Polytechnic training in the Helsinki metropolitan area
Polytechnics are multidisciplinary institutions of higher education, with special emphasis on contacts with working life and regional development.
Polytechnics provide skilled experts for the needs of the business world and industry.
Polytechnic education is provided in eight fields: humanities and education; culture; social sciences, business and administration; natural sciences; technology, communication and transport; natural resources and the environment; social services, health and sports; and tourism, catering and domestic services.
Polytechnic degrees are tertiary degrees with a focus on vocational skills. The Bachelor's degree comprises 210 - 270 credits, the completion of which will take from three to four years.
The Master's degree requires an additional 60 -90 credits, and completing it takes 12 to 18 months of full-time study.
In addition to instruction towards the Bachelor's and Master's degrees, polytechnics also provide professional specialisation studies and other vocational education and training, as well as vocational teacher education.
Applications to polytechnics are usually submitted through the national joint application system in spring and autumn. Further information on application is available on the Finnish National Board of Education website and in the polytechnics own application guides.
There are seven polytechnics in the Helsinki metropolitan area. The number will fall to six in the near future, when EVTEK and Stadia polytechnics merge in august 2008 into Metropolia.
After these changes, the polytechnics in the Helsinki metropolitan area will be: HAAGA-HELIA, Arcada Polytechnic, Diaconia, Metropolia, Humak and Laurea.
Text: Liisa Lähteenmäki
Photo: Veikko Somerpuro
Translation: Valtasana Oy
