Studying at Laurea

Online studies are included in all study programmes, amount varying from less in daytime studies and more in blended learning to nearly all in online study programmes. Online studies consist of independent study, teamwork and online guidance. Blended learning and online study programmes require students to be self-directed.

The purpose of the placement is to support the development of your professional identity. Work placements are a mandatory part of each study programme, as they provide you guided instruction to the most important practical aspects of work in your field and let you apply your skills and knowledge in practice.

Thus, placement is one of the most important parts of your studies as it will open the doors into the world of work. The length, objectives, content and organisation of the placement vary in different degree programmes. You will receive further information on the placement when you have started your studies. Placement can be carried out in Finland or abroad. Placement can be completed either as a full-time or as a part-time work.

If you work while studying, you also have an opportunity for work-based learning: acquiring a foundation of knowledge to support your working tasks and putting it into practice as you perform the agreed working tasks.

Work-based learning is an alternative study method. To utilize this operational model, you should have personal self-initiative and take up the matter yourself at Laurea. You can ask more from your tutor teacher.

So how and what should I learn?

It is possible in work-based learning to learn the knowledge and skills required at work in a versatile and comprehensive manner. You acquire foundation of knowledge as support for your working tasks, which you can quickly put into practice as you perform the agreed working tasks.

The tasks agreed for your work-based learning are entered into your Learning contract in order to identify and obtain recognition for the competence you have acquired. The demonstrations are based on the goals of the curriculum.

Work-based learning proceeds on the basis of your own development needs. It is advisable in arranging your tasks to consider your own career path. You can try with your employer to arrange job enrichment, i.e. a job role that has more versatility and range than before. You can therefore embark on consciously developing yourself with regard to your own competence in the manner you prefer.

How is my competence assessed?

Learning and competence should be made visible – so it can also be evaluated by another person. A portfolio, for example, serves as a demonstration technique. The evaluation occurs by documenting your own learning and competence, adding up the total number of working tasks, and qualitatively assessing your own competence. In addition to self-evaluation, the evaluations and feedback from your supervisor, a close colleague and your teacher are applied.

How do I arrange work-based learning?

To arrange work-based learning, proceed as follows:

• Acquaint yourself with the curriculum and think about which competences are included that you could develop at work.
• Have an initial conversation about the working tasks at your workplace and the targets of work-based learning.
• Arrange a preliminary discussion to assess, together with the teacher responsible for the module or a study unit, the possibilities for work-based learning. The person in charge of the module or study unit will guide you in the preparation of the Learning contract.
• Plan the development of your competence by filling in the Learning contract.
• Arrange a discussion with the representative or teacher in charge of the module, during which you confirm the Learning contract and prepare the evaluation form.
• Start your studies in accordance with the Learning contract and document your competence.

If you don’t know how to get started with the process, you can ask assistance from your tutor lecturer.

Competence obtained via work-based learning is recognized as part of the degree programme. The performance items accumulate credits that entitle the student to a study grant.

For more information, contact the head of student affairs or your tutor teacher.

Project work is included in all study programmes. Projects vary from smaller ones that are part of a study unit to larger ones carried out for individual companies or as part of a large-scale international project. Depending on your field of study, you may complete several study modules in projects.  Research is part of project work and prepares you to do your thesis at the final stage of your studies. 

Internationality comes naturally when studying at Laurea. Besides studying together with students from varied cultural backgrounds, you may apply to study or train abroad, study languages or include international elements in your thesis. Laurea has a network of over 200 exchange destinations over the world.

Read more about your internationalisaton options in the Student Guide.