Credits and assessment

A student's workload is measured in ECTS credits (for the European Credit Transfer System). Under European Law one credit represents 28 hours of study work, 60 credits represent one year of full-time study (1680 hours). Students are expected to devote 40 hours a week to their studies, including attending lectures and laboratory sessions, carrying out exercises and assignments, computer work, private study, projects, etc.

Assessment is on the basis of class participation, oral presentations or assignments, a written paper or a final examination. 'Resits' or 'retakes' are scheduled once a year. In the Netherlands an absolute grading system is used instead of a relative grading system. The grade does not reflect a comparison with your fellow students. The grading system runs from 1 (very poor) to 10 (outstanding). 9's are seldom awarded and 10's are extremely rare. Grades 1-3 are hardly ever used either. The passing grade is 6.