Information for students

The Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) is designed to replace the existing transcript (and subsume the Diploma Supplement).  It has been introduced in over 90 Universities and Colleges and reflects the belief that a degree classification alone cannot do justice to the knowledge, skills and experience gained by Brunel students, although the degree classification will continue to be of significance. Employers and postgraduate admissions tutors are interested in a much wider range of graduate capabilities than those captured purely in marks and grades, although these will remain an essential element of the HEAR.

Brunel University has chosen to undertake a ‘phased implementation’ of the HEAR and undergraduates who enrolled on a full programme of study in September 2012 and onwards will be eligible to a complete copy of the HEAR when they graduate. From July 2016 this will be in electronic format. 

The HEAR will be produced in full for undergraduates who complete their programme of study in 2015 and onwards. At the end of each academic year until graduation such students will have access to an enhanced transcript which contains some elements of the HEAR such as ‘additional recognised activities’.

Only recognised activities will be included. These have been formally agreed by the University’s Learning and Teaching Committee and details can be found on the HEAR web page.

Talk to your personal tutor, visit the UBS or Professional Development Centre or Brunel Volunteers, and also check the My Brunel HEAR web page.

As detailed above, it is recognised that a degree classification cannot do justice to the knowledge, skills and experience gained by Brunel students, although the degree classification will continue to be of significance.  Employers and postgraduate admissions tutors are interested in a much wider range of graduate capabilities than those captured purely in marks and grades, although these will remain an essential element of the HEAR.

A group of employers formed part of the network of stakeholders that influenced the creation of the HEAR. To get a flavour what an employer thinks see the video clip.

From July 2016 all graduates from undergraduate programmes can access their HEAR on line (previously this was hard copy only). You will have the capability to include or exclude recognised activities through the e-Vision application. This is a simple process whereby you can select or de-select previously selected activities. The detail contained in the enhanced transcript and later the HEAR will be sealed just prior to the end of the academic year. Hard copies will be provided at a cost of £60 per copy. 

For the HEAR to be effective students will need to take ownership of their report.  For many this will document activities that they are already undertaking.  For others this will provide a stimulus to engage in additional recognised activities such as volunteering, taking an active part within the Union of Brunel Students or other recognised club, society or college based activity.

All staff (academic and administrative) will be expected to have awareness of the HEAR and its importance to Brunel students and how they can contribute. 

Programme leaders/directors have been required to draft information for the HEAR which details the programme requirements.

Officers and staff at the Union of Brunel Students will be able to provide students with advice and guidance on how to maximise opportunities for the inclusion of additional recognised activities into the HEAR. 

Staff at Brunel Volunteers and at the Professional Development Centre can provide you with details on opportunities to add to your HEAR. 

The HEAR will be produced in full for undergraduates who complete their programme of study in 2015 and onwards. At the end of each academic year until graduation such students will have access to an enhanced transcript which contains some elements of the HEAR such as ‘additional recognised activities’.