Degree system

Two-cycle degree system

As a part of the Bologna Process in Europe, Finland launched a reform of her higher education system. At the beginning of the autumn term 2005, the two-cycle degree system (i.e. Bachelor's and Master's degree system), was introduced at the University of Helsinki. In 2005, consistent with the Bologna process, the University also initiated a reform on doctoral education (i.e. the third cycle education) .

Undergraduate and graduate degrees

The close connection of research and instruction is emphasised in the University's objectives: providing a solid basis for scientific research work, the Master's degree will continue to be the students' primary objective. For this reason, despite the adoption of the two-cycle degree system, the students admitted to the University of Helsinki receive a permission to pursue studies leading to the Master's degree.

The University of Helsinki considers the Bachelor's degree to be an interim degree towards the Master's degree. In general, there is no selection process in the transition from the Bachelor's level studies to the Master's level studies.

Exceptions to this rule are two first-cycle programmes: one leading to the kindergarten teacher qualification of and the other to the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. In addition, the International Master's Degree Programmes form a group of programmes not included in the two-cycle system.

Although medicine has not adopted the two-cycle degree system as such, the regulations related to the reform of the degree system apply to the medical fields as well. Whereas in all other fields the higher academic degree is the Master's degree, in medicine and veterinary medicine the higher academic degree will continue to be called the Licentiate degree.

International Master's Degree Programmes

A a growing number of degree programmes, brought about by the reformed degree system is the group of International Master's Degree Programmes. Students may seek entry into such a programme after having completed a Bachelor's degree. At this stage, they can also change their major subjects for the Master's degree; however, complementary studies may be required. These Master's Programmes are often multidisciplinary, planned and carried out as a collaboration between various Faculties of the University of Helsinki or even by various universities in Finland and abroad.

Postgraduate degrees

Most fields of study offer two postgraduate degrees: a Licentiate degree (the lower postgraduate degree) and a Doctor's degree, i.e. PhD. Usually, a student may pursue a Doctor's degree without first obtaining a Licentiate. In some fields, the Licentiate degree is a more profession-oriented degree.

Please note that the Licentiates in medicine and veterinary medicine are Master's level degrees. In these fields, no postgraduate Licentiate degree excists.

Degree certificates and diploma supplements

The degree certificates are awarded by the Faculties. Certificates are accompanied by an explanatory document, the Diploma Supplement, which describes the contents and scope of the degree. The purpose of this supplement is to improve the international comparability of degrees and facilitate mobility either for postgraduate study or employment.

Conferring from old to new degree system

During the transition period from the old to the new system, students (who started their studies before autumn 2005) may choose whether to finish their degrees according to the old degree structure or whether to transfer to the new system. The transition period lasts until the autumn of 2008, except for the fields of medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine, until autumn 2010. After 2008 or 2010, the co-existence of these two systems will come to an end.

The Faculties are responsible for the practices and procedures of the transition. Studies completed in accordance with the old degree system must be fully recognised in the new system.

Master's degree in the old degree system (before 1.8.2005)

In the old degree system the scope of the Master's degree was 160 credit units (opintoviikko). One credit unit comprised of 40 hours of work. The Master's degree included the Bachelor's degree. The transition period from the old degree system to the new degree system lasted until July 31, 2008. In the fields of medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine the transition took place on July 31, 2010.