Principles of Modularisation and the Credit System
Under the structural guidelines for staged study programmes, all Bachelor and Master degree programmes at the University of Göttingen are fully modularised with a credit award system; this refers to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). A credit (“C” for short) on average corresponds to 30 hours work by a student.
The module sizes range between in total 2 Credits and 30 Credits, but are generally between 6 C and 12 C. On introducing the system, the University deliberately chose not to use a standard model (e.g. all modules of 6 C), so that module sizes could largely be determined by the realis- tic scope of specific content areas and not the other way round. Nevertheless, some faculties have introduced standard models to their degree programmes, with module sizes of 6 C and 12 C generally. In practice, there have been hardly any problems in the juxtaposition of various systems that occurs regularly in the case of the many available teaching materials and input, as well as for instance in the context of two-subject Bachelor degrees.
This also relates to the fact that smaller modules (3 or 4 C, and in very rare cases even 2 C) are offered in particular in the area of key competencies, in order to help studies progress flexibly.
Modules encapsulate thematic units within a set time and as a rule include at least two different activities and a final module exam. In some cases, special didactic considerations result in this being made up of several module examinations. The examination work for a module varies within a degree programme; it may be written (examinations, term papers, essays, etc.) or oral (lectures, oral examinations, etc.); to these are added numerous specialised examination tasks. Each module can be completed within one year, and most are completed within a semester. Since amendment of the Common Structural Guidelines in 2010, many degree programmes have been restructured with a view to the exam workload; some were considerably reduced as a result. The level is now around three to five ex- aminations per semester and degree programme.
Student Workload
The workload for all degree programmes is reviewed each semester as part of the student course evaluation. Faculties, departments, courses and institutes also conduct their own evaluations. The results of this lead to repeated reassessment of individual modules. As a whole, however, the judgements made when developing degree programmes have proven to be very realistic.
Where indicators give grounds for concern that the workload on a particular degree programme has been wrongly calculated, the special tool for evaluation of student workload may also be used to provide more detailed information about the actual circumstances and if necessary make adjustments.