The ECTS

The ECTS, the European Credit Transfer System, was conceived in the EU to facilitate the co-operation between the universities of the EU and EFTA member-countries within ERASMUS programmer. ECTS scoring enables measurement and comparison of the results achieved by the student as well as transferring these results between universities. It allows for clear and transparent definition of the rules for international studies, their full recognition and credit requirements. The grading of a course is made by grading-system of the responsible university. In order to make a conversion into the grading-system of the home country easier, a describing ECTS-grading system was developed, which under no circumstances replaces the national grading-system. Students of co-operating universities are able to stay at ECTS-partner universities, for part of their studies, after prior consultation with the ECTS coordinator. Prior to the departure of the student, the two partner universities and their coordinators define within the Learning Agreement which courses the student should have to attend. Changes during the stay also have to be discussed with both coordinators. Academic achievements at NAU (the student workload) is measured according to the NAU credit system. Students must have an adequate knowledge of English in order to study the courses held in English. This is important, overestimating ones proficiency in English can lead to disappointment when study abroad is meant to be rewarding. Students are also recommended to start practicing their English at least one year in advance, with special attention to the vocabulary and expressions used in that particular subject. An important part of each course is the individual students reading of set course literature. The course work also includes written and\or oral examination. Credits are awarded only when the course has been completed and all required examination have been successfully taken.