Opinto-opas
2003
Study guide
2003
Opinto-opas · Laurea – opinto-opas 2003–2004
16 DEGREE REGULATIONS
Study guide · Laurea – Study Guide 2003–2004
16 DEGREE REGULATIONS
Laurea – Study Guide 2003–2004
16 DEGREE REGULATIONS
LAUREA POLYTECHNIC DEGREE REGULATIONS
AS OF 19 August 2003
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL REGULATIONS
1
Laurea Polytechnic’s mission
Laurea’s strategic aim is to be a recognised centre of expertise in network processes. Laurea’s task in developing its own areas of expertise is to operate as a provincial multi-faculty polytechnic for the whole metropolitan area. Laurea fulfils this task by bringing together teaching, research and development activities with regional development schemes. Each task is equally valuable, but the resources devoted to them vary within the polytechnic’s operations. In terms of content, Laurea focuses on welfare, business, ICT and sustainable development. Within the higher education system of the metropolitan area, Laurea is an example of an establishment which produces innovations within the workplace and transfers skills efficiently.
Laurea’s operations are based on the following values: a student and customer-focused approach, reliability, community spirit, openness and participation, social responsibility and innovation.
2
Degrees
The degrees completed by students at the polytechnic are higher education degrees as defined in detail in the Finnish Law and Decree on Polytechnic Studies (L351/2003 and A352/2003).
The Finnish Ministry of Education approves all degrees and degree titles.
The degrees and degree titles available at Laurea Polytechnic are:
Degree - Title
a Polytechnic Degree in Natural Resources - Agrologi (AMK) - Ympäristösuunnittelija (AMK)
a Polytechnic Degree in Business and Administration - Tradenomi - Bachelor of Business Administration
a Polytechnic Degree in Hospitality Management - Restonomi (AMK)
a Polytechnic Degree in Social Services and Health Care - Sairaanhoitaja (AMK)- Bachelor of Nursing - Terveydenhoitaja (AMK) - Bachelor of Public Health Nursing - Fysioterapeutti (AMK) - Bachelor of Physiotherapy - Sosionomi (AMK) - Bachelor of Social Services
a Polytechnic Degree in Culture - Medianomi (AMK)
Polytechnic postgraduate degrees (see Chapter 4)
3
Regulations
In selecting students, planning and organising education and determining study entitlements, we abide by the following laws and decrees:
- Law on Polytechnic Studies (351/2003)
- Decree on Polytechnic Studies (352/2003)
- Law on the Polytechnic Postgraduate Degree Trial (645/2001)
- Law on the Student Selection Register and the Matriculation Examination Register (1058/1998 and 547/2002)
- Decree on Joint National Application to Polytechnics (353/2003)
- Decree on the Principles for Pricing Education Fees (354/2003)
- Decree on the Eligibility for Polytechnic Studies Provided by Certain Studies (355/2003)
- Law on Administrative Procedures (589/1982)
- Personal Data Act (523/1999)
- Act on the Openness of Government Activities (621/1999)
- Student Financial Aid Act (65/1994)
- Student Financial Aid Decree (260/1994)
- Law on the Funding of Educational and Cultural Activities (635/1998)
- Decree on the Funding of Educational and Cultural Activities (806/1998)
In addition we comply with the instructions of the Finnish Ministry of Education and Laurea Polytechnic’s operating regulations. The President and the Development Director will provide complementary instructions to these Degree Regulations.
CHAPTER 2
TEACHING AND EXAMINATIONS
4
Language of teaching
The language of teaching at Laurea Polytechnic is Finnish, but education can also be provided in other languages. The language of teaching for English-language degree programmes is English.
5
Degree Programmes
The studies leading to polytechnic degrees are arranged into degree programmes. Degree programmes are bodies of learning designed and organised by the polytechnic, which focus on specific areas requiring professional expertise and on the development of these areas.
The Finnish Ministry of Education approves all degree programmes and degree titles, and if necessary specialisation options and the extents (in terms of credits) of degree programmes and practical studies.
Degree programmes are designed and organised so that their extent is either 140 or 160 credits. One credit is equivalent to around 40 hours’ work on behalf of the student in order to meet the set targets. The average amount of work completed by students in a year is 40 credits.
Degree programmes consist of basic and professional studies, elective studies, practical studies to promote professional competence and a bachelor’s thesis. Degree programmes may include specialisation options. Specialisation options are bodies of teaching that focus on specific areas of expertise within the chosen profession.
6
Curricula
The curriculum of each degree programme determines the structure of the degree and the name, objectives, topic, extent in credits and required results of each study module and study unit.
Studies are arranged in study units, which can be compulsory, optional or elective. The lecturer in charge of each study unit may approve alternative ways of completing the unit. In exceptional circumstances, the polytechnic may choose to diverge from the approved curriculum for a degree programme.
The President of Laurea Polytechnic approves all objectives set for teaching common to all students, joint elective studies, degree programme curricula and any significant changes made to curricula.
7
Practical studies to promote professional competence
The aim of practical studies is that students become acquainted in a controlled way with the practical job tasks most important in terms of their professional studies, and with the application of skills and knowledge to working life.
Practical studies may include assignments, analyses and reports made by the students, various kinds of development projects or work in the area requiring professional expertise. The extent of the practical studies is determined in the Decision on Degree Programmes published by the Ministry of Education. Aims, content, method and assessment are determined separately for each degree programme.
8
Bachelor’s thesis and maturity tests
The bachelor’s thesis is a learning process, whose aim it is to support students’ professional development. In their theses, students demonstrate their ability to apply their skills and knowledge to practical tasks requiring professional expertise. Students acquire new points of view on professional competence and the development of work environments by combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
The topic of each student’s bachelor’s thesis is determined as an area of knowledge that is of central importance in terms of the area of expertise of the profession, Laurea Polytechnic’s tasks and the student’s own education. The thesis can also form part of a broader, single- or multidisciplinary assignment, project or research body carried out by a team. The aim is that the bachelor’s thesis fulfils the criteria for project-based bachelor’s theses set by the Ministry of Education.
Development assignments, project work, expressive work and other such work can be approved for the bachelor’s thesis, as long as it demonstrates an investigative approach, competence in the chosen thesis work method and professional expertise.
Students complete maturity tests in accordance with regulatory requirements. Maturity tests are linked to bachelor’s theses and are meant for students to demonstrate knowledge of their chosen professions and skills in Finnish or Swedish. Students taking degree programmes in English, who have completed their schooling in languages other than Finnish or Swedish or in a country other than Finland, may complete maturity tests in English.
Further details on the completion and assessment of the bachelor’s thesis and maturity test can be found in Laurea Polytechnic’s bachelor’s thesis guidelines.
CHAPTER 3
OTHER GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR STUDIES AND TEACHING ARRANGEMENTS
9
Organisation of studies at Laurea Polytechnic
Degree programmes are responsible for organising studies in accordance with curricula either by themselves or in co-operation with each other. Studies are arranged so that it is possible to complete degrees within the regulatory duration of studies. The organisation of studies promotes students’ opportunities for extending their areas of expertise through studies from other fields of study.
Course combinations are selected by students themselves. Students’ entitlement to take specific study units may be limited on the basis of previous studies, the number of participants or other criteria determined as decisive for the degree programme in question.
Students have the right to receive accurate information on the organisation of their studies and on the assessment subjects, methods and principles at the beginning of each study unit.
Curricula are designed to make it possible for students to fulfil their personal study plans whilst having sufficient opportunities for adjusting the ways and schedules according to which they complete their studies. The flexible implementation of study units facilitates the student’s right to complete study units or parts of them through alternative methods.
10
Selection of students
Laurea Polytechnic’s deans select students for the polytechnic’s degree programmes or directly for specialisation options on the basis of previously approved selection criteria. In each academic year each student may only accept one study placement leading to a higher education degree. Applicants have the right to request the reassessment of a decision regarding selection for a study placement from the Board of the polytechnic within 14 days of the publication of the selection results.
Selections for the open polytechnic are generally made in order of registration. Students are admitted to virtual polytechnic study units in accordance with agreed quotas.
Students from other polytechnics can apply for the transfer of study entitlement to Laurea Polytechnic (same qualification, same title, same or equivalent degree programme; within the Degree Programme in Nursing the specialisation option must be the same). Transfer students must have completed at least 30 credits of studies per study year and been registered as present at their previous polytechnics. The approval of the transfer application is conditional until the student in question resigns from the previous polytechnic. Decisions on transfer students are made by the dean of each degree programme, on the basis of an introduction given by the applications office.
11
Accepting a study placement and registering as a new student
Students who have been offered a study placement at Laurea must register for the academic year at the same time as they register their acceptance of the placement. Registrations as present or absent are binding. New students will then be registered as students and they will receive their entitlements to study at Laurea Polytechnic.
Students who have accepted study placements but registered as absent must register as present or absent for the following academic year at the same time as new starting students.
12
Study entitlement, duration of studies and registration for the academic year
In determining study entitlements we comply with the Law and Decree on Polytechnic Studies (351/2003 and 352/2003) and with the instructions of the Finnish Ministry of Education. The more specific principles related to students’ study entitlements are determined in separate regulations given by the President.
When taking part in education leading to a degree, students must annually register as present or absent in the way and timescale defined by the polytechnic. Registration is done for the whole academic year for students who have enough study entitlement left. Students may change their registration status for the academic year only during set registration periods.
Having registered as absent, students may be absent from the polytechnic for a total or four terms, i.e. two academic years. Students who neglect their obligation to register will lose their study entitlements at Laurea Polytechnic.
Students who have neglected their obligation to register may apply for their study entitlements to be restored by sending a freely composed application to the applications office. Applications for the restoration of study entitlements must be made while the study entitlement would still in practice be valid. The time that has passed since the obligation to register was neglected will be counted as part of the student’s study entitlement. Study entitlements may be restored if the applicants have a realistic chance of completing their studies in the amount of study entitlement they have left. Study entitlements will be restored from the beginning of the following term. Decisions on restoring study entitlements are made by the Dean of each degree programme, on the basis of an introduction from the applications office.
Studies will be organised so that full-time students can complete their studies in a timescale equivalent to the extent of the studies. As defined in legislation (352/2003), a full-time student has to be a student receiving youth education.
The regulatory duration of studies is the extent of studies to be completed measured in years. The number of years allocated for each degree can be found in the curriculum for the degree programme (OPS) or in the personal study plan (HOPS). It can be calculated by dividing the extent of studies by 40 - the number of credits in one academic year. The studies must be completed within the study entitlement period, within a period of time that exceeds this regulatory duration by not more than one year. Absences are not included in the maximum duration of study (Act 351/2003). Students who have exceeded the regulatory duration of studies will be sent a notice detailing the study entitlement they have left (one year).
Students who have exceeded the duration of their study entitlement lose their entitlement to study at the polytechnic. Having received a notice referring to the end of their study entitlement, students may in special circumstances apply to have their study entitlement extended by a maximum of one year, in order to complete their studies. For especially significant reasons a study entitlement that has already been extended may be extended again after the initial year if the amount of studies left to complete is small and the termination of the student’s study entitlement would be unfair considering the student’s situation. Extensions to study entitlement must be applied for whilst the study entitlement is still valid. Students must include in their applications a plan regarding the completion of their studies, with a schedule, and a description of the reasons for the delay in their studies. Decisions on study entitlement extensions are made by the Dean of each degree programme, on the basis of an introduction from the applications office.
13
Personal study plan, recognition of previous studies and exemption from language requirements
Students create themselves personal study plans by determining their own professional objectives on the basis of the aims of the degree programmes. The plans include the compulsory studies included in the degree programme, the optional study units chosen by the students and any previous studies approved for recognition in the personal study plan.
During the regulatory duration of their studies and subject to the judgement of the Dean, students may complete more studies than the scope of the degree programme requires. These types of extra studies must not lead to a delay in the completion time of the degree.
Recognised studies can be either substitute studies or other studies to be included in the degree. The degree may only recognise studies which, when combined with completed studies, do not exceed the extent of the degree being sought.
Substitute studies: Substitute studies involve the replacement of studies in the curriculum with studies completed previously. Previous studies may include theory, practice or work experience, which is equivalent in content and level to the degree programme study modules or study units.
Other studies to be included in the degree: Other studies apply when the students want to include previously completed studies in their personal study plan that have no equivalent content in the degree programme curriculum. Other recognised studies should be in accordance with the student’s personal study plan and equivalent to a polytechnic level.
Military service study credits can be included as part of the polytechnic degree, on the same basis as studies completed in higher education and other institutes of learning.
Studies completed within the framework of the European Union’s Socrates programme comply with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).
At the student’s request, the recognised studies included in the student’s personal study plan are approved by the dean in charge of the degree programme or a lecturer authorised by the dean.
Deans at Laurea Polytechnic may exempt students partly or completely from requirements regarding Finnish or Swedish language skills, in extenuating circumstances or if they have completed their schooling in languages other than Finnish or Swedish or in a country other than Finland (A 352/2003). Students must take the number of credits equivalent to the language studies they are exempted from in the form of other studies.
14
Completion of studies and transferring within Laurea
The study units offered at the polytechnic can be taken by all Laurea Polytechnic students and by other students in accordance with separate agreements. In special circumstances an institute may organise to teach a study unit in accordance with Laurea’s curriculum requested by students but not part of the then current study unit selection.
Polytechnic degrees can only be completed in the type of education, degree programme and specialisation option for which the student has received a study entitlement.
Students can apply for the change of the degree programme in the same field of study or in the Degree Programme in Nursing for the change of specialisation option. Decisions on changes to students’ degree programmes or acceptance to the nursing specialisation option will be made by the dean, on the basis of an introduction by the applications office, and taking into account previous selection criteria.
Students can also apply for the change of the institute in the same degree programme and same specialisation option in the Degree Programme in Nursing. The decision is made by the Dean of the receiving institute.
15
Assessment and certificates
The assessment of how well students have met the objectives set for polytechnic degrees is a continuous process running from the time of setting the individual learning targets for a student to the completion of the polytechnic degree, the acquisition of the skills needed in working life and receiving the degree diploma. In assessing studies, we follow the assessment regulations created by Laurea Polytechnic.
Study units are assessed on the following scale: excellent (5), good (4-3), satisfactory (2-1) and fail (0). Practical studies and certain study units mentioned separately in the curriculum are assessed as passed or failed (H/0). Previous, recognised studies are marked down as completed (S). Each part of a study unit may be assessed to the accuracy of a quarter of a point (+, ½, -).
Students may retake failed examinations twice on the two appointed general examination dates subsequent to the initial attempt. Passed study units may be retaken once in order to improve grades on previously announced examination dates during the term following the initial attempt. Only the better grade will be valid. Grades achieved for parts of study units cannot be improved.
Students’ results for study units and parts of study units will generally be recorded on the date they were achieved. Lecturers must ensure that results are registered at the latest one month after the exam date.
Students have the right to request a re-assessment of their grades from the board of examiners in the way described in the Law and Decree on Polytechnic Studies (351/2003 and 352/2003). Amendments cannot be made to decisions made by the exam board.
Degree certificates awarded by Laurea Polytechnic are signed by the President and the Dean in charge of the degree programme in question. The certificate must include the extent of the degree, the name of the degree and degree programme, the degree title and the more specific qualifications included in the degree. Appendices to the certificate must show the structure of the degree, the study modules and study units taken, the title of the bachelor’s thesis, and descriptions of any previous, recognised studies, international student exchanges and grades.
Students will also receive complementary Diploma Supplements, intended especially for international use. Students may also request to receive a Transcript of Records in English. Students who have completed international study paths will receive separate diplomas describing them.
Students graduating from degree programmes taught in English will receive certificates and appendices in English as well as Finnish translations of these documents. Translations of Finnish certificates are provided in the form of the Diploma Supplement and Transcript of Records mentioned above.
Students of the open polytechnic and the virtual polytechnic will receive transcripts of records related to the studies they have completed.
CHAPTER 4
POLYTECHNIC POSTGRADUATE DEGREES
16
Polytechnic postgraduate degree trials
Laurea organises studies leading to polytechnic postgraduate degrees, independently or in conjunction with other polytechnics, and in accordance with permission granted by the Finnish Ministry of Education.
17
Selection of students
Laurea deans accept students for postgraduate studies on the basis of previously approved selection criteria. The same regulations regarding acceptance of study placements and becoming a student at Laurea apply to postgraduate students as to students receiving education leading to other types of degrees (Section 10, Subsection 1).
18
Extent and structure of polytechnic postgraduate degree studies
The extent of the degree programme leading to a polytechnic postgraduate degree is 60 credits. The polytechnic must organise the studies leading to a postgraduate degree so that they can be completed whilst working. The degree programme consists of 40 credits from advanced studies belonging to the postgraduate subject and 20 credits from a working environment development assignment to be completed as a thesis. Postgraduate studies are free.
19
Duration of studies and study entitlement
The regulatory duration of studies for a postgraduate student is 1.5 years. The study entitlement lasts for two years. Postgraduate students must register each academic year, and cannot register as absent.
Students who exceed the duration of their study entitlement lose their entitlement to study at the polytechnic. In special circumstances and upon application from students, deans may grant extensions to study entitlements for a maximum of one year, in order for the students complete their studies.
21
Recognition of previous studies
Polytechnic specialisation studies and/or scientific/art university studies, where applicable, are the only previously completed studies which can be recognised as part of a polytechnic postgraduate degree.
22
Assessment and certificates
The regulations relating to assessment and certificates for polytechnic postgraduate degrees are similar to those for education leading to other types of degree (Section 15).
CHAPTER 5
PROFESSIONAL SPECIALISATION STUDIES
23
Specialisation studies
Laurea Polytechnic’s fields of study include professional specialisation studies.
24
Selection of students
The dean of each programme accepts students for specialisation studies in accordance with previously approved selection criteria. Specialisation studies may only be started after payment of a previously approved specialisation study fee.
25
Extent and structure of specialisation studies
The extent of specialisation studies is either 20 or 40 credits. Specialisation studies include a work environment development assignment and may where applicable be possible to recognise as part of a polytechnic postgraduate degree.
26
Duration of studies and study entitlement
The regulatory duration of specialisation studies is six months for 20-credit studies and one year for 40-credit studies. The duration of the study entitlement is six months longer in each case. Students taking specialisation studies cannot register as absent. Students who exceed the duration of their study entitlement lose their entitlement to study at the polytechnic. In special circumstances and upon application from students, deans may grant extensions to study entitlements for a maximum of six months, in order for the students complete their studies. The fee for specialisation studies must be repaid for this extension period.
27
Assessment and certificates
The regulations relating to assessment and certificates for students taking specialisation studies are similar to those for education leading to other types of degree (Section 15). Upon completion of specialisation studies, students will receive a certificate and a transcript of records detailing the completion of these studies.
CHAPTER 6
SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
28
Separate regulations
Separate regulations given by the President and/or the Development Director apply to the selection of students, study entitlements, the assessment of studies, the recognition of previous studies, the completion of theses and other procedures related to the organisation of studies.
29
Application for changes
The Law and Decree on Polytechnic Studies (351/2003 and 352/2003) prescribe the regulations related to applications for changes.
30
Transfer and validity regulations
These degree regulations were approved at a meeting of Laurea Polytechnic’s Board of Directors on 21 October 1999 (changed on 11 September 2000, 22 August 2001, 10 December 2002 and 19 August 2003) and are valid as of 19 August 2003. These degree regulations also apply to studies begun during the polytechnic trial period.
AS OF 19 August 2003
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL REGULATIONS
1
Laurea Polytechnic’s mission
Laurea’s strategic aim is to be a recognised centre of expertise in network processes. Laurea’s task in developing its own areas of expertise is to operate as a provincial multi-faculty polytechnic for the whole metropolitan area. Laurea fulfils this task by bringing together teaching, research and development activities with regional development schemes. Each task is equally valuable, but the resources devoted to them vary within the polytechnic’s operations. In terms of content, Laurea focuses on welfare, business, ICT and sustainable development. Within the higher education system of the metropolitan area, Laurea is an example of an establishment which produces innovations within the workplace and transfers skills efficiently.
Laurea’s operations are based on the following values: a student and customer-focused approach, reliability, community spirit, openness and participation, social responsibility and innovation.
2
Degrees
The degrees completed by students at the polytechnic are higher education degrees as defined in detail in the Finnish Law and Decree on Polytechnic Studies (L351/2003 and A352/2003).
The Finnish Ministry of Education approves all degrees and degree titles.
The degrees and degree titles available at Laurea Polytechnic are:
Degree - Title
a Polytechnic Degree in Natural Resources - Agrologi (AMK) - Ympäristösuunnittelija (AMK)
a Polytechnic Degree in Business and Administration - Tradenomi - Bachelor of Business Administration
a Polytechnic Degree in Hospitality Management - Restonomi (AMK)
a Polytechnic Degree in Social Services and Health Care - Sairaanhoitaja (AMK)- Bachelor of Nursing - Terveydenhoitaja (AMK) - Bachelor of Public Health Nursing - Fysioterapeutti (AMK) - Bachelor of Physiotherapy - Sosionomi (AMK) - Bachelor of Social Services
a Polytechnic Degree in Culture - Medianomi (AMK)
Polytechnic postgraduate degrees (see Chapter 4)
3
Regulations
In selecting students, planning and organising education and determining study entitlements, we abide by the following laws and decrees:
- Law on Polytechnic Studies (351/2003)
- Decree on Polytechnic Studies (352/2003)
- Law on the Polytechnic Postgraduate Degree Trial (645/2001)
- Law on the Student Selection Register and the Matriculation Examination Register (1058/1998 and 547/2002)
- Decree on Joint National Application to Polytechnics (353/2003)
- Decree on the Principles for Pricing Education Fees (354/2003)
- Decree on the Eligibility for Polytechnic Studies Provided by Certain Studies (355/2003)
- Law on Administrative Procedures (589/1982)
- Personal Data Act (523/1999)
- Act on the Openness of Government Activities (621/1999)
- Student Financial Aid Act (65/1994)
- Student Financial Aid Decree (260/1994)
- Law on the Funding of Educational and Cultural Activities (635/1998)
- Decree on the Funding of Educational and Cultural Activities (806/1998)
In addition we comply with the instructions of the Finnish Ministry of Education and Laurea Polytechnic’s operating regulations. The President and the Development Director will provide complementary instructions to these Degree Regulations.
CHAPTER 2
TEACHING AND EXAMINATIONS
4
Language of teaching
The language of teaching at Laurea Polytechnic is Finnish, but education can also be provided in other languages. The language of teaching for English-language degree programmes is English.
5
Degree Programmes
The studies leading to polytechnic degrees are arranged into degree programmes. Degree programmes are bodies of learning designed and organised by the polytechnic, which focus on specific areas requiring professional expertise and on the development of these areas.
The Finnish Ministry of Education approves all degree programmes and degree titles, and if necessary specialisation options and the extents (in terms of credits) of degree programmes and practical studies.
Degree programmes are designed and organised so that their extent is either 140 or 160 credits. One credit is equivalent to around 40 hours’ work on behalf of the student in order to meet the set targets. The average amount of work completed by students in a year is 40 credits.
Degree programmes consist of basic and professional studies, elective studies, practical studies to promote professional competence and a bachelor’s thesis. Degree programmes may include specialisation options. Specialisation options are bodies of teaching that focus on specific areas of expertise within the chosen profession.
6
Curricula
The curriculum of each degree programme determines the structure of the degree and the name, objectives, topic, extent in credits and required results of each study module and study unit.
Studies are arranged in study units, which can be compulsory, optional or elective. The lecturer in charge of each study unit may approve alternative ways of completing the unit. In exceptional circumstances, the polytechnic may choose to diverge from the approved curriculum for a degree programme.
The President of Laurea Polytechnic approves all objectives set for teaching common to all students, joint elective studies, degree programme curricula and any significant changes made to curricula.
7
Practical studies to promote professional competence
The aim of practical studies is that students become acquainted in a controlled way with the practical job tasks most important in terms of their professional studies, and with the application of skills and knowledge to working life.
Practical studies may include assignments, analyses and reports made by the students, various kinds of development projects or work in the area requiring professional expertise. The extent of the practical studies is determined in the Decision on Degree Programmes published by the Ministry of Education. Aims, content, method and assessment are determined separately for each degree programme.
8
Bachelor’s thesis and maturity tests
The bachelor’s thesis is a learning process, whose aim it is to support students’ professional development. In their theses, students demonstrate their ability to apply their skills and knowledge to practical tasks requiring professional expertise. Students acquire new points of view on professional competence and the development of work environments by combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
The topic of each student’s bachelor’s thesis is determined as an area of knowledge that is of central importance in terms of the area of expertise of the profession, Laurea Polytechnic’s tasks and the student’s own education. The thesis can also form part of a broader, single- or multidisciplinary assignment, project or research body carried out by a team. The aim is that the bachelor’s thesis fulfils the criteria for project-based bachelor’s theses set by the Ministry of Education.
Development assignments, project work, expressive work and other such work can be approved for the bachelor’s thesis, as long as it demonstrates an investigative approach, competence in the chosen thesis work method and professional expertise.
Students complete maturity tests in accordance with regulatory requirements. Maturity tests are linked to bachelor’s theses and are meant for students to demonstrate knowledge of their chosen professions and skills in Finnish or Swedish. Students taking degree programmes in English, who have completed their schooling in languages other than Finnish or Swedish or in a country other than Finland, may complete maturity tests in English.
Further details on the completion and assessment of the bachelor’s thesis and maturity test can be found in Laurea Polytechnic’s bachelor’s thesis guidelines.
CHAPTER 3
OTHER GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR STUDIES AND TEACHING ARRANGEMENTS
9
Organisation of studies at Laurea Polytechnic
Degree programmes are responsible for organising studies in accordance with curricula either by themselves or in co-operation with each other. Studies are arranged so that it is possible to complete degrees within the regulatory duration of studies. The organisation of studies promotes students’ opportunities for extending their areas of expertise through studies from other fields of study.
Course combinations are selected by students themselves. Students’ entitlement to take specific study units may be limited on the basis of previous studies, the number of participants or other criteria determined as decisive for the degree programme in question.
Students have the right to receive accurate information on the organisation of their studies and on the assessment subjects, methods and principles at the beginning of each study unit.
Curricula are designed to make it possible for students to fulfil their personal study plans whilst having sufficient opportunities for adjusting the ways and schedules according to which they complete their studies. The flexible implementation of study units facilitates the student’s right to complete study units or parts of them through alternative methods.
10
Selection of students
Laurea Polytechnic’s deans select students for the polytechnic’s degree programmes or directly for specialisation options on the basis of previously approved selection criteria. In each academic year each student may only accept one study placement leading to a higher education degree. Applicants have the right to request the reassessment of a decision regarding selection for a study placement from the Board of the polytechnic within 14 days of the publication of the selection results.
Selections for the open polytechnic are generally made in order of registration. Students are admitted to virtual polytechnic study units in accordance with agreed quotas.
Students from other polytechnics can apply for the transfer of study entitlement to Laurea Polytechnic (same qualification, same title, same or equivalent degree programme; within the Degree Programme in Nursing the specialisation option must be the same). Transfer students must have completed at least 30 credits of studies per study year and been registered as present at their previous polytechnics. The approval of the transfer application is conditional until the student in question resigns from the previous polytechnic. Decisions on transfer students are made by the dean of each degree programme, on the basis of an introduction given by the applications office.
11
Accepting a study placement and registering as a new student
Students who have been offered a study placement at Laurea must register for the academic year at the same time as they register their acceptance of the placement. Registrations as present or absent are binding. New students will then be registered as students and they will receive their entitlements to study at Laurea Polytechnic.
Students who have accepted study placements but registered as absent must register as present or absent for the following academic year at the same time as new starting students.
12
Study entitlement, duration of studies and registration for the academic year
In determining study entitlements we comply with the Law and Decree on Polytechnic Studies (351/2003 and 352/2003) and with the instructions of the Finnish Ministry of Education. The more specific principles related to students’ study entitlements are determined in separate regulations given by the President.
When taking part in education leading to a degree, students must annually register as present or absent in the way and timescale defined by the polytechnic. Registration is done for the whole academic year for students who have enough study entitlement left. Students may change their registration status for the academic year only during set registration periods.
Having registered as absent, students may be absent from the polytechnic for a total or four terms, i.e. two academic years. Students who neglect their obligation to register will lose their study entitlements at Laurea Polytechnic.
Students who have neglected their obligation to register may apply for their study entitlements to be restored by sending a freely composed application to the applications office. Applications for the restoration of study entitlements must be made while the study entitlement would still in practice be valid. The time that has passed since the obligation to register was neglected will be counted as part of the student’s study entitlement. Study entitlements may be restored if the applicants have a realistic chance of completing their studies in the amount of study entitlement they have left. Study entitlements will be restored from the beginning of the following term. Decisions on restoring study entitlements are made by the Dean of each degree programme, on the basis of an introduction from the applications office.
Studies will be organised so that full-time students can complete their studies in a timescale equivalent to the extent of the studies. As defined in legislation (352/2003), a full-time student has to be a student receiving youth education.
The regulatory duration of studies is the extent of studies to be completed measured in years. The number of years allocated for each degree can be found in the curriculum for the degree programme (OPS) or in the personal study plan (HOPS). It can be calculated by dividing the extent of studies by 40 - the number of credits in one academic year. The studies must be completed within the study entitlement period, within a period of time that exceeds this regulatory duration by not more than one year. Absences are not included in the maximum duration of study (Act 351/2003). Students who have exceeded the regulatory duration of studies will be sent a notice detailing the study entitlement they have left (one year).
Students who have exceeded the duration of their study entitlement lose their entitlement to study at the polytechnic. Having received a notice referring to the end of their study entitlement, students may in special circumstances apply to have their study entitlement extended by a maximum of one year, in order to complete their studies. For especially significant reasons a study entitlement that has already been extended may be extended again after the initial year if the amount of studies left to complete is small and the termination of the student’s study entitlement would be unfair considering the student’s situation. Extensions to study entitlement must be applied for whilst the study entitlement is still valid. Students must include in their applications a plan regarding the completion of their studies, with a schedule, and a description of the reasons for the delay in their studies. Decisions on study entitlement extensions are made by the Dean of each degree programme, on the basis of an introduction from the applications office.
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Personal study plan, recognition of previous studies and exemption from language requirements
Students create themselves personal study plans by determining their own professional objectives on the basis of the aims of the degree programmes. The plans include the compulsory studies included in the degree programme, the optional study units chosen by the students and any previous studies approved for recognition in the personal study plan.
During the regulatory duration of their studies and subject to the judgement of the Dean, students may complete more studies than the scope of the degree programme requires. These types of extra studies must not lead to a delay in the completion time of the degree.
Recognised studies can be either substitute studies or other studies to be included in the degree. The degree may only recognise studies which, when combined with completed studies, do not exceed the extent of the degree being sought.
Substitute studies: Substitute studies involve the replacement of studies in the curriculum with studies completed previously. Previous studies may include theory, practice or work experience, which is equivalent in content and level to the degree programme study modules or study units.
Other studies to be included in the degree: Other studies apply when the students want to include previously completed studies in their personal study plan that have no equivalent content in the degree programme curriculum. Other recognised studies should be in accordance with the student’s personal study plan and equivalent to a polytechnic level.
Military service study credits can be included as part of the polytechnic degree, on the same basis as studies completed in higher education and other institutes of learning.
Studies completed within the framework of the European Union’s Socrates programme comply with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).
At the student’s request, the recognised studies included in the student’s personal study plan are approved by the dean in charge of the degree programme or a lecturer authorised by the dean.
Deans at Laurea Polytechnic may exempt students partly or completely from requirements regarding Finnish or Swedish language skills, in extenuating circumstances or if they have completed their schooling in languages other than Finnish or Swedish or in a country other than Finland (A 352/2003). Students must take the number of credits equivalent to the language studies they are exempted from in the form of other studies.
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Completion of studies and transferring within Laurea
The study units offered at the polytechnic can be taken by all Laurea Polytechnic students and by other students in accordance with separate agreements. In special circumstances an institute may organise to teach a study unit in accordance with Laurea’s curriculum requested by students but not part of the then current study unit selection.
Polytechnic degrees can only be completed in the type of education, degree programme and specialisation option for which the student has received a study entitlement.
Students can apply for the change of the degree programme in the same field of study or in the Degree Programme in Nursing for the change of specialisation option. Decisions on changes to students’ degree programmes or acceptance to the nursing specialisation option will be made by the dean, on the basis of an introduction by the applications office, and taking into account previous selection criteria.
Students can also apply for the change of the institute in the same degree programme and same specialisation option in the Degree Programme in Nursing. The decision is made by the Dean of the receiving institute.
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Assessment and certificates
The assessment of how well students have met the objectives set for polytechnic degrees is a continuous process running from the time of setting the individual learning targets for a student to the completion of the polytechnic degree, the acquisition of the skills needed in working life and receiving the degree diploma. In assessing studies, we follow the assessment regulations created by Laurea Polytechnic.
Study units are assessed on the following scale: excellent (5), good (4-3), satisfactory (2-1) and fail (0). Practical studies and certain study units mentioned separately in the curriculum are assessed as passed or failed (H/0). Previous, recognised studies are marked down as completed (S). Each part of a study unit may be assessed to the accuracy of a quarter of a point (+, ½, -).
Students may retake failed examinations twice on the two appointed general examination dates subsequent to the initial attempt. Passed study units may be retaken once in order to improve grades on previously announced examination dates during the term following the initial attempt. Only the better grade will be valid. Grades achieved for parts of study units cannot be improved.
Students’ results for study units and parts of study units will generally be recorded on the date they were achieved. Lecturers must ensure that results are registered at the latest one month after the exam date.
Students have the right to request a re-assessment of their grades from the board of examiners in the way described in the Law and Decree on Polytechnic Studies (351/2003 and 352/2003). Amendments cannot be made to decisions made by the exam board.
Degree certificates awarded by Laurea Polytechnic are signed by the President and the Dean in charge of the degree programme in question. The certificate must include the extent of the degree, the name of the degree and degree programme, the degree title and the more specific qualifications included in the degree. Appendices to the certificate must show the structure of the degree, the study modules and study units taken, the title of the bachelor’s thesis, and descriptions of any previous, recognised studies, international student exchanges and grades.
Students will also receive complementary Diploma Supplements, intended especially for international use. Students may also request to receive a Transcript of Records in English. Students who have completed international study paths will receive separate diplomas describing them.
Students graduating from degree programmes taught in English will receive certificates and appendices in English as well as Finnish translations of these documents. Translations of Finnish certificates are provided in the form of the Diploma Supplement and Transcript of Records mentioned above.
Students of the open polytechnic and the virtual polytechnic will receive transcripts of records related to the studies they have completed.
CHAPTER 4
POLYTECHNIC POSTGRADUATE DEGREES
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Polytechnic postgraduate degree trials
Laurea organises studies leading to polytechnic postgraduate degrees, independently or in conjunction with other polytechnics, and in accordance with permission granted by the Finnish Ministry of Education.
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Selection of students
Laurea deans accept students for postgraduate studies on the basis of previously approved selection criteria. The same regulations regarding acceptance of study placements and becoming a student at Laurea apply to postgraduate students as to students receiving education leading to other types of degrees (Section 10, Subsection 1).
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Extent and structure of polytechnic postgraduate degree studies
The extent of the degree programme leading to a polytechnic postgraduate degree is 60 credits. The polytechnic must organise the studies leading to a postgraduate degree so that they can be completed whilst working. The degree programme consists of 40 credits from advanced studies belonging to the postgraduate subject and 20 credits from a working environment development assignment to be completed as a thesis. Postgraduate studies are free.
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Duration of studies and study entitlement
The regulatory duration of studies for a postgraduate student is 1.5 years. The study entitlement lasts for two years. Postgraduate students must register each academic year, and cannot register as absent.
Students who exceed the duration of their study entitlement lose their entitlement to study at the polytechnic. In special circumstances and upon application from students, deans may grant extensions to study entitlements for a maximum of one year, in order for the students complete their studies.
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Recognition of previous studies
Polytechnic specialisation studies and/or scientific/art university studies, where applicable, are the only previously completed studies which can be recognised as part of a polytechnic postgraduate degree.
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Assessment and certificates
The regulations relating to assessment and certificates for polytechnic postgraduate degrees are similar to those for education leading to other types of degree (Section 15).
CHAPTER 5
PROFESSIONAL SPECIALISATION STUDIES
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Specialisation studies
Laurea Polytechnic’s fields of study include professional specialisation studies.
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Selection of students
The dean of each programme accepts students for specialisation studies in accordance with previously approved selection criteria. Specialisation studies may only be started after payment of a previously approved specialisation study fee.
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Extent and structure of specialisation studies
The extent of specialisation studies is either 20 or 40 credits. Specialisation studies include a work environment development assignment and may where applicable be possible to recognise as part of a polytechnic postgraduate degree.
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Duration of studies and study entitlement
The regulatory duration of specialisation studies is six months for 20-credit studies and one year for 40-credit studies. The duration of the study entitlement is six months longer in each case. Students taking specialisation studies cannot register as absent. Students who exceed the duration of their study entitlement lose their entitlement to study at the polytechnic. In special circumstances and upon application from students, deans may grant extensions to study entitlements for a maximum of six months, in order for the students complete their studies. The fee for specialisation studies must be repaid for this extension period.
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Assessment and certificates
The regulations relating to assessment and certificates for students taking specialisation studies are similar to those for education leading to other types of degree (Section 15). Upon completion of specialisation studies, students will receive a certificate and a transcript of records detailing the completion of these studies.
CHAPTER 6
SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
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Separate regulations
Separate regulations given by the President and/or the Development Director apply to the selection of students, study entitlements, the assessment of studies, the recognition of previous studies, the completion of theses and other procedures related to the organisation of studies.
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Application for changes
The Law and Decree on Polytechnic Studies (351/2003 and 352/2003) prescribe the regulations related to applications for changes.
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Transfer and validity regulations
These degree regulations were approved at a meeting of Laurea Polytechnic’s Board of Directors on 21 October 1999 (changed on 11 September 2000, 22 August 2001, 10 December 2002 and 19 August 2003) and are valid as of 19 August 2003. These degree regulations also apply to studies begun during the polytechnic trial period.