ECTS Grading Scale

The scale is a mechanism to convert grades from one grading system to another without replacing local grading systems.  In other words, the scale provides a common denominator to give assessment of student achievement. 

The ECTS grading scale is not meant to replace the Queen Maud University College's grading system, but to be used optionally, and in addition, for ERASMUS students.

The academic year normally runs from mid-August to mid-June and lasts for 10 months.

Courses are measured in “studiepoeng”, considered equivalent to the European Credit Transfer System standard (ECTS credits). The full-time workload for one academic year is 1500-1800 hours of study / 60 “studiepoeng”.  

The Norwegian grading system consists of two grading scales: one scale with the grades pass or fail and one graded scale from A to E for pass and F for fail.

The graded scale has the following qualitative descriptions:
A – Excellent  B – Very good  C – Good  D – Satisfactory  E – Sufficient  F – Fail

The scale is used absolutely (criterion referenced assessment).
A  Excellent – An excellent performance, clearly outstanding. The candidate demonstrates excellent judgement and a very high degree of independent thinking.
B  Very good – A very good performance. The candidate demonstrates sound judgement and a high   degree of independent thinking.
C  Good – A good performance in most areas. The candidate demonstrates a reasonable degree of judgment and independent thinking in the most important areas.
D  Satisfactory – A satisfactory performance, but with significant shortcomings. The candidate demonstrates a limited degree of judgement and independent thinking.
E  Sufficient – A performance that meets the minimum criteria, but no more. The candidate demonstrates a very limited degree of judgement and independent thinking.
F  Fail – A performance that does not meet the minimum academic criteria. The candidate demonstrates an absence of both judgement and independent thinking.