Degree Programme in Safety, Security and Risk Management

What do safety, security and risk management studies include?

Degree Programme in safety, security and risk management includes besides safety, security and risk management also the core competence studies of the Bachelor of Business Administration programme. In order to be able to work as a safety, security and risk management specialist, you must learn and understand the basics of business, entrepreneurship, customer-driven service development, leadership, and the economy and business law.

In your studies you specialize in the content of safety, security and risk management. During the basic studies, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the significance of safety, security and risk management at the societal, company and individual level. The complementary studies included in the programme provide the opportunity to specialise in:

1. safety and security in society
2. safety and security in companies and organisations
3. risk management

In addition to the complementary studies, the work placement and writing of the Bachelor’s thesis will deepen your expertise in safety, security and risk management. Laurea provides a range of very different ways of studying safety, security and risk management: each year, the programme is offered both as daytime studies and an online-oriented blended learning programme.

This means that you can flexibly tailor and choose your study path according to your situation in life. For example, you can include online courses in your studies to enable flexible use of your time or study as part of your job or Laurea's research projects.

See the curriculum

The strengths of the programme

Organisations and companies are very interested in the skills of students in this programme. During your studies, you will have the opportunity to participate in many different projects and development assignments with external partners and companies. These projects may be related, for instance, to risk assessment in organisations, planning risk treatment methods, planning of safety and security or organizing safety and security training. Laurea is also one of the leading safety and security research organisations in Finland. During your studies, you will have the opportunity to participate in various sponsored research projects with other students and Laurea staff.

Laurea is the only higher education institution in Finland that provides education in safety, security and risk management.

For example, students have participated in Laurea’s research projects related to crisis management and best practices in leadership. These projects have included studying the components of good leadership when comparing crisis management in a UN operation with business management in a listed company. During your safety, security and risk management studies you can add a number of workplace and research projects to your CV, demonstrating your competence as a safety, security and risk management expert.

Because of the current situation in society, safety, security and risk management are also very important issues in today’s world. In addition, safety and security constitute a factor contributing to the success of business, both nationally and internationally. There is a clear demand for experts in safety, security and risk management, and as a Bachelor of Business Administration specialising in safety, security and risk management you will have excellent opportunities for employment and career.

How does the international aspect show in the studies?

Students in the two safety, security and risk management programmes (Finnish and English) share many courses that are taught in English, so the students really learn to know each other and can form networks with international actors.

In addition, you can also take studies abroad at Laurea’s partner institutions. Laurea has several student exchange agreements aboard that specialize in safety, security and risk management. Furthermore, Laurea has many partner institutions around the world that specialize in business management, development, leadership and managerial work. As a Bachelor of Business Administration specialising in safety, security and risk management, you also have excellent international employment opportunities, as there are plenty of safety, security and risk management jobs available in other countries.

Further studies

After working three years following the completion of your Bachelor’s degree, you can apply for the Master’s degree programme in security management at Laurea to further deepen your expertise. Your Bachelor of Business Administration degree gives you eligibility for studies at other higher education institutions, at which you can carry out further studies in fields such as business management or administration.

Employment opportunities

As an expert in safety, security and risk management, you have excellent employment opportunities. In Finland, the employment rate of safety, security and risk management graduates ranks at the top of all fields of employment in Finland.

Graduates from the safety, security and risk management degree programme usually find employment as experts or team leaders or in middle management. You may work, for example, in safety, security and risk management planning, development and expert jobs in companies or as a consultant. You may also be employed at schools or companies as a safety, security and risk management trainer.

Other possible jobs include an official, an expert in an insurance company or the financial sector or a fire inspector in the rescue department. If you also are a qualified police or military officer, you may find employment as an expert in a police department or the Defence Forces.

How many work placements are included, and what is their extent?
The programme includes two work placements, each of them worth 15 credits. The first one is at least a basic-level placement and the second one focuses on workplace development.

Entrance examination

You may apply with SAT Test and/or via entrance examination. See further information at studyinfo.fi.