Academic Credit System (ECTS) and Module Regulations
The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is an academic credit system based on the estimated student workload required to achieve the objectives and learning outcomes of a module or programme of study. It is designed to enable academic recognition for periods of study, to facilitate student mobility and credit accumulation and transfer. The ECTS is the recommended credit system for higher education in Ireland and across the European Higher Education Area.
The ECTS weighting for a module is a measure of the student input or workload required for that module, based on factors such as the number of contact hours, the number and length of written or verbally presented assessment exercises, class preparation and private study time, laboratory classes, examinations, clinical attendance, professional training placements, and so on.
60 ECTS are allocated to full-time study over one academic year. 1 credit represents 20-25 hours estimated student input, so a 5 ECTS module will be designed to require 100-125 hours of student input including class contact time and assessments, while a 10 ECTS module will require 200-250 hours of student input.
For more information and ECTS documentation, see the EU Commission website.
- Undergraduate module sizes are limited to 5 and 10 ECTS, with 20 ECTS reserved for the capstone module only.
- Modules of 5 ECTS are to be taught and assessed within one semester.
- Modules of 10 ECTS can be taught and assessed over one or two semesters.
- Students should have a balanced credit load across the two semesters, i.e. 30 ECTS in semester 1 and 30 ECTS in semester 2.
- The 20 ECTS capstone may be taught and assessed over one or two semesters.
The capstone project — though defined differently by different subjects — is the common element across all degree exit routes and is weighted at 20 ECTS. It requires a significant level of independent research by the student. It should be an integrative exercise that allows students to showcase skills and knowledge which they have developed across a range of subject areas and across their four years of study and result in the production of a significant piece of original work by the student. It should provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their attainment of the graduate attributes.
Click here for more information on the Capstone Project definitions and criteria: Capstone Criteria
ECTS credits are awarded to a student only upon successful completion of the course year. Progression from one year to the next is determined by the progression regulations. Students must accumulate 60 credits in order to rise with their class. Progression regulations are outlined in detail in the General Regulations and Information section of the Calendar Part II.
TCD students studying abroad for a full academic year on an approved mobility/exchange programme must obtain not less than 45 ECTS credits or equivalent from the host institution in order to rise with their year.