Kursbaserte

Kursbaserte is a term used primarily in Norwegian educational and training contexts to describe approaches, structures, or systems that organize learning around individual courses rather than a single, fixed program of study. The word combines kurs (course) and basert (based), and it denotes a modular, component-driven way of delivering and assessing education.

In higher education, kursbaserte study paths typically align with credit systems such as the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Learners earn credits by completing defined courses that specify learning outcomes, assessments, and exam requirements. Degree progress is accumulated through these course credits, allowing for flexibility in course selection and pacing while preserving overall qualification standards.

In the realm of training and professional development, kursbaserte formats break content into discrete modules or courses. This modularity enables flexible scheduling, targeted skill development, and the potential for micro-credentials or certificates for individual courses. Such an approach supports lifelong learning and can facilitate credit recognition across institutions or platforms.

Advantages of kursbaserte models include greater learner choice, easier customization to prior knowledge, and improved pathways for transfer and recognition of prior learning. Challenges can involve ensuring coherence across a set of courses, maintaining consistent quality assurance at the course level, and aligning course outcomes with broader program or qualification requirements.

Variants of the concept appear in discussions of modular education, course-based assessment, and micro-credentialing. Some institutions implement kursbaserte elements within broader program-based structures, seeking to combine modular learning with formal progression. See also modular education, credit system, ECTS, micro-credentials.