What are HECoS codes used for?

From AY 2019/20 a new subject coding system replaced JACS codes. This is known as the Higher Education Classification of Subjects (HECoS).

HECoS describes the subject content of courses at UK higher education providers.

The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) developed HECoS to randomly generate code identifiers and avoid the coding frame running out of space.

You can find more detailed information about HECoS on the HESA website. They also have guidance on how to add the correct HECoS codes to your courses.

The subject is a generic classification. It does not show the level of study and is only meant to capture the subject of the course. We use the same list for courses at any level: undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education programmes.

You can record up to 5 subject categories against a single course if needed. For example, a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and Mathematics would have 2 subject categories, one for geography and one for mathematics.

We use HECoS codes to determine a student’s entitlement. We also use them to tell which part-time courses are exempt from the Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) rule.

It is very important that the HECoS codes you enter are correct to the best of your knowledge. An incorrect HECoS code can have a significant effect on a student’s level of funding.