Academic requirements of the European Online Academy for 2009/10

!! download a full overview of the curriculum including course descriptions, ECTS credit points and portraits of all partners involved

The credits awarded for a successful completion of this part-time studies programme add up to 24 corresponding to a workload of 600 hours in total, i.e. 75 hours for each course module and the simulation game. Participants are invited to choose the maximum of 11 courses (plus simulation) in order to collect 36 ECTS credits maximum. Participants need to be successful and be awarded a passing grade in order to receive the credits for the course module concerned.

Each course values 3 ECTS credit points.

The curriculum can be divided into four parts:

All participants have to take part in three compulsory courses which will provide the necessary introductory and multidisciplinary background with regard to the development of the EU system.

The optional courses will give the participants the opportunity to study specific areas of interest more in-depth. In order to meet the requirements for the completion of the programme, each participant must follow at least two optional courses in each term.

Only successfully completed courses are listed on the certificate.

Participants are requested to take an active part in all forum discussions offered by the experts.

As an additional facility, the participants will have the opportunity to take part in different types of extra-curricular offers which shall provide them with additional practical knowledge and skills necessary for their participation in the course as well as for their professional development in general. There are no final exams for these extracurricular lectures. Additional lectures and training sessions, if attended, will also be mentioned on the certificate and will bring extra ECTS credit points.

The European Online Academy is not only virtual. The core curriculum will be provided online, but also through the so-called presence workshops in Berlin, Rome, Budapest and Brussels. Face-to-face learning, intercultural communication and thus - to a small but decisive extend - "European practical experience" shall complement the e-learning process. Hence participation in three out of the four workshops is obligatory for obtaining the certificate.

A European Council simulation on three controversial items taken from the political reality is scheduled for the fourth and last workshop in Brussels - participation is compulsory. (Those not present have to prepare and send position papers and outcome analysis papers.)

Throughout the academic year participants will be asked by their lecturers to send in written contributions. These assignments are considered as self control in e-learning process. Nevertheless, submission of assignments in due time and of sufficient quality are preconditions for sitting an exam. Each term the academic programme will be concluded with a final written examination based on all courses taken. Again, successful participation is obligatory in order to receive the certificate. Only successfully passed courses will be mentioned on the certificate.