References - ECTS

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a tool of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) for making studies and courses more transparent and thus helping to enhance the quality of higher education.

It is an essential tool in the EHEA as it outlines the principles, key features, and practical implementation of ECTS in programme design, student mobility, quality assurance, and lifelong learning.

ECTS was established in 1989 under the Erasmus Programme to facilitate student mobility.

It allows students to earn credits abroad and have them recognized by their home institutions.

The system evolved to support credit accumulation as part of degree programmes.

It applies to all learning modes (classroom, work-based, distance, and non-formal education).

ECTS enhances transparency and student mobility across Europe.

Credits are based on workload and learning outcomes to ensure consistency.

ECTS supports lifelong learning and recognition of prior educational experience.

It aligns with the Bologna Process to modernize higher education.

Clear guidelines are provided for credit transfer, accumulation, and recognition.

ECTS Key Features

Credits reflect workload and learning outcomes:

60 ECTS credits represent one full academic year.

1 ECTS credit = 25 to 30 hours of workload.

Credits are awarded when students demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes.

Credits can be transferred and accumulated between institutions.

Assessment and grading are transparent to ensure recognition across borders.

ECTS in Programme Design, Delivery, and Monitoring

ECTS helps in curriculum development by structuring programmes with defined competences and outcomes.

Key components of programme design:

Defining programme learning outcomes – based on national and European qualifications frameworks.

Programme structure & credit allocation – ECTS credits are assigned to courses based on workload.

Teaching and assessment – uses a mix of lectures, practical work, and independent study.

Monitoring credit allocation – ensures proper workload balance for students

ECTS for Mobility and Credit Recognition

Degree mobility: Full degree studies in another institution.

Credit mobility: Short-term study exchanges (e.g., Erasmus+) where students earn credits abroad.

Key Documents for Mobility:

Learning Agreement (before mobility)

Transcript of Records (after mobility)

Recognition of prior learning and experience is encouraged.

ECTS and Lifelong Learning

ECTS promotes flexible learning pathways, allowing learners to combine formal, non-formal, and informal education.

Recognizes learning from:

Previous work experience

Vocational training

Online and open education

Encourages continuous professional development (CPD)

ECTS and Quality Assurance

Ensures consistent credit allocation, assessment standards, and learning outcomes.

Quality assurance frameworks align with European Standards and Guidelines (ESG).

Institutions must monitor credit allocation and student workload to maintain quality.

Reference: European Commission: Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. (2015). ECTS users' guide 2015. Publications Office of the European Union. Accessible at https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/da7467e6-8450-11e5-b8b7-01aa75ed71a1/language-en.