If you’re preparing for university, you’ve probably heard about university credits. But if you still don’t know what university credits are, don’t worry! In our blog you will find out everything you need to know about credits so that you can familiarise yourself with them before you start your university studies.
What are university credits?
In the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), university credits are a measure of value that quantifies the amount of work involved in a subject or academic course. They are part of the education system in higher education programmes and are a very important part of the awarding of university degrees, whether it is a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree.
What are university credits for?
University credits are part of the structure of an academic programme, as each bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree is made up of a certain number of credits. In this way, the content is well organised and evenly distributed over semesters or academic years.
Types of university credits
There are different types of university credits that determine the type of subject and its importance within a curriculum.
Credits for compulsory subjects
The university credits of the compulsory subjects correspond to the basic subjects necessary to pass and complete the studies in order to obtain a higher degree.
Elective credits
The university credits of the optional subjects allow for greater personalisation within the study plan. Students will be able to choose credits according to the subjects they choose from an extensive list.
Free configuration credits
University elective credits offer students greater flexibility to choose subjects from other disciplines or academic areas different from their main degree, master’s or doctoral programme. In this way, students can complete their academic training or explore new fields of knowledge.
How do university credits work?
Each subject has a specific number of university credits assigned to it, which students must complete in order to obtain the official degree.
Students may apply for the validation of credits from previous studies, provided that certain equivalence and course level criteria are met.
In the event that a university student wishes to change university, he/she may transfer his/her accumulated credits according to the criteria and requirements of the new university.
How many university credits does a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree have?
According to the European Higher Education Area, a university degree has 240 credits (60 credits per academic year) divided into 4 years. Except for the Degrees in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine and Architecture, which have 360 credits divided into 6 years.
However, it is important to consult the syllabus of the degree programme to find out the exact number of credits required and the distribution of these into compulsory, optional and free configuration subjects.
It is also important for students to bear in mind that the number of credits for a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree varies depending on the country, the degree or even the university.
On the other hand, a Master’s degree usually has between 60 and 120 credits that are divided into one or two years. Whereas a PhD does not have an exact number of credits, as it focuses on specific research, usually including credits associated with seminars and research activities.
How many credits is a subject?
As a general rule, within the European Credit Transfer System, a subject usually has between 3 and 6 credits. Each credit is between 25 and 30 hours of student work including classes, internships and personal study hours.
Now that you know what university credits are and how they work, it is important to start evaluating the educational programmes you are most interested in, looking at what you want to study and where. Once you have decided what to study and where, it is also important that you start to familiarise yourself with the different options you have to choose your stay during your university life in Barcelona or other cities.
Unihabit University Residences
At Unihabit, we are at your side to accompany you in the process of adapting to your new student stage. Whether in our university residence halls in Barcelona, the residence hall in Girona, the residence hall in Manresa or the residence hall in Sant Cugat, we provide you with everything you need to make you feel part of our big family, and you cannot miss out on the different advantages of living in a Unihabit university residence hall!
