Non-Graduate Studies

Studies in various subjects of the Faculty of Social Sciences can be pursued with non-graduate status. Students with a non-graduate student status are not permitted to take a degree at the University of Helsinki. Non-graduate status is intended for students who

• wish to upgrade their professional competence 
• will use the credits earned as an integral part of or a supplement to a degree to be completed at another university.

A person with non-graduate status has the right to pursue studies only in the subject or study block s/he has applied for. Non-graduate studies are always completed in accordance with the degree requirements for minor subject studies.

Pursuing non-graduate studies neither gives the right to take a degree at the Faculty of Social Sciences nor does it entitle students to other benefits or rights, for instance access to state-guaranteed loans or various price reductions that students are otherwise entitled to if enrolled at the university.

Subjects and Study Units

Applicants can apply for non-graduate status for the following subjects and study blocks if they know Finnish or Swedish:

• Economics 
• Social and Moral Philosophy 
• Political History 
• Social Policy 
• Social Psychology 
• Sociology 
• Economic and Social History
• Statistics 
• Communication (intermediate studies only) 
• Political Science
• Development Studies
• Demography (basic studies)
• Social Science History
• Social Anthropology
• Social Work (intermediate studies excluded)

• Leadership and Management Studies (JOS)
• European Union Studies
• Philosophy of Values and World Views (Elämänkatsomustieto)
• Science and Technology Studies (STS)
• Ageing Studies
• Environmental Policy
• Urban Studies

The right to pursue non-graduate studies is always granted one level at the time, i.e. the applicant ought to have completed the basic studies in the subject in question before applying for the right to complete the intermediate studies. The right to complete advanced studies can be granted only if the applicant has significant academic reasons for pursuing advanced studies (such as pursuing doctoral studies).

The courses in English can be found here. Please note that the decisions on courses offered in English during next academic year will not be made before mid-April.

Tuition Charges

According to a decision of the University Senate (11 February 1998) a fee is charged for the right to non-graduate studies and other services. The fee is paid according to the study block or course to which the student is admitted.

N.B.! In section 3 of the application form ("Subject You Wish to Study") the applicant should indicate only the subject and the level (Basic, Intermediate or Advanced studies), if s/he is applying to complete a study block. No codes are needed. Paid charges will not be returned.

Application Procedure and Principles of Admission

Applicants can be granted non-graduate status in the disciplines of the Faculty of Social Sciences for the purpose of upgrading professional competence or academic qualifications. This status is granted in accordance with the different departments' teaching resources. The decision is made by the Dean on the basis of a departmental statement.

Although a well-motivated application is of great importance, the granting of non-graduate status is influenced by other factors, such as whether the person is deemed capable of pursuing studies at the faculty (e.g. language skills) and whether equivalent studies are also available at the Open University. As for degree students from other universities, the stage of the applicant's studies and the availability of equivalent studies at the home university are taken into account.

Applications are processed once a year. Applications deadline is April 30.

You can print out the application form here (pdf). Application forms are available also at the Study Office of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Necessary Enclosures for the Application:

• Written statement of purpose for pursuing non-graduate studies at the University of Helsinki. Other documents that the applicant considers relevant may be included.
• A transcript, if the applicant has completed earlier studies in the applied subject.
• A recommendation by the employer, which shows what duties the applicant has performed and the length of working experience. (If the application is made to improve professional skills.)
• Degree students from other universities: A transcript of studies and a statement that the applied studies will be recognized as part of the applicant´s future diploma.
• Graduate student: A copy of the degree certificate.

All the enquiries ought to be directed at International Coordinator of the Faculty of Social Sciences (soc-sci[at]helsinki.fi).

Decision on Application and Validity of Non-graduate Status

Applicants will be informed of the decision by letter before the beginning of the term. The right to pursue non-graduate studies is normally valid for 1,5 years. If the student fails to complete the studies within this period for a justified reason, s/he can apply for an extension of non-graduate status.

Submitting an Appeal

The applicant has the right to appeal a decision within 14 days from the day the decision was made public. The mailing address for the request is Faculty of Social Sciences, Study Office, P.O. Box 54, 00014 University of Helsinki.

Beginning of Studies

In order to register, non-graduate students must present a receipt of tuition charge payment to the Student Adviser of the Faculty, Unioninkatu 37, office hours 1 pm. - 2.45 pm.

Non-graduate student may participate in courses and in written exams. The right to pursue studies is valid only for the subject and study block for which it was granted.

Study Guide and Library Services

The Study Guide of the Faculty of Social Sciences is available on-line in English (see Study Guide).

Non-graduate students can use use the Undergraduate Library (Fabianinkatu 30)).

Certificate of Non-Graduate Studies

The marks will be registered in the Student Register. To register a study block, the student must fill in a form and submit it to the relevant department. A transcript can be ordered from the Student Services (Fabianinkatu 33).

.