The Bologna Process sees credit as a tool for removing obstacles to academic mobility. The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) was first introduced by the European Commission within its Erasmus programme. The Commission funds Bologna Process Experts in each EU member state to advise on the use of ECTS and other Bologna issues.

The Berlin summit called for ECTS to be used as a transfer and accumulation system across Europe. The Bergen ministerial meeting adopted a report on the overarching 'Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area'. The Framework includes typical credit allocations for each cycle:

• 1st cycle qualifications: typically include 180-240 ECTS credits
• 2nd cycle qualifications: Typically include 90-120 ECTS credits, with a minimum of 60 credits at the level of the 2nd cycle
• 3rd cycle qualifications: not specified

The UK HE sector supports the call in the London Communiqué for the proper implementation of ECTS based on learning outcomes and student workload.

In the UK, credit is used universally in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Scotland and Wales have credit transfer and accumulation systems in place within their integrated credit and qualifications frameworks: the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework and the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales respectively. Many institutions in England use credit for transferring between programmes or institutions, and use ECTS for transfers within Europe. The Steering Group on Measuring and Recording Student Achievement chaired by Professor Burgess, Vice Chancellor of the University of Leicester, has recommended a credit system for England. These UK credit systems are compatible with ECTS.

The UK calls for use of credit in the European Higher Education Area to take greater account of the outcomes of periods of study alongside workload or ‘hours studied’. The UK is also calling for the greater involvement of the HE sector in further developing ECTS.