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What is ECTS?
The
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System is a student-centred system
based on the student workload required to achieve the objectives of a
programme, objectives preferably specified in terms of the learning outcomes
and competences to be acquired.
How did
ECTS develop?
ECTS
was introduced in 1989, within the framework of Erasmus, now part of the
Socrates programme. ECTS is the only credit system which has been
successfully tested and used across Europe. ECTS was set up initially for
credit transfer. The system facilitated the recognition of periods of study
abroad and thus enhanced the quality and volume of student mobility in
Europe. Recently ECTS is developing into an accumulation system to be
implemented at institutional, regional, national and European level. This is
one of the key objectives of the Bologna Declaration of June 1999.
Why
introduce ECTS?
ECTS
makes study programmes easy to read and compare for all students, local and
foreign. ECTS facilitates mobility and academic recognition. ECTS helps
universities to organise and revise their study programmes. ECTS can be used
across a variety of programmes and modes of delivery. ECTS makes European
higher education more attractive for students from other continents. |
