UiT The Arctic University of Norway uses a system of credits (studiepoeng) for measuring study activities, considered equivalent to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). A full year of studying is normally equivalent to 60 ECTS, around 1500-1800 hours of study. One semester is normally equivalent to 30 ECTS. The academic year normally lasts for 10 months and runs from the beginning of August to the end of June.
The workload of each course is based on an estimate of the total time required for completing studies and exams (lectures, seminars, readings, individual preparation etc.). There is no exact national or institutional standard for measuring of workload. Workload estimates are based on custom and tradition within each academic field.
Short programmes at UiT consist of 60 ECTS.
Bachelor degrees at UiT are awarded after the equivalent of three years of full-time study (180 ECTS).
Master degrees at UiT are obtained after two years of study (120 ECTS) or (90 ECTS). A master’s degree programme includes a thesis of between 30 and 60 ECTS.
The Doctoral degree Philosophiae Doctor is normally obtained after three or four years of study. You will find more information on PhD programmes here.
A number of assessment methods are in use at UiT. The most common of which are written examinations, oral examinations, portfolio assessments, home examinations/assignments and joint project papers written in collaboration with fellow students.
Please visit our page regarding examinations at UiT for more information.
Grades for bachelor and master examinations at UiT are awarded according to a graded scale from A (highest) to F (lowest), with E as the minimum pass grade. Grades are awarded according to the following criteria:
| Grade | Description | Evaluation criteria |
| A | Excellent | An excellent performance, clearly outstanding. The candidate demonstrates excellent judgement and a high degree of independent thinking. |
| B | Very good | A very good performance. The candidate demonstrates sound judgement and a very good degree of independent thinking. |
| C | Good | A good performance in most areas. The candidate demonstrates a reasonable degree of judgement 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. |
For some examinations a pass/fail grade is given.
Upon graduation every student automatically receives a Diploma, a Transcript of Records, and a Diploma Supplement, free of charge. These documents are issued in English.
More information regarding Diploma Supplement can be found here.