Key features of ECTS at the University of Economics, Prague
ECTS at the University of Economics, Prague
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a learner-centred system for credit accumulation and transfer based on the transparency of learning outcomes and learning processes. It aims to facilitate planning, delivery, evaluation, recognition and validation of qualifications and units of learning as well as student mobility. ECTS is widely used in formal higher education and can be applied to other lifelong learning activities.
University of Economics, Prague started to use own credit system in 1991. After successful integration into the European higher-education area, it redesigned its credit system and in 2005 began to offer its study programmes in accordance with the principles of the ECTS. In 2009, University of Economics, Prague applies for the ECTS label.
ECTS credits at the University of Economics, Prague
ECTS credits at the University of Economics, Prague are based on the workload students need in order to achieve expected learning outcomes.
Learning outcomes describe what a learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do after successful completion of a process of learning. They relate to level descriptors in national and European qualifications frameworks. Learning outcomes of each course unit and other study obligations at the University of Economics, Prague are described in a course syllabus available in the Study information system as the Public Catalogue of Courses.
Workload indicates the time students typically need to complete all learning activities (such as lectures, seminars, projects, practical work, self-study and examinations) required to achieve the expected learning outcomes. For each course unit and other study obligations at the University of Economics, Prague, number of hours of workload for an average student are described in a course syllabus available in the Study information system as the Public Catalogue of Courses.
60 ECTS credits are attached to the workload of a full-time year of formal learning (academic year) and the associated learning outcomes. In most cases, student workload ranges from 1,500 to 1,800 hours for an academic year, whereby one credit corresponds to 25 to 30 hours of work. At the University of Economics, Prague, one credit corresponds to 26 hours of workload for an average student.
Use of ECTS credits at the University of Economics, Prague
Credits are allocated to entire study programmes as well as to their educational components (such as course units, dissertation work or state exams). The number of credits ascribed to each component is based on its weight in terms of the workload students need in order to achieve the learning outcomes in a formal context.
Credits are awarded to individual students (full-time or part-time) after completion of the learning activities required by a formal programme of study or by a single educational component and the successful assessment of the achieved learning outcomes. Credits are accumulated with a view to obtaining qualifications. If students have achieved learning outcomes in other learning contexts or timeframes (formal, non-formal or informal), the associated credits may be awarded after successful recognition of these learning outcomes.
Credits awarded in one programme may be transferred into another programme, offered by the same or another institution. This transfer can only take place if the degree-awarding institution recognises the credits and the associated learning outcomes. Partner institutions should agree in advance on the recognition of periods of study abroad.
Credit transfer and accumulation are facilitated by the use of the ECTS key documents (Course Catalogue, Student Application Form, Learning Agreement and Transcript of Records) as well as the Diploma Supplement.
