Credits and assessment
Assessment scale
At the University of Tartu both differentiated and non-differentiated assessment of the learning outcomes (described for courses) are being used.
Visiting and exchange students!
Each course has a fixed assessment method, which cannot be changed in accordance to a student’ needs or wishes. Before registering to a course, get to know which assessment method a particular course has, and consult your home university whether you can transfer the course once you get back home. If your selected UT course has an assessment method not acceptable to your home university, choose another course.
Differentiated assessment
In the case of differentiated assessment, the level of achievement by students of the learning outcomes shall be differentiated in accordance with the following scale:
grade 'A' or "excellent" – an outstanding and particularly broad-based level of achievement of the learning outcomes characterised by exceptional, free and creative use of the knowledge and skills;
grade 'B' or "very good" – a very high level of achievement of the learning outcomes characterised by proper and creative use of the knowledge and skills. More specific and detailed elements of knowledge and skills may reveal certain errors that are neither substantive nor serious;
grade 'C` or "good" – a high level of achievement of the learning outcomes characterised by proper use of the knowledge and skills. More specific and detailed elements of knowledge and skills may manifest certain uncertainty and imprecision;
grade 'D' or "satisfactory" – a sufficient level of achievement of the learning outcomes characterised by the ability to use the knowledge and skills in typical situations; non-typical situations reveal gaps and uncertainty;
grade 'E' or "poor" – a minimally acceptable level of achievement of the learning outcomes characterised by a limited ability to use the knowledge and skills in typical situations; non-typical situations reveal considerable gaps and uncertainty;
grade 'F' or "fail" –the knowledge and skills acquired by the student are below the minimum required level.
In the case of non-differentiated assessment of the learning outcomes, the student may be deemed to have passed the course if all the requirements set forth in the syllabus for passing that course have been fulfilled. Students may be given the following grades:
grade "pass" - given where the student shows that he/she has acquired the knowledge, skills and competences required in the subject syllabus;
grade "fail" - given where the student fails to show that he/she has acquired the knowledge, skills and competences required in the subject syllabus,
[effective as of 01.09.2010].
Credit points
The system of credits in use (ECTS) is a cumulative calculation of credit points based on
the workload of a student. It is a student-centred credit system to measure the workload required to
achieve the objectives and learning outcomesof a curriculum. One credit point corresponds to 26 hours of studies (lectures, seminars, practice, homework or independent work, assessment of learning outcomes) performed by a student. ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) are allocated to course units and are awarded to students who successfully complete the course by satisfying the assessment requirements.