Is It Possible to Complete a Master's Degree in Another Faculty with a Different ECTS Requirement?

Often, students encounter situations where they wish to transfer their credits from one faculty to another, particularly when their first cycle of study has already been completed with a different credit structure. One common scenario revolves around the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits, which differ between institutions. This article explores the feasibility of completing a Master's degree in another faculty when the initial cycle of study was legitimate but had a different credit requirement.

The Importance of ECTS Credits

What Are ECTS Credits?

Ects credits serve as a standardized system for measuring the workload of higher education. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) assigns credits based on the amount of work expected from students over a specific period. Typically, a 30 credit module represents a workload of 300 hours, which usually translates to 150 hours of study and 150 hours of independent work.

Specific Examples and Context

Example 1: MIT and Cousin Bunti’s College

MIT, recognized as one of the world's leading technical and research institutions, often allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions. The situation with Cousin Bunti’s College, an exceptional Indian institution, presents a unique challenge. Unlike MIT, Cousin Bunti’s College does not have the luxury of being part of the prestigious ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) network. This means that while MIT credits can transfer to other internationally recognized institutions, credits from Cousin Bunti’s College are not accepted by ABET-accredited programs in the U.S. or the U.K.

Legal and Academic Constraints

The process of transferring credits from one institution to another is governed by complex academic policies and regulatory frameworks. When a student has already completed a substantial portion of their degree (240 ECTS credits in this case) at one faculty and aims to switch to another with a different structure (180 ECTS credits), they face significant hurdles.

Reasons for Impossibility

Why It's Impractical

There are several reasons why completing a Master's degree in another faculty with a different ECTS requirement is virtually impossible, especially when the initial credits are from a recognized institution like MIT. These reasons include:

Academic Structure Mismatch: The different credit structures between the two faculties create a fundamental mismatch in the academic requirements. Completing a program with 180 ECTS would not cover the necessary coursework and would leave a significant gap in the student's knowledge and skills. Legislative and Legal Constraints: Universities have stringent policies to ensure the quality of education and the integrity of academic credentials. Attempting to bypass these policies would be illegal and could result in academic misconduct charges. Educational Continuity and Comprehensiveness: A degree is designed to provide a comprehensive education that covers all necessary topics in a specific field. Stopping short at 180 ECTS would not fulfill this purpose and would result in an incomplete education.

Advice and Alternatives

What Can You Do?

Recognizing that completing a degree with a different ECTS structure is not feasible, students must explore alternative options. These include:

Seeking Additional Credits: Enrolling in additional courses to meet the 180 ECTS requirement at the new faculty. Changing to a Compatible Program: If the 180 ECTS program better aligns with your interests and career goals, consider switching faculties or institutions. Consulting an Academic Advisor: Seeking guidance from an academic advisor can provide valuable insights and help navigate the different systems and credit requirements.

Conclusion

The process of transferring credits and completing a Master's degree with a different ECTS requirement is highly complex and often impractical. While there may be slight variations in policies between reputable institutions like MIT and Cousin Bunti’s College, the fundamental principles of academic integrity and comprehensive education remain unchanged. Understanding and adhering to these principles ensures a well-rounded and credible educational experience.