Academic Framework
The Higher Colleges of Technology offers instructional programs leading to Bachelor Degrees in: Applied Media, Business, Computer Information Science, Education, Engineering Technology, Health Sciences, and Military and Security.
Course Credit Definition
HCT course credit units are granted in recognition that a course of study has been successfully completed as per the requirements of the relevant course outline.
The number of credit units assigned to each course is based on the amount of time that students are expected to spend under supervised delivery as well as independent study of the content in order to achieve learning outcomes.
The set number of credits for each course is specified in the course catalog. Most courses are one semester long which, if completed with a passing grade, carry the number of course credit units as specified.
Graduation Requirements
The graduation requirements for any individual student are determined by the catalog that was effective when the student matriculated in the major. In extreme cases and with the approval of Executive Dean, a student, in consultation with his program academic leader may file a Change of Academic Catalog Form with the Office of the Registrar no later than the end of Add/Drop period of the student’s graduation semester/term.
A student who changes majors may petition to revert to the catalog in effect at the time of matriculation into HCT. The Petition Form must be approved by the student’s Executive Dean and submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than the end of the add/drop period of the student’s graduation semester/term. Every individual student is personally responsible for meeting all graduation requirements as detailed in his/her catalog year. If a required course within a program changes its number of credits, then the number of credits required by the program for graduation may, at the discretion of the Faculty, change by the same amount provided the minimum total number of credits for graduation is 120 and the CGPA is at least 2.00. In case of substantial changes in course offerings, equivalent graduation requirements are determined by the Executive Dean responsible for the student’s program.
Disclaimer: Course information, content and prerequisites may be subject to change as a result of the HCT’s commitment to a process of continual improvement in academic programs. Students must comply with the most up-to-date course requirements
Passing Grade Requirement
The minimum passing grade requirement for a course to meet any area of the graduation requirements and to satisfy any course prerequisites and/or co-requisites is D.
General Studies Requirements
All Bachelor degree students must complete a minimum of 33 credits of General Studies (GS) with a minimum grade of D in order to graduate. Students who transfer to HCT may satisfy the General studies requirements if the course(s) being transferred meet the outcomes of a General studies area as defined by the General Studies program.
Bachelor Degree
To earn a Bachelor Degree from the HCT, a student must:
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the overall baccalaureate coursework.
- Complete at least 120 credit units including:
- 33 credits of General Studies courses in specified areas;
- a minimum of 60 units in a program major.
- Complete all required courses for a program major.
Higher Diploma Exit Option
To earn a Higher Diploma from the HCT, a student must:
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Complete at least 90 credit units including:
- required General Studies courses;
- required core and elective units within a program major.
- Complete all required courses for a program major.
Diploma Exit Option
To earn a Diploma from the HCT, a student must:
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Complete at least 60 credit units including:
- required General Studies courses;
- required core and elective units within a program major.
- Complete all required courses for a program major.
* One credit Unit equals not less than 15 hours per semester.
| Level | Generic Nomenclature | Vocational Education and Training (VET)1 | Higher Education (HE)1 | General Education (G 12-GE)1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Doctoral Degree | -- | Doctoral | -- |
| 9 | Master Degree | Applied Master | Master | -- |
| 8 | Graduate Diploma | Applied Graduate Diploma | Postgraduate Diploma | -- |
| 7 | Bachelor Degree | Applied Bachelor | Bachelor | -- |
| 6 | Diploma | Advanced Diploma | Higher Diploma | -- |
| 5 | Diploma / Associate Degree | Diploma | Associate Degree | -- |
| 4 | Certificate | Certificate 4 | -- | Secondary School Certificate (G 12) |
| 3 | Certificate | Certificate 3 | -- | TBA |
| 2 | Certificate | Certificate 2 | -- | -- |
| 1 | Certificate | Certificate 1 | -- | -- |
Source: QFEmirates handbook
| 1 | Principal Qualification titles used in the QFEmirates (each with its own profile) |
The Qualifications Framework for the Emirates (QFE)
Each Bachelor, Higher Diploma, and Diploma program has been aligned with the National Quality Framework of the Emirates. The QF Emirates is the UAE’s National Qualifications Framework (termed the “Qualifications Framework for the Emirates” (QFE) to distinguish it from other countries). The QFE Framework also provides detailed information on the level of knowledge, skills, and competencies required of graduates in the UAE. The specific levels of learning attained by HCT graduates are aligned with the QFE levels appropriate to their program.
The Learning Model
The UAE Government is committed to 21st century nation- building through the provision of cutting-edge education to all Nationals who want to develop their potential.
The HCT aims to be a key educational pillar on which the modern nation is built. The HCT Hybrid Learning Model is a strategic framework through which the HCT mission is attained.
The HCT Learning Model is based on the following professional values:
- innovative practice;
- continuous improvement;
- professional integrity;
- efficiency and effectiveness;
- responsiveness to the needs of stakeholders.
It sets standards for the design of curricula, gives principles which should be followed in teaching and learning, and guidelines for assessment within the HCT.