Credit Hour System

The university applies the credit-hour system across all programs. According to the United Nations definition, the credit-hour system is one of the most aligned educational systems with basic human rights in that it offers students the freedom in course(s) selection and workload over the years of study. The credit hour system is a flexible system that allows students to distribute the university and faculty requirements over the years of study such as extending or condensing their study period in comparison to the standard duration according to their needs and in line with the university and faculties rules and procedures. This system also allows students to organize their own timetable under the supervision of the teaching staff represented by the academic advisor.
The credit hour is a standard unit of measure that is used to specify course load per semester in comparison to other courses. Each Credit Hour equates to either:
- one contact hour per week of theoretical lectures, or
- two or three hours of either tutorials or practical class contact per week.

To be eligible for graduation, students must complete the total number of credit hours (Mandatory, Elective, etc,) required for the relevant degree as specified in the curriculum of the relevant faculty in accordance to its rules and regulations, whereby:

• Mandatory Courses: are a group of designated courses (may include courses from other faculties) that must be completed by all students as part of the graduation requirements for the chosen field of specialization.

• Elective Courses: are a group of designated courses (may include specialized electives) that students can select from in order to complete the electives requirements in their program. They can be:
- Departmental Electives: courses designated by the relevant department, from courses available.
- Faculty Electives: courses designated by the relevant faculty, from courses available.

• University Courses: are a group of courses designated by the University to ensure students’ broad knowledge. They include:
- Mandatory Courses: which must be completed by all university students.
- Elective Courses: which students can select from in order to complete the University Elective Courses requirements in their program.