Do you plan your studies in terms of classes or exams? Do you have mandatory exams with no corresponding class at all? Just a list of books to read and the nam

Do you plan your studies in terms of classes or exams? Do you have mandatory exams with no corresponding class at all? Just a list of books to read and the name of the professor responsible for the exam. And maybe, if you're lucky, some related lectures every 2 or 3 years. Do you have regular (monthly?) exam days where you can take any exam offered by the department. Both standalone exams and exams replacing classes. Education gets pretty expensive, if you need a class with lectures (and maybe even teaching assistants) for every topic you want to offer.