ECTS and Diploma Supplement
ECTS – European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System
The purpose of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, ECTS is to improve the transparency of education and recognition of credits and grades earned in different countries. The system facilitates the transfer of learning outcomes, exchange programmes, and the creation of double/joint degrees.
ECTS system was developed to facilitate the transfer of credits when students completed studies at foreign institutions of higher education. ECTS is a student-oriented accumulation and transfer system for completed studies and grades. The system is based on a student’s workload, in relation to the objectives to be achieved. The objectives are indicated as learning outcomes and competences.
Further information on the ECTS system:ECTS Users’ Guide .
Workload and ECTS Credits
Studies are measured in credit points. One academic year of full-time study is equivalent to 60 credits points. The amount of work includes all the work required of a student, such as lectures, seminars, independent study, projects, preparation for exams, etc. To earn one credit point, a student has to work for an average of 27 hours.
Grading System
Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, as the other Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences, uses the following grading scale:
5 = Excellent
4 and 3 = Good
2 and 1 = Satisfactory
H = Passed
S = Completed
Foreign grades awarded according to other grading systems can be converted in accordance with the principles set out in the ECTS Users’ Guide.
Study Guide
Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences publishes annually a Study Guide (course catalogue) with descriptions of the degree programmes, study modules and courses, as instructed by the ECTS Users’ Guide. The Study Guide also includes information on SeAMK practicalities for students.
ECTS and Student Mobility
Students who wish to participate in student mobility apply according to instructions given by the degree programme and SeAMK International Education Services. Once a student has been accepted for the mobility period, she/he has to make a Learning Agreement for Studies/ Learning Agreement for Traineeships and in some cases a separate Agreement on Practical Training. The student also has to discuss the planned study or practical training plan with the degree programme and with the Coordinator at SeAMK International Education Services. The Learning Agreement for Studies /Traineeships is sent to the receiving institution/organisation which confirms the plan with their signatures. The Learning Agreement can be modified e.g. in case of a change in the courses offered.
Letter of Confirmation / Traineeship Certificate from the host institution or Learning Agreement After the Mobility document are official proofs of the length of the mobillity period. The Transcript of Records has to show the completed courses, grades and credits earned. When the student receives a Transcript of Records from the host institution, she/he returns it a to the Coordinator at SeAMK International Education Services who delivers it to the Head of Programme for the transfer of credits of the studies/practical training completed abroad.
In their bilateral agreements, the higher education institutions have agreed on the language competence required of incoming students in the principal language of their studies or practical training. In case the student’s language skills need improvement, the student can attend language courses provided by the sending or the receiving institution, or utilize the online language training courses of the Erasmus+ programme.
More detailed information about the ECTS system and the related forms can be obtained from SeAMK International Education Services.
Diploma Supplement
The Diploma Supplement is a document that provides a standardized description of the nature, level, context, content and status of the studies completed. The Diploma Supplement, which is based on a European template and issued in English, is attached to the Degree Certificate. It also contains an overview of the educational system in Finland. The purpose of the Diploma Supplement is to enhance transparency and to facilitate academic and professional recognition of qualifications. All students who complete a degree at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences obtain a Diploma Supplement, Transcript of Records – in the English language and free of charge – automatically on their graduation.