and formal registration with the university, which involves agreeing to related terms and conditions.
Some international applicants will need to provide evidence of their English language ability.
Please refer to our Entry requirements page for further details.
Things to be aware of:
- Accumulated Cranfield learning credits can be transferred onto a postgraduate award within 5 years of successful completion of the associate short course / module.
- You can accumulate up to a maximum of 60 credits relating to a single award bearing course, but you may want to move to a postgraduate course after accumulating less credits.
- Associate students may only attempt each short course / module for credit once, although resits may be permissible for associated assessments.
- Some partner organisations, universities and other degree awarding bodies also recognise Cranfield credits as part of their awards. The basis upon which these can be used should be checked with the organisation awarding the degree, as they will have their own regulations.
How do I transfer credits onto an award bearing course?
If you wish to move on to a Cranfield postgraduate certificate, diploma or masters, you can request that credits accrued through relevant accredited short courses be considered as partial completion. There are two options for progressing onto a postgraduate award:
Transfer of registration
If you decide you would like to move to a postgraduate award while you are still within your Associate student registration, you can request a transfer of registration. The modules you have completed must align to the postgraduate award you wish to transfer onto.
Transfer of credits
If you have already completed your Associate student registration and want to return within the recognised 5 year period, you will need to make an application for your chosen postgraduate award. The credits you have been awarded may be used to exempt you from attending the associated course modules.
