Version 1.0 - Last Updated: 25 Oct 2023
Course Details - Subject category (HECoS)
JACS to HECoS mapping: error scenarios
HECoS was developed in part to provide more robust coding and to address inconsistencies in the JACS framework. It has allowed for courses to be more accurately categorised. This means that some courses now fall under a different, more accurate subject category.
For example, Hair and Beauty Science has moved from 'subjects allied to medicine' to 'biological and sport sciences'.
Courses in the 'medicine and dentistry' and 'subjects allied to medicine' categories may have attributes that affect a student’s entitlement. It is thus very important that you apply the correct course attributes when you map a JACS code to a HECoS code.
CMS includes validation for existing courses in the 'medicine and dentistry' and 'subjects allied to medicine' categories. This helps to ensure they have an accurate HECoS code.
You should pay close attention to courses that have a 'medicine and dentistry' or 'subjects allied to medicine' JACS code and have course attributes set up. For example, they might have the Attracts NHS Bursary attribute. Make sure to enter an equivalent HECoS code to these courses.
The same applies to courses that the HECoS mapping system puts in the 'medicine and dentistry' or 'subjects allied to medicine' categories even if they do not have a corresponding JACS code.
The following scenarios show how this can apply to your existing courses.
Scenario 1
The JACS code is not a 'medicine and dentistry' or 'subjects allied to medicine' code.
The course does not have medical attributes (such as NHS Bursary or Pre-registration).
The HECoS code is a 'medicine and dentistry' or 'subjects allied to medicine' code.
CMS will let you save the course as it does not currently have any medical course attributes.
This also means that while it is now categorised under 'medicine and dentistry' or 'subjects allied to medicine' you will not see the option to add medical course attributes.
If your course has a medical attribute such as Pre-registration or Attracts NHS Bursary, you should contact our Partners Support Desk immediately. The support desk will tell you what you need to do to ensure your course is updated correctly. This helps to make sure that your students receive the correct level of funding.
Scenario 2
The JACS code is a 'medicine and dentistry' or 'subjects allied to medicine' code.
The course has medical attributes set up (for example NHS Bursary or Pre-registration).
The HECoS code is not a 'medicine and dentistry' or 'subjects allied to medicine' code.
CMS will not let you save this course.
You cannot have a course with a medical attribute that does not have a 'medicine and dentistry' or 'subjects allied to medicine' HECoS code.
When you try to save the course, CMS will show an error message.
You should contact our Partners Support Desk. The support desk will tell you what you need to do to ensure your course is updated correctly.
Scenario 3
The qualification is postgraduate healthcare.
The JACS code is a 'medicine and dentistry' or 'subjects allied to medicine' code.
The HECoS code is not a 'medicine and dentistry' or 'subjects allied to medicine' code.
CMS will not let you save this course.
For postgraduate healthcare courses, the HECoS code must fall under the 'subjects allied to medicine' category.
CMS will not let you save a postgraduate healthcare course until one of the HECoS codes you have entered is a 'subjects allied to medicine' code.
Likewise, when you create a new postgraduate healthcare course, its HECoS code needs to be a 'subjects allied to medicine' code.
Scenario 4
The JACS code is not a 'medicine and dentistry' or 'subjects allied to medicine' code.
The course does not have any medical attributes (such as NHS Bursary or Pre-registration).
The HECoS code is not a 'medicine and dentistry' or 'subjects allied to medicine' code.
CMS will let you save the course.
There is a link between the subject category you select and the healthcare-related course attributes. Only courses set up with a subject category of Medicine, Dentistry or Subjects Allied to Medicine can have one or more of the following healthcare attributes checked:
- Medicine/Dentistry
- NHS Bursary
- Paramedic course
- Dental Hygiene/Therapy
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