The Credit System of Studies in Psychology

Abstract

The article presents the main assumptions of the plan of studies based on credit points introduced in the University of Łódź in psychology in the academic year 1994/1995. The discussion of the credit system is preceded by comments about the legal regulations governing the profession of psychologist in Poland and pointing out differences in the Systems of university education in Poland and in the European countries. The educational standards preferred today are connected with the need to create programmes adapted to the individual interests and predispositions of the students and to impart not only knowledge but also to develop skills. The credit is a standard unit which in point form expresses certain educational requirements. After the 5th semester the student chooses two specialisations: I - basic and II - supplementary. The specialised programmes are made up of different courses that are aligned with 3 blocks: A - basic, B - expanded and C - supplementary. Each course is assigned a particular number of credit points which a student earns after its completion. Both specialisations and courses are freely elected by the students. The only requirement for offering the course in the curriculum is that it be elected by a sufficient number of students. Graduation requires the accumulation of 700 points, completion of a month-long apprenticeship during the vacation, a final seminar on specialisations I and II and writing and defending a master’s thesis.