Why a Duodecimal System?

One staff member has remarked upon the irony, in an age of growing decimalisation, that we should only now be beginning to realise the properties of the number 12. Like the old unit system, the number is largely arbitrary, and when it gives a degree composed of 108 credits, then it appears downright clumsy. This last point may be covered in the not too distant future by the reduction of the number of credits required for the degree to 100.

Some basis of conversion from the unit system to the new credit system was required however, and the duodecimal system has many advantages in this respect.

1/ It fits with the Science Faculty one third and one quarter units, being divisable by both 3 and 4.

2/ It fits well with the reaper division of present Arts units, most Stage 3 units being composed of 3 papers and other units of 2 papers.

3/ Being a large number, it permits more variations in the possible size of courses. Course may carry credits of any number from 1 to 12, so that it should be possible for credits to reflect work loads et. more accurately than the present system.