European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are based on the workload students need for achieving expected learning outcomes. Learning outcomes describe what a student is expected to know, understand, and be able to do after successfully completing the learning process.
They relate to level descriptors in national and European qualifications frameworks. Workload indicates the time students typically need to complete all the learning activities (such as lectures, seminars, projects, practical work, self-study, and examinations) required to achieve the expected learning outcomes. ECTS credits are allocated to entire qualifications or study programs as well as to their educational components (such as modules, course units, dissertation work, work placements, and laboratory work). The number of credits ascribed to each component is based on its weight in terms of the workload students need for achieving the learning outcomes in a formal context.
The ECTS is based on the principle that 60 credits measure the workload of a full-time student during one academic year. The 60 ECTS credits amount to around 1,500 to 1,800 hours of workload per academic year; thus one credit corresponds to around 25 to 30 working hours. ECTS credits are awarded upon successful completion of the work required and appropriate assessment of the learning outcomes achieved.
