Courses, teaching and grading

Your programme in sum

  • each academic year has four 10-week periods
  • you take 3 courses each period (of 5 EC each)
  • all periods conclude with a week of examinations
  • your programme concludes with a Research Master's thesis (of 30 EC)

Course registration

In order to participate in education at Utrecht University, you must register for courses. Before you register for a course, check whether you meet the entry requirements. Also be aware of other faculties' registration deadlines.

UU Education system

The teaching style at Utrecht University is activating. In our lectures, we expect students to show a pro-active attitude, engagement and commitment. As all our lecturers are close to you as a student, you do not have to hesitate to ask questions during a lecture.

Teaching method

You attend lectures and follow tutorials

Copyright: Maria Salaru

Grading at Utrecht University

Grading at Utrecht University is different from grading in other countries, in the sense that we grade on an absolute basis and on a 10 point grading scale. The grade you receive, shows to which extent you have attained a course’s learning objectives. If you receive a passing grade, you will receive the credits (EC) assigned to a particular course.

Ten point grading scale

In the 10 point grading scale, 1 is the lowest grade and 10 the highest. A 7, for example, means you scored above average on your exam and an 8 corresponds to an A. Only very rarely, students will score a 9 or 10.

You will need a passing grade (a 5.5) for all courses that are part of your programme in order to graduate. If you failed an exam with a 4 or higher, you are allowed a resit. If you fail this as well, you must retake the course. You cannot take an additional or substitute test if you have been awarded a pass.

Weighted average grade

The International Diploma Supplement (an addendum to your diploma) shows a weighted average grade the ten point scale. We calculate this by multiplying all numerical grades on the International Diploma Supplement with the credits obtained for that course, and by dividing this sum by the sum of credits.