ECTS

The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is designed to promote transparency of teaching and learning and facilitates the recognition of formal, non-formal and informal studies and study work. The system is used in all European countries for transfer and accreditation of studies (in the framework of student mobility) and accumulation of study periods for the award of an academic degree. ECTS also informs about curriculum design and quality assurance of a degree program.

Basically, ECTS measures the workload of a student (= the time a student usually needs in order to achieve the intended learning outcomes comprising everything necessary such as contact hours, homework, preparation of papers and presentations, research, exam preparation etc) expressed in terms of credits. The workload of an average student usually comprises 1500 to 1800 hours per academic year (= 60 ECTS), with one credit representing 25 – 30 hours and one academic semester comprising 30 ECTS. The transfer and accumulation of credits is enhanced and supported through the use of the ECTS key-documents (Information package, program diagram and course descriptions, learning agreement, transcript of records, and the Diploma Supplement.

ECTS can also be used for accreditation of studies in case of vertical mobility and admission to further studies, with the final decision lying however with the competent authorities.