Credits


Upon successful completion of the courses you will be awarded credits by the University of Kassel.
The credits are based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) which is applied by many European institutions of higher education in order to facilitate the transfer of credits gained in certain study periods from one institution to another.

The transfer of credits awarded at the International Summer University has been agreed upon with some of our partner universities. It is recommended to consult the contact person in charge of the academic recognition of credits at your home institution before you sign up for the ISU.

You can achieve the following credits:*

 For 20h of our study program:  3 ECTS-Points
 For the German Language Course (40h):  3 ECTS-Points

* Please note: All students are invited to join the one workshop. Workshops won't be assessed or graded, and no Credit points are offered. Those who want to obtain 1 ECTS credit point for a workshop will need to pay an extra fee (80 Euro) and hand in an assignment.

 

TRANSCRIPT

The quality of the work is shown on the “Transcript of Records” which every student receives from the host university. With the help of a point system each student can show their achievements to their home university and have the credits transferred.

 

GRADES

The system of grades serves to reflect the student´s performance by documenting the quality of work completed and marks attained. The scale of ECTS grades is as follows:

ECTS-Grades and descriptions

A EXCELLENT - outstanding performance with only minor errors.
B VERY GOOD - above the average standard but with some errors.
C GOOD - generally sound work with a number of notable errors.
D SATISFACTORY - fair but with significant shortcomings.
E SUFFICIENT - performance meets the minimum criteria.
FX FAIL - some more work required before the credit can be awarded.
F FAIL - considerable further work is required

 

European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)

The European Credit Transfer System is system for recognition of academic performance. The aim is to substitute part of the studies in the home university by studies abroad, whereby the home university recognizes study and examination performance achieved in the host university.

ECTS is a system of points for the recognition of study performance. The points reflect the relevant scope of work done. ECTS points will only be granted on successful completion of courses, i.e. on passing all prescribed examinations. It is important to note that granting of credit points does not entail an evaluation, but only confirms attendance of lessons and that the minimum requirements have been fulfilled.

Contrary to many fears, the contents, structure and equality of courses are in no way determined by ECTS. The application of ECTS rests on reciprocal trust between the partner universities about academic performance. The universities retain their autonomy and also the full responsibility for all decisions about academic achievements. For this purpose each university selects its partner universities itself and the relevant departments make the decisions about distribution of credits.

 

Transfering ISU Credit Outside of Europe

Please be aware that your home university likely reserves the right to determine the transferabilty of credit points. Therefore, ISU cannot provide you with final credit transfer information. However, we have found that many universities follow a similar process. Consult with your academic advisor, department head, or dean's office. Present them with the course information from our website. A decision can usually be made at this point. However, more information may be requested. As always, our professors are here to answer any questions and resolve any concerns. Please provide the appropriate authorities our email address isu@uni-kassel.de and we will forward all questions to the appropriate persons.

Note to American Students: 3 ECTS credits will likely transfer as 1 or 2 US credits.

 


Last Update: 09/25/2008