How are ECTS issued?

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Posted Aug 05, 2022 14:25

Hello folks,

So I see lots of schools offering programs with ECTS credits. I also read some more, and it seems even non-formal institutions can issue ECTS so long as the courses follow specific guidelines. Is this true?

Or is there an entity that licenses you to issues ECTS?

Suppose several retired professors wanted to start an online business course (non-degree awarding), what or who grants them the power to issue ECTS credits?

Thank you all in advance

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Duncan

13.776 15.332

Posted Aug 05, 2022 14:43

You can read more at https://education.ec.europa.eu/education-levels/higher-education/inclusive-and-connected-higher-education/european-credit-transfer-and-accumulation-system

I imagine that anyone could issue something and call them ECTS. However, they would only be accepted by an institution that accepted the legitimacy of the awarding body. I am unaware of any organisation that is not an accredited HE institution issuing something described as ECTS.

You can read more at https://education.ec.europa.eu/education-levels/higher-education/inclusive-and-connected-higher-education/european-credit-transfer-and-accumulation-system  I imagine that anyone could issue something and call them ECTS. However, they would only be accepted by an institution that accepted the legitimacy of the awarding body. I am unaware of any organisation that is not an accredited HE institution issuing something described as ECTS.

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Jorge Dsan...

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Posted Aug 05, 2022 17:49

You can read more at https://education.ec.europa.eu/education-levels/higher-education/inclusive-and-connected-higher-education/european-credit-transfer-and-accumulation-system

I imagine that anyone could issue something and call them ECTS. However, they would only be accepted by an institution that accepted the legitimacy of the awarding body. I am unaware of any organisation that is not an accredited HE institution issuing something described as ECTS.

Perfect response Duncan. I really appreciate it. You are indeed correct, anyone can issue these ECTS credits. What is confusing is, who is a reliable accreditor in this case? I saw several, and I can say with 90% certainty they are fake. This, of course, excludes governmental bodies in respective European countries. At the same time, the ACE credits in the U.S seem to have a single/clear body that recognizes their legitimacy (or at least 'recommends' courses for these credits).

[quote]You can read more at https://education.ec.europa.eu/education-levels/higher-education/inclusive-and-connected-higher-education/european-credit-transfer-and-accumulation-system  I imagine that anyone could issue something and call them ECTS. However, they would only be accepted by an institution that accepted the legitimacy of the awarding body. I am unaware of any organisation that is not an accredited HE institution issuing something described as ECTS.  [/quote] Perfect response Duncan. I really appreciate it. You are indeed correct, anyone can issue these ECTS credits. What is confusing is, who is a reliable accreditor in this case? I saw several, and I can say with 90% certainty they are fake. This, of course, excludes governmental bodies in respective European countries. At the same time, the ACE credits in the U.S seem to have a single/clear body that recognizes their legitimacy (or at least 'recommends' courses for these credits).

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Duncan

13.776 15.332

Posted Aug 05, 2022 22:25

Honestly there is a pretty clear line in Europe between real universities and fake ones. I don't think there is much confusion.

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Jorge Dsan...

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Posted Aug 06, 2022 09:37

Honestly there is a pretty clear line in Europe between real universities and fake ones. I don't think there is much confusion.

I am still fairly new to European universities, so forgive any ignorant-sounding assumptions I will be making. It is a learning process after all

So I know there is titulo propio and official masters, both of which carry their own valules and both are legitimate (give you do your research on which institution is accredited or not by local authorities).

But ECTS credits specifically are sometimes awarded by commercial training entities online or training centers (like 30 ECTs credit courses for example). So what I am really confused about is: does anyone have the authority to award these credits given they follow EU guidelines? I understand that the other entities are not obliged to accept or recognize the credits.

[quote]Honestly there is a pretty clear line in Europe between real universities and fake ones. I don't think there is much confusion.  [/quote] I am still fairly new to European universities, so forgive any ignorant-sounding assumptions I will be making. It is a learning process after all :sweat-smile: So I know there is titulo propio and official masters, both of which carry their own valules and both are legitimate (give you do your research on which institution is accredited or not by local authorities).  But ECTS credits specifically are sometimes awarded by commercial training entities online or training centers (like 30 ECTs credit courses for example). So what I am really confused about is: does anyone have the authority to award these credits given they follow EU guidelines? I understand that the other entities are not obliged to accept or recognize the credits.

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Duncan

13.776 15.332

Posted Aug 06, 2022 10:07

does anyone have the authority to award these credits given they follow EU guidelines?

Yes, as I said above:

anyone could issue something and call them ECTS. However, they would only be accepted by an institution that accepted the legitimacy of the awarding body.

ECTS make comparable the total hours in a structured course. ECTS are also awarded at a specifed level. So 120 ECTS might be in a masters degree, but 120 ECTS from a non-higher education sector body cannot be a masters degree.

[quote]does anyone have the authority to award these credits given they follow EU guidelines? [/quote] Yes, as I said above: [quote]anyone could issue something and call them ECTS. However, they would only be accepted by an institution that accepted the legitimacy of the awarding body. [/quote] ECTS make comparable the total hours in a structured course. ECTS are also awarded at a specifed level. So 120 ECTS might be in a masters degree, but 120 ECTS from a non-higher education sector body cannot be a masters degree.

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