AD-HOC WORKING GROUP ON THE REVISION OF THE ECTS USERS' GUIDE 2012-2015

The purpose of the Ad-Hoc Working Group was to prepare a revised version of the ECTS Users' Guide by mid-2014, by reflecting on policy development and implementation in the area of ECTS and learning outcomes since the previous revision of the ECTS Users' Guide in 2009.

Terms of reference

Purpose and/or outcome

To prepare a revised version of the ECTS Users' Guide by mid-2014, by reflecting on policy development and implementation in the area of ECTS and learning outcomes since the previous revision of the ECTS Users' Guide in 2009, giving consideration to issues such as the following (and including in its scope further issues to be identified in consultation with the Working Group and external experts):

• Linking ECTS credits with student workload and learning outcomes
• Using ECTS in short-cycle provision, in 1st and 2nd cycle programmes of different length and in 3rd cycle
• Linking desired learning outcomes and assessment procedures
• Reflecting the developments in the area of the recognition of prior learning
• Reflecting on the revisions in the EU Directive on Professional Qualifications (due to be adopted in 2013)
• Reflecting on the use of the Grading table in Annex 3 of the current ECTS Users' Guide
• Reflecting on recognition procedures for credit transfer (Annex 2 of the current ECTS Users' Guide)
• Linking ECTS to other recognition and transparency tools, for example the Lisbon Recognition Convention, the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance, ECVET (European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training) or Qualification Frameworks

Specific tasks

• to identify in consultation with experts the key items to be reviewed
• to develop a revised version of the Guide
• to liaise with the Structural Working Group for their input
• to consult with external stakeholders
• to present a finalised draft to the Structural Working Group and the BFUG for adoption

Terms of reference Ad-hoc Working Group on the Revision of the ECTS Users' Guide - Endorsed 15.03.2013

ECTS Users' Guide

ECTS Users' Guide 2015 - Draft Version January 2015