Recognition of speciality courses

Following options could be considered in covering the Speciality module:

  1. Studies completed in formal education (formal learning) – for example, courses taken during master's and doctoral studies at universities (VÕTA Appendix 1);
  2. Studies completed in continuing education (non-formal learning) – for example, summer and winter schools, courses, and workshops taken outside universities (VÕTA Appendix 2);
  3. Learning from experience (informal learning) – recognizing a course based on work experience (VÕTA Appendix 3).
  • The doctoral student's main supervisor gives initial approval for the application to recognize courses in the specialization module through the document management system. When transferring learning outcomes, the compatibility of the learning outcomes with the curriculum and/or the objectives of the courses and curriculum is assessed.
  • A mandatory course from a previously completed higher education curriculum cannot be considered as an elective or free-choice course.
  • Simplified process –  submit transcript of records or certificates and  no need to submit a VÕTA application if:
    • A prior written agreement exists (e.g., visiting student application, ERASMUS mobility application, individual study plan);
    • The application is for the transfer of elective courses – note: these are not mandatory.

 

For the VÕTA application, the following should be submitted to the doctoral program's senior specialist:

  1. For formal learning outcomes (recognition of a course), documents proving the studies (original and copy) and the syllabus/content description of the completed course(s);
  2. For non-formal learning (e.g., workshops), a continuing education certificate, a description of the content of the completed training, and a self-analysis of the acquired knowledge and skills. Continuing education that ends with an assessment is treated as formal education;
  3. For informal learning from experience, a self-analysis in which the applicant analyzes their experience and the learning derived from it, highlighting connections with the course, module, and curriculum being applied for. If possible, proof of employment and other documents deemed necessary by the applicant to verify the acquired skills and competencies should be attached. In other words, a self-analysis of the competencies acquired that are relevant to the course you wish to be recognized.

 

Important notes:

  • Hotel bookings, plane tickets, workshop website links, confirmation of participation fee payment, etc., are not certificates proving acquired competencies and cannot be recognized as a course. For the recognition of a course/continuing education, a proper certificate must be submitted, and the extent of the completed results must be measurable. When calculating credit points, the rule is that 1 ECTS = 26 hours of work, and results of less than 1 ECTS are not recognized under VÕTA.
  • In ÕIS (study information system), the course title is entered in Estonian, English, and the original language, along with the course code, result, instructor's name, and the name of the institution in Estonian, English, and the original language, as well as the date of completion. If the course has no code or instructor's name, those fields are left blank. If the grade is given in a comparable grading system (positive scale 1-5), the corresponding grade is entered in ÕIS according to the university’s grading system; otherwise, a non-graded evaluation is used.
  • In the case of informal learning, the course registered in the university’s ÕIS is entered in the system. The place of completion is shown as the Estonian University of Life Sciences, the date as the date of the VÕTA application approval, and the instructor as the VÕTA committee. Thus, informal learning can only be recognized within the framework of courses taught at the university. Non-graded assessment is used for informal learning.
  • Continuing education is entered into ÕIS in the same way as informal learning.
  • Important: For continuing education and informal learning, it is necessary to have a course from our university, for which the performance is recognized. To recognize achievements completed outside universities, specialization courses from doctoral curricula valid before 2020 can be exceptionally used.
  • When recognizing informal learning, it is necessary to describe in detail the competencies achieved based on the objectives and learning outcomes of the corresponding course. For example, to recognize DK.0006 "Higher Education Didactics," it is not enough to show teaching experience; you must also describe the didactic methods, techniques, etc. used.

 

Assessment of VÕTA applications:

  • The VÕTA committee is responsible for the timely and fair assessment of VÕTA and the transfer of learning outcomes, as well as the quality of the assessment. The chair of the committee may, if necessary, involve student representatives, experts from within or outside the university in the work of the committee.
  • In the case of learning outcomes and previous formal studies, the VÕTA committee analyzes the objectives and learning outcomes of the completed course and assesses the suitability of the course in the context of the curriculum.
  • For continuing education and informal learning, the committee evaluates the relevance of the acquired competencies to the goals and learning outcomes of the EMÜ course(s) being applied for recognition.
  • The committee may request additional documents from the applicant, specifying a deadline for submission. When evaluating informal learning, the committee may assign practical tasks and/or conduct an interview.
  • Decisions regarding VÕTA and/or the transfer of learning outcomes are made within one month of the application submission (except during the summer months). If additional actions are required, the decision time may be extended.

More information, application forms, and the VÕTA procedure can be found HERE.