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Reform of the degree structure at the University of Helsinki
Reform of the degree structure:
Contact information:Strategic Planning and Development University of Helsinki opintoasiat(at)helsinki.fi |
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Structure of the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes
Length of the degree programmes The Bachelor’s degree consists of a total of 180 ECTS credits, while the Master’s degree requires the separate completion of a total of 120 ECTS credits. The University will make separate decisions about Master’s degrees that differ from this total. Students are recommended to plan their studies in such a way that they do not exceed the target duration of the degree programmes (3+2 years)..
The extent of the basic studies in a subject or comparable entity is 25 ECTS credits. Faculties which, due to the nature of their fi elds of study, have a different type of degree structure (for example, medicine and law) arrange minor subject modules of 25 ETCS credits for students of other faculties.
The extent of the basic and intermediate studies in the major subject or equivalent entity of a Bachelor’s degree is 60-90 ECTS credits, excluding the Bachelor’s thesis. The purpose of specifying a maximum number of credits in the major subject studies is to leave enough room for minor subject studies and thus ensure that degrees have a multidisciplinary content. In a Bachelor’s degree, minor subject studies must consist of at least the basic studies (25 ECTS credits) in a minimum of one minor subject. Exceptions to this are degrees with a structure that is not based on major and minor subjects (for example, medicine and law).
The extent of the advanced studies in the major subject, which are taken for the Master’s degree, is at least 30 ECTS credits, excluding the Master’s thesis. This proportion can be raised for the purpose of pursuing the research objectives of the University’s Strategic Plan.
The University of Helsinki recommends that the studies in education required of teachers (totalling 60 ECTS credits) be divided between the Bachelor’s stage (25 ECTS credits) and the Master’s stage (35 ECTS credits). These studies may, however, also be taken in full during the Master’s stage or as non-degree studies after completion of the Master’s degree.
The Bachelor’s thesis may be integrated with other studies, such as the proseminar or laboratory work. The work required for the thesis is a total of 6 ECTS credits. The Bachelor’s thesis must not hold up the completion of the student’s other studies. The extent of the Master’s thesis is 40 ECTS credits. In the case of medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine, the Master’s thesis is a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 40 ECTS credits. The number of credits required for the Master’s thesis is based on the research emphasis outlined as an objective in the University’s Strategic Plan. In addition, all the University’s Master’s degree holders are required to possess the competence necessary for pursuing postgraduate studies; this would be jeopardised by a shorter Master’s thesis, or if theses of variable lengths were permitted.
The language skill requirements set out in the Government Decree on University Degrees are met as part of the Bachelor’s degree. Students taking a Master’s degree who have not met the Decree’s language skill requirements during their previous studies have to demonstrate the necessary language skills at this stage. The extent of the language studies required is a minimum of 10 ECTS credits. This consists of oral and written communication in the student’s native language (Finnish or Swedish), studies in Finland’s other offi cial language (i.e., Finnish or Swedish, depending on the student’s native language) and studies in one or more foreign languages. The language studies may be integrated with other courses or modules, in which case the work required for them is added as credits to the total credits required for the course or module. Each faculty is to issue a standing regulation concerning the language skills required of students who have received their school education in a language other than Finnish or Swedish, or who have received their schooling abroad.
Information and communication technology (ICT) studies The extent of the information and communication technology (ICT) studies is at least 5 ECTS credits. The purpose of these studies is to equip students with the skills to be able to study effi ciently at the University. The ICT studies may be integrated with other courses or modules, in which case the work required for them is added as credits to the total credits required for the course or module. The Support Group for the Reform of the Degree Structure has recommended that the faculties incorporate the computer driving licence into the ICT studies and that, when planning the ICT studies, the faculties apply the principles outlined by the virtual university working group, the project group on the computer driving licence and the educational technology advisers.
The personal study plan in support of the student’s studies forms part of the requirements for the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. The workload is equivalent to 1-3 ECTS credits in the Bachelor’s degree and 1-2 ECTS credits in the Master’s degree. The personal study plan may be integrated with other courses, in which case the workload required is added as credits to the total credits required for the courses. The personal study plan is ongoing throughout the student’s degree programme.
Practical training and labour market orientation Under the University’s Strategic Plan and its Programme for the Development of Teaching and Studies, all degree programmes should include practical training. Bachelor’s degree programmes are to incorporate practical training designed to improve professional expertise or studies that support the student’s labour market orientation (1-3 ECTS credits). Labour market orientation may take the form of separate modules or it can be integrated with other courses or modules, in which case the workload required for them is added as credits to the total credits required for the course or module. The aim of the labour market orientation in the Bachelor’s degree is that students form an idea of the labour market in their own sector and are capable of drawing up their own career plan and updating it as their studies progress. The reason for including labour market orientation in the Bachelor’s degree is that practical training is not possible in every fi eld of study. Labour market orientation may be offered as a module providing more information on a particular occupation and based on working life, or as a part of other studies. The University recommends that students studying for a Bachelor’s degree take practical training in Finland or abroad to further their expertise. In all the University’s degrees, the number of ECTS credits obtained in this practical training should be sufficient in relation to the time spent, to ensure the study progress targets are met during the practical training period as well. The practical training can also be integrated with other studies, for example research projects. If a Bachelor’s degree programme features no practical training, the Master’s degree programme will also have to include studies that support the students’ labour market orientation.
The University has decided that degrees completed at the University of Helsinki must include minor subject studies. Students may take minor subject studies as freely as possible and in any faculty. The process by which students apply for minor subject studies must be made as convenient and fl exible as possible. Teaching in minor subject programmes must be of the same standard as the teaching given to major subject students. The introduction of teaching periods at the University will also support the steady progress of minor subject studies.
The University of Helsinki recommends that the extent of each course in the new degree system should be at least 3 ECTS credits.
Mobility and internationalisation According to a recommendation of the Support Group for the Reform of the Degree Structure (APPENDIX 21), students pursuing studies according to the new degree system must be encouraged to complete degree studies not only at the University of Helsinki but also at other Finnish and foreign universities. Where possible, courses completed at other universities must be included in full in the degree programme so as not to extend the duration of study. Internationalisation of the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes may also refer to practical training abroad, or it can take the form of “internationalisation at home”, which may involve participation in foreign-language instruction offered by the University of Helsinki. The faculties will decide how the international frame of reference is to be integrated into the degree programmes. Mobility and internationalisation will be taken into account in student guidance and the personal study plan. Foreign-language instruction will be increased, and Master’s programmes and studies leading to a Master’s degree that are suitable for international degree students will be further developed. In addition, information material and online services designed for international students will be developed.
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