Degree Regulations

Education task (Sections 1 – 4)

Section 1 Degrees and degree programmes

In accordance with the operating licence, Laurea may provide the following university of applied sciences degrees:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Beauty and Cosmetics: Bachelor of Beauty and Cosmetics / Estenomi (AMK)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration: Bachelor of Business Administration / Tradenomi (AMK)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management: Bachelor of Hospitality Management / Restonomi (AMK)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care: Physiotherapist / Fysioterapeutti (AMK), Nurse / Sairaanhoitaja (AMK), Social Services / Sosionomi (AMK), Public Health Nurse / Terveydenhoitaja (AMK), Rehabilitation Counsellor / Kuntoutuksen ohjaaja (AMK)

Laurea may also offer the following master’s degrees and the titles related to them:

• Master’s Degree in Beauty and Cosmetics: Master of Beauty and Cosmetics / Estenomi (YAMK)
• Master’s Degree in Business Management: Master of Business Administration / Tradenomi (YAMK)
• Master’s Degree in Hospitality Management: Master of Hospitality Management / Restonomi (YAMK)
• Master’s Degree in Social Services and Health: Physiotherapist / Fysioterapeutti (YAMK), Nurse / Sairaanhoitaja (YAMK), Social Services / Sosionomi (YAMK), Public Health Nurse / Terveydenhoitaja (YAMK), Rehabilitation Counsellor / Kuntoutuksen ohjaaja (YAMK)

Laurea’s educational responsibilities and their specifications are described in Appendix 1.

The language of instruction and the degree programmes at the University of Applied Sciences is Finnish. Finnish degree programmes may include studies provided in English. The language of instruction in the English-language degree programmes organised by Laurea is English. Degree programmes given in English may include Finnish-language studies, which will facilitate the student’s integration in Finnish workplaces. In English-language degree programmes, core competence studies must be completed in English. In degree-awarding education, individual courses may also be provided in other languages.

The maturity test, which is part of the thesis, is taken by the student in Finnish or Swedish, in accordance with the Decree on Universities of Applied Sciences. Students who have received their formal education outside of Finland or in a language other than Finnish or Swedish take the maturity test in the language of the degree programme they are completing.

The scope of a bachelor’s degree at Laurea is 210 credits, with the exception of the Bachelor of Health Care, Public Health Nurse, degree, in which the scope is 240 credits.

The scope of education leading to a master’s degree is 90 credits. The scope of an education organised in international cooperation may be 120.

The studies are assessed in accordance with the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), wherein one credit is equivalent to a student’s workload of approximately 27 hours, including all of the work required for the studies as hours. The average workload of 1,600 hours for one academic year of full-time studies equals 60 credits.

Section 2 Professional specialisation programmes, open university of applied sciences studies and other education

In addition to degree-awarding education, Laurea may also offer specialisation programmes, education containing elements of degree programmes as continuing education, open university of applied sciences instruction or other separate studies, as well as other continuing education. Laurea may also organise preparatory education for immigrants.

Section 3 Commissioned degree-awarding education

A University of Applied Sciences may organise arrange degree studies leading to a higher education degree for a group of students as commissioned education so that the education is ordered and financed by the State of Finland, another state, an international organisation or a Finnish or foreign public corporation, foundation or private entity.

The provisions of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act applicable to students participating in commissioned education are sections 25–27, 33–40 and 57–61. Education provided as commissioned education must be related to the education task specified in the university of applied sciences’ licence. Commissioned education must not weaken the basic or further education provided by the university of applied sciences.

The University of Applied Sciences must not organise commissioned education if it is apparent that the education is ordered for the purpose of enabling participants to avoid the student selection referred to in section 28 of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act.

The University of Applied Sciences shall charge the sponsor of the education a fee covering at least the costs incurred by organising the commissioned education. The sponsor has the right to charge fees from students participating in the commissioned education in accordance with the law of the state of location or its own practices. However, the sponsor may not charge fees from nationals of states belonging to the European Economic Area, nor from those equated with EU citizens under an agreement concluded between the European Union and another contracting party, nor from the family members of the aforementioned. The sponsor may also not charge fees from those who have been granted a European Union Blue Card, a continuous or permanent residence permit or an EU residence permit for a third-country national who has resided in the country for a long time under the Aliens Act (301/2004), nor from their family members. The definition of family member is governed by the Aliens Act.

Section 4 Curricula

The learning outcomes and the detailed structure of the programmes are described in Laurea’s curricula. Laurea’s competence-based curricula have been prepared taking into account the requirements of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the National Qualifications Framework (FiNQF). Laurea’s Management Team approves new curricula for degree programmes.

Laurea’s curricula consist of modules. Modules may be parto of the core competence or complementary competence studies. A module means a broader competence entity, the achievement of which a student can attain e.g. through courses or projects. A student may also apply for recognition of corresponding competence.

The degree progrograms leading to a bachelor’s degree consist of basic and professional studies (Laurea’s corestudies), elective studies (Laurea’s complementary studies), placement promoting professional skills and a thesis. The aims of the studies are that the graduate has:

1. extensive practical basic knowledge and skills as well as theoretical foundations for working in expert tasks in their field;
2. the ability to follow and promote the development of their professional field;
3. the ability for developing their own professional skills and for lifelong learning;
4. sufficient communication and language skills for tasks in their field as well as for international activity and cooperation (Decree 1129/2014, Sections 4 and 7).

Programmes leading to a a bachelor’s degree include work placement to foster professional competence, the scope of which is at least 30 credits (Decree 1129/2014, Section 3).

Programs leading to a master’s degree consist of advanced professional studies, elective studies and a thesis. The aims of the studies leading to a master’s degree are that the graduate has:

1. comprehensive and profound knowledge as well as the necessary theoretical knowledge to act as a developer in working life in demanding expert and managerial tasks;
2. a deep understanding of their own professional field, its place in working life and its societal significance, and the ability to monitor and analyse the development of research knowledge and professional practice in the field;
3. the prerequisites for lifelong learning and continuous development of their own professional competence;
4. good communication and language skills for tasks in their field as well as for international activity and cooperation (Decree 1129/2014, Section 5).

The implementation plan of a study includes the actual start and end dates of the study, campus, language of instruction, enrolment period, number of credits, learning outcomes, assessment criteria and methods, assessment targets, implementation method, workload of the study and mandatory literature as well as possible exam dates. At the beginning of each study the learning outcomes, schedules and assessment criteria and targets are reviewed together with the students.

Admissions (Sections 5 – 7) 

Section 5 Student admission and acceptance of the student place

The Management Team of Laurea decides the grounds for student selection on the proposal of Applicant Services. The Management Team also decides how many study places are reserved for applicants seeking their first higher education place. When selecting students for degree programmes and for master’s programmes, student selection is organised through the national joint application. Equality of applicants is considered in student selection. The joint application uses the student selection register referred to in the Act on National Registers of Study and Qualification Data (884/2017). Instead of the joint application, the university of applied sciences may use separate admissions when admitting:

1. students to education aimed at a limited target group, for which the university of applied sciences has separately defined the eligibility of applicants and which cannot be organised within the joint application timetable
2. students to education taught in a foreign language
3. students to Finnish-language education whose application is organised at the same time as the corresponding foreign-language education
4. transfer students
5. students on the basis of studies completed in open university of applied sciences
6. students to study places left unfilled in the joint application

The university of applied sciences may organise a separate flexible selection so that the decision concerning admission in the separate selection is made case-by-case and the selection ends when a sufficient number of students have been selected for the study place.

Laurea provides applicants aiming to study social services and health care with information on the health and functional capacity requirements. A person whose health or functional capacity is not sufficient for practical tasks or clinical placements related to the studies cannot be admitted as a student. A previous decision to cancel a study place may also be a reason for not admitting a student if it is required for protecting the health or safety of others. Laurea considers case-by-case whether a previous cancellation decision affects the field of study.

In degree education other than commissioned education, admission takes place in the StudyInfo system. Student selections are made in accordance with the selection criteria decided by Laurea’s Management Team.

An admitted applicant must accept the study place bindingly within the deadline stated in the acceptance notification or they will lose the study place. The student selection is conditional until original certificates have been checked unless the degree can be automatically confirmed from the national register of completions. If the applicant does not submit the requested certificates within the deadline or if the certificate check reveals that the applicant has provided incorrect information on the application form that affected admission, the student selection will be cancelled.

Those who have completed studies in the open university of applied sciences may apply to degree programmes via a separate admission. Applicants in the separate admission must have completed a sufficient number of suitable studies in the open university of applied sciences related to the degree applied for so that continuation of studies as a degree student at Laurea is possible. Detailed selection criteria and application times are defined in the selection criteria approved by the Management Team.

The decision on admission of a degree student in a separate selection is made by the Vice President (education) or a person appointed by them.

A decision on student selection may be appealed in writing to Laurea’s Management Team within 14 days of receipt of the decision.

Section 6 Admission as a transfer student

Laurea admits transfer students. A transfer student means a student admitted to studies leading to a higher education degree in Finland whose study entitlement is transferred from one higher education institution to another or within the institution. Transfer may be applied for to a programme at the same level either with the same degree title or with a different degree title. Internal transfers within the university of applied sciences are made through a separate application process. A transfer can be applied for after the first study term.

Transfer is possible if the student has progressed in their studies in a goal-oriented manner and the completed studies are applicable to the target degree in such a way that progress in the new group is ensured and graduation within the planned time is possible. Detailed selection criteria and application times are defined in the selection criteria approved by the Management Team.

A transfer student’s study entitlement at Laurea begins at the start of the academic year on 1 August. A transfer student cannot start their studies as absent.

When a student transfers in a transfer selection to another higher education institution, their study entitlement at the previous institution is recorded as ended at the end of the term on 31 July (or 31 December).
Students in commissioned education cannot apply for transfer within Laurea or to another higher education institution.

Section 7 Admission of commissioned education students

There are separate selection criteria for commissioned education approved by Laurea’s Management Team.

Students may be selected either directly to degree-awarding education or the selection criteria may require them to successfully complete pathway studies before admission to degree-awarding education.

Commissioned education students are selected through a separate selection and separate entrance examinations are arranged for them.

The selection of a commissioned education student is conditional until payments due under the payment schedule of the contract between Laurea and the sponsor have been paid, Laurea has approved the contract between the student and the sponsor and a sufficient number of students have started their studies.

Commissioned education students have a study place only in the group to which they were admitted.

Failure to pay the fees under the contract between the sponsor and the student will result in termination of studies. Disputes between the sponsor and the student are resolved according to the sponsor’s local dispute resolution procedure.

Registration and study entitlement (Sections 8 – 15) 

Section 8 Academic year

Laurea’s academic year begins on 1 August and ends on 31 July. It is possible to complete studies throughout the academic year.

Section 9 Registration for attendance or non-attendance

An admitted student who has declared that they accept the study place must enrol at the university of applied sciences in the manner prescribed by the university of applied sciences, after which they are registered as a student.

Each year the student must enrol as present or absent in the manner prescribed by the university of applied sciences (L932/2014 § 29). The student may change their previous enrolment for the academic year before it begins.

For a student liable to pay the tuition fee and for a commissioned education student the enrolment for the next academic year is valid only when the tuition fee for that academic year has been paid in full.

After accepting a study place, the student may enrol as absent if during the first academic year they

1. perform service under the Conscription Act (1438/2007), the Non-Military Service Act (1446/2007) or the Act on Voluntary National Service for Women (194/1995)
2. are on maternity, paternity or parental leave
3. are unable to commence their studies due to illness or injury.

One can enrol as absent at the start of studies only for the reasons stated above.

It should be noted when enrolling as absent that a student whose study entitlement period has expired cannot enrol as absent. A student who has enrolled as absent for an academic year may return to continue their studies by enrolling as present at the beginning of the spring term. No study attainments can be recorded in the student’s study record during the period of absence. If requested, the student may receive guidance on planning the progress of studies also during the period of absence.

The responsibility for continuing studies lies with the student. It is possible that studies or training corresponding to the absent student’s curriculum are no longer offered or are not provided every year.

Time spent absent due to military service, civilian service or voluntary military service for women, or due to maternity, paternity or parental leave is not counted towards the study completion time. Nor is other absence of up to two terms (voluntary absence), for which the student has enrolled as absent, counted towards the study completion time.
Commissioned education students do not have the right to be absent. Payments related to the study entitlement must be paid according to the payment schedule even if the student is absent from studies. While the student is absent, it is possible that studies corresponding to the student’s curriculum are no longer offered.

Section 10 Study entitlement period

The time to complete studies leading to a university of applied sciences degree is determined by the scope of the education.

The completion time for a degree of 210 credits is 3.5 years and for a degree of 240 credits 4 years. The completion time for a master’s degree of 90 credits is 1.5 years. A student who is not studying as commissioned education must complete their studies at the latest within a period equal to the scope of the studies plus one year, i.e. within the study entitlement period. The permitted absences referred to in section 7 extend the study entitlement period by the corresponding time.

A commissioned education student must complete their studies within a predetermined time.
Commissioned education students’ study entitlement always applies to the specific commissioned education group. If studies have been delayed for weighty reasons, such as the student’s illness, the study entitlement can be agreed case-by-case. This requires that the education in question is offered at Laurea and an equivalent commissioned education student group can be assigned to the student.

Section 11 Discretionary extension period

If the student does not complete their studies within the study entitlement period, they must apply for a discretionary extension period. Applications for a discretionary extension can be submitted during the period announced by the university of applied sciences. The student must present the exceptional reasons justifying the application. The student must attach to the application an implementable plan of the studies to be completed and a schedule for finishing their studies.

A study entitlement extension may be granted only if completion within the extension is realistic. An extension can generally be applied for only once and for a maximum of one year.

An extension is not granted if the student already has the required completions for the degree or if the extent of completed studies significantly exceeds the scope of the degree.

The decision to grant an extension is made by the Vice President (Education) or a person appointed by them.
An application processing fee in accordance with the government decree is charged for processing the application.

Discretionary extension for commissioned education students

A discretionary extension may be granted for justified reasons and if the student is able to graduate within the planned time. If a discretionary extension is granted to a commissioned education student, the fees applicable to the granted extension must be paid before resuming studies. An extension may be granted only for half a year at a time.

The decision to grant an extension is made by the Vice President (education) or a person appointed by them.

Section 12 Loss of study entitlement

a) Failure to fulfil enrolment obligation as grounds
A student who has neglected their enrolment obligation during the study entitlement period as present or absent forfeits their study entitlement. If such a student later wishes to start or resume studies, they must apply for study entitlement again from the university of applied sciences (L932/2014 § 32).

A student liable to pay the tuition fee is considered to have neglected their enrolment obligation if the tuition fee for the next academic year has not been paid.

b) Expiry of study entitlement period as grounds
A student who has not completed their studies within the study entitlement period and has not applied for a discretionary extension to complete their studies loses their study entitlement and is recorded as withdrawn.

If a student has not been granted a discretionary extension, their study entitlement is declared ended and the student is recorded as withdrawn.

c) Acceptance of a study place in another higher education institution in a transfer selection as grounds
A transfer student loses their previous study entitlement under section 32 of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act when they accept the new study entitlement. The new study entitlement begins on 1 August.

A transfer student loses their previous study entitlement at the end of the previous term on 31 July.
The study entitlement of a commissioned education student is agreed separately contractually between the sponsor and the student and between the sponsor and the university of applied sciences. Failure to pay fees related to commissioned education leads to termination of the contract between the sponsor and the university. Failure to pay fees between the student and the sponsor leads to the termination of the student’s study entitlement.

The decision on termination of a commissioned education student’s study entitlement due to unpaid fees is made by the university of applied sciences’ President. The decision-making procedure can be appealed to the Administrative Court of Helsinki within 30 days of notification of the decision. Disputes between the sponsor and the student are resolved according to the sponsor’s local dispute resolution procedure.

Section 13 Re-granted study entitlement

A student who has lost their study entitlement as referred to in subsections a and b of section 11 of these degree regulations may apply for study entitlement again. Study entitlement may be granted if the student has a realistic possibility to complete the remaining studies within a reasonable time. The decision to grant study entitlement is made by the Vice President (education) or a person appointed by them.

An application processing fee in accordance with the government decree is charged for processing the application.

For students liable to pay the tuition fee, re-granting of study entitlement requires payment of the tuition fee and the application processing fee in accordance with the government decree.

A student dissatisfied with the decision on re-granting study entitlement may request rectification from Laurea’s Management Team within 14 days of becoming aware of the decision. A decision of Laurea’s Management Team can be appealed to the Administrative Court of Helsinki within 30 days of notification of the decision.

Section 14 Cancellation and reinstatement of study entitlement in social services and health care

The university of applied sciences may cancel the study entitlement of a social services and health care student if the student, by endangering the health or safety of others, has proven unsuitable to perform practical tasks or placements related to the studies. Cancellation may also be based on the student having hidden a previous cancellation decision during the application phase or the student having been convicted of an offence that may prevent working with minors.

The decision to cancel or reinstate study entitlement is made by the Laurea Board. Before making a decision to cancel study entitlement, the necessary investigation must be obtained and the student must be given an opportunity to be heard. The university of applied sciences must investigate together with the student the possibilities of applying for or transferring to another programme of the university of applied sciences.

A cancelled study entitlement may be reinstated at the student’s request if the study entitlement was cancelled for reasons related to health or functional capacity and the applicant demonstrates that the reasons for cancellation have ceased.

A decision on cancellation and reinstatement may be appealed to the Legal Protection Board for Students within 14 days of notification of the decision and thereafter to the Administrative Court of Helsinki.

Section 15 Suspension of study entitlement

If a student refuses the health or functional capacity checks or examinations required by Laurea, their study entitlement may be suspended until they consent to the checks or examinations.

While health or functional capacity checks or examinations are pending, the student has no right to perform internships that include requirements concerning the safety of minors, patient or client safety, or traffic safety.
At Laurea’s request the student must present a criminal record extract if tasks in studies or placements essentially involve working with minors. If the student refuses to present a criminal record extract, their study entitlement may be suspended until they present the extract.

Completion of studies (Sections 16 -26)

Section 16 Student’s personal study plan

The student draws up their personal study plan (PSP) in accordance with their career goals within the structure of the degree and the limits determined by the programme’s curriculum.

The student has the right to complete studies leading to a university of applied sciences degree or a master’s degree in accordance with the programme and their personal study plan within the time allocated for the studies.

The student maintains their personal study plan and reviews it with their teacher tutor each semester.

The student has the right to receive guidance on drafting the study plan.

Practices and schedules related to the approval of PSPs are aligned when deciding the academic year’s timetable.

Section 17 Recognition and accreditation of prior learning

The student has the right to apply for recognition and accreditation of prior learning regardless of where, how and when the competence was acquired.

The student may apply for recognition and accreditation at any time during their studies.

Competence must be at the level required by the degree (AMK-tutkinnoissa EQF6 and YAMK-tutkinnoissa EQF7).

At Laurea recognition and accreditation of prior learning is implemented through two procedures:

• accreditation of prior learning (competence obtained in another higher education institution)
• demonstration of competence (competence obtained in other ways).

The initiative for recognition and accreditation of prior learning is taken by the student.

It is the student’s responsibility to demonstrate and document their competence.

The student has the right to receive guidance in recognising and accrediting their competence.

Accreditation of prior learning

Subject to the decision of the university of applied sciences, the student has the right to have studies completed at a domestic or foreign higher education institution or other educational institution accredited as part of their degree.

Accreditation of studies is done by substitution when studies completed elsewhere sufficiently correspond to the learning outcomes of the core competence modules and/or courses of the degree and the studies are at higher education level.

Accreditation through inclusion is used when studies completed elsewhere are included as part of the degree in the area of complementary competence studies.

In this case equivalence with Laurea’s curriculum is not required, but the studies must be at the level required by the degree (FiNQF level 6 for AMK degrees and level 7 for YAMK degrees).

The decision on accreditation is made by the Vice President (education) or a person appointed by them.

Demonstration of competence

In the demonstration of competence procedure the student identifies their own competence by comparing it to the learning outcomes and assessment criteria described in the curriculum.

Competence outside the curriculum is also identified and accredited in relation to the student’s personal, career-related higher education level competence goals.

The demonstration of competence is agreed either individually with the student or the method may already be defined depending on the programme or course.

The student’s competence is assessed jointly by the student and the teacher receiving the demonstration.

The same assessment criteria and generally the same grading scale are applied as in the corresponding course or module.

The teacher responsible for the course or another person appointed to the task recognises and credits the competence.

Section 18 Recognition of studies completed during international exchange

A student going on exchange abroad must make a written agreement on the studies to be completed before departure (Learning Agreement forms).

Studies completed abroad during the exchange are recognised on the basis of the transcript of records obtained.

An application for recognition of studies must be made within one month of receiving the certificate.

Section 19 Participation in teaching and guidance

Studies and the teaching included in them are organised as courses or project studies.

Studies must be organised so that students can complete their studies in an appropriate order, without interruption and efficiently.

The student has the right and obligation to participate in the programme’s courses or project studies so that the learning outcomes are achieved.

If a study requires mandatory attendance, it must be recorded and justified in the implementation plan of the study.

If a student does not intend to participate in an implementation for which they have been accepted, they must cancel their enrolment for the implementation with the responsible teacher before the study begins so that another student can take their place.

The student must be present at the first contact session or notify the responsible teacher of their absence to confirm their participation in the study.

Alternatively, the teacher may define another way for the student to confirm their participation in the implementation.

These actions may be required within one week of the start of the implementation.

The application of the above requires that the teacher informs the students accepted to the implementation of the practice and that the practice is described in the implementation plan of the study.

If the student is prevented from attending the first contact session for justified reasons or from activating themselves in studies as required by the teacher, they must contact the responsible teacher to agree on participation in the implementation.

Enrolment is rejected if the student does not notify their absence from the start of the study or if the reason for the absence cannot be considered justified.

Another student may be admitted in their place.

If prior competence has been defined for undertaking the course/project, the student must, if necessary, demonstrate this competence before the start of the course/project.

A Laurea student has the right to personal academic guidance throughout their studies.

A teacher tutor is appointed for each student at the beginning of the studies.

The personal teacher tutor supports the student’s study progress throughout the study path.

It is the student’s duty to participate in guidance and to take responsibility for the progress of their studies.

Section 20 Language proficiency

In studies included in a university of applied sciences degree or otherwise, the student must demonstrate that they have achieved

1. such proficiency in Finnish and Swedish as required for an office requiring a higher education degree in a bilingual area under the Act on the Language Requirements for Public Administration Staff (424/2003), and which is necessary for professional practice and professional development (497/2004), and
2. such written and oral proficiency in one or two foreign languages as is necessary for professional practice and professional development.

Degree regulations
12(17)

The provision in subsection 1 does not apply to a student who obtained their school education in a language other than Finnish or Swedish, nor to a student who obtained their school education abroad.

Such a student must at the start of their studies present evidence of having acquired their school education in a language other than Finnish or Swedish or abroad and submit an application for exemption regarding language proficiency.

The student’s language proficiency is recorded in the diploma.

For special reasons, the student may be exempted by decision of the university from part or all of the language requirements.

The student must complete a corresponding number of other agreed studies in place of the exemption.

Section 21 Enrolment in studies

The student must enrol for the implementation of the study during the enrolment period specified for the implementation.

Enrollment for individual projects is done according to their own schedules.

Only a student enrolled as present may register for studies (courses and projects).

Students are accepted to studies after the end of the enrolment period.

Order of enrolment does not generally determine selection.

Participation always requires that any prerequisite competences required by the curriculum are fulfilled.

Criteria for acceptance to studies are confirmed by the Vice President responsible for teaching.

Acceptance criteria for studies are published on the student intranet and, where necessary, on Laurea’s web pages.

In studies organised in inter-university cooperation, other selection methods than those confirmed by the Vice President responsible for teaching may be applied.

If there is space in the implementation, it may be opened for post-enrolment.

In post-enrolment enrolments are accepted in order of enrolment taking into account any prerequisite requirements.

The scope of a degree may be exceeded only in exceptional cases on the basis of an approved personal study plan (PSP) and provided that graduation is not delayed.

A student’s enrolment for studies may be rejected if all the studies required for the degree have already been completed.

Studies are not generally accredited beyond the scope of the degree.

A course or project may be cancelled if there are not enough enrolled students or if an insurmountable obstacle to organising the study arises.

The responsible teacher informs students of the cancellation of the implementation.

Commissioned education students do not, as a rule, enrol for studies.

Instructions on enrolment for studies are provided separately if necessary.

Section 22 Assessment of competence

Assessment of competence relates to the programme learning outcomes and competence level is assessed on the basis of the assessment criteria stated in the implementation plan of the study.

Courses and parts of implementations as well as projects are assessed on a five-point scale 1–5.

A course/project is failed (FAIL) if the student does not achieve the learning outcomes set for the study.

A course or part of an implementation and a project may also be assessed on a Pass/Fail (PASS/FAIL) scale if the nature of the implementation specifically requires it.

Assessment is primarily given numerically.

The assessment criteria for a course and a project are described in the implementation plan.

Practical training included in the degree is recorded as completed with the remark passed (PASS).

Assessment of competence acquired or to be acquired outside courses/projects may also target learning outcomes other than those described in Laurea’s curriculum.

In that case the student and the supervisor agree together on work-life relevant learning outcomes to be assessed.

The grade recorded for an accredited study is the grade the student previously received for their higher education studies.

If competence for a course is accredited on the basis of several previous studies, the grade recorded is PASS.

Each student admitted to a course or project has their competence assessed.

The teacher is responsible for ensuring that the performances to be assessed during the course or project are assessed no later than four weeks after the performance.

However, the foregoing must allow the responsible teacher to record the overall grades of the course or project in the study record no later than three weeks after the end of the implementation (cf. the actual end date of the study to be specified in the implementation plan of section 4), unless otherwise required by the teacher’s working time arrangements.

The teacher must inform students of their leave period or other working time arrangements if these affect the assessment time.

Assessments for the spring term must in all cases be recorded in the study record no later than the end of July of that year.

A student who does not complete a study within the deadline is recorded as failed (FAIL).

The date of completion is recorded as the date on which the student made the performance.

Results of assessments of study attainments are published in the student’s personal study plan in PAKKI.

The student is given an opportunity to inspect the assessed written or otherwise recorded study performance.

Written and otherwise recorded study performances must be retained for at least six months from the publication of the results (L932/2014 § 37).

The teacher may at their discretion return assessed performances after six months.

Passed study attainments are not removed from the study record, and numerical grades (1–5) cannot subsequently be changed, e.g. to passed.

Section 23 Request for rectification

If the student is dissatisfied with the assessment of their competence or the accreditation decision for studies completed elsewhere, they must request rectification orally or in writing from the teacher who made the assessment or from the person who made the decision on accreditation.

Rectification may be requested for the overall assessment of the study.

A request for rectification must be made within 14 days of the time when the student had the opportunity to obtain the results of the assessment and the application of the assessment criteria in their case, or when they received the decision on accreditation.

The teacher shall respond to the request for rectification within 14 days of receiving it.

A student dissatisfied with a decision made on the basis of the above-mentioned request for rectification may request rectification from Laurea Board of Examiners within 14 days of being notified of the decision (L932/2014, § 57).

A decision of the Board of Examiners cannot be appealed.

Possible problems related to the supervisory relationship between the student and the teacher are dealt with in discussions between the parties concerned.

If necessary, the student may contact the teacher’s supervisor.

Support for resolving the matter can also be sought from the head of the higher education unit or a person appointed by them.

Section 24 Retake of study attainment and raising the grade

A student who has not demonstrated competence at the required passing level in the assessment criteria must supplement or retake their performance in the manner and within the time specified by the course teacher.

In project studies the student must supplement the missing competence related to the project’s learning outcomes until the competence can be assessed as passed.

A retake or raising the grade is not possible for selection courses nor in situations where the student’s study entitlement has ended.

The course teacher defines where, on what schedule and how the performance can be retaken.

If the student does not obtain a passing assessment despite the opportunity to supplement their performance, they must retake the course in a way agreed with the teacher.

The student has the opportunity to raise the passed grade of a study/project/demonstration of competence once within six months of the assessment.

An attempt to raise a passed grade is focused on the competence that was considered deficient in the previous assessment and whose re-demonstration and reassessment may enable the grade to be raised.

Before attempting to raise a passed assessment, the student prepares a plan for demonstrating the missing competence with a schedule.

The plan may be refined by the teacher at the approval stage.

A grade raise does not apply to selection courses used as a basis for student selection for degree or pathway studies.

Raising a grade is always a new performance.

The old grade remains in the performance history and cannot be changed.

The better grade remains in force.

A student who has completed a passed study cannot participate in a new implementation of the same course.

The grade for a thesis that has been passed cannot be raised.

Section 25 Expiry of study attainments

Expiry of study attainments is assessed in relation to the learning outcomes set out in the curriculum.

Previously assessed competence may be required to be supplemented by a demonstration of competence if the demands of working life have changed significantly.

Section 26 Diploma

When all study attainments required for the degree have been entered in the register and the student has submitted a notice of graduation, Laurea issues the student a diploma and an annex listing the study attainments.

The diploma is issued in the language of instruction of the programme.

The diploma is signed electronically by the President or the Vice President.

A graduate from a Finnish-language programme/programme receives a Finnish-language diploma and an English translation of the diploma.

Graduates from an English-language programme/programme also receive a Finnish-language diploma.

The annex to the diploma shows the study attainments with their assessments.

Degree regulations
15(17)

Other possible annexes to Laurea’s diploma are decided by the Vice President (education).

Graduates are issued a Diploma Supplement intended for international use, which contains information about the university of applied sciences, the completed degree and the studies and study attainments included in it (Transcript of Records) as well as their level and position in the Finnish education system.

Other provisions (Sections 27 – 31)

Section 27 Information to students

Laurea informs its students of general matters related to studies via Laurea’s student intranet and newsletters.

Information related to individual courses and projects is communicated using a channel agreed with the teacher.

It is the student’s duty to follow these communication channels throughout their studies.

The student must ensure that their contact details are up to date throughout their studies.

Section 28 Accessible learning and operating environment

Laurea is committed to promoting accessible and equal study opportunities in accordance with the Non-Discrimination Act, the ethical guidelines, the Rules and regulations of Laurea University of Applied Sciences and Laurea’s accessibility, equality and non-discrimination plan.

These measures promote equality among members of the higher education community and the physical, psychological, social and pedagogical accessibility of functions and premises.

Accessibility and barrier-free practices are taken into account in communication, learning environments, interaction and teaching and guidance methods.

Section 29 Safety and order

The student has the right to a safe study environment.

The university of applied sciences may approve rules of order or issue other regulations that promote internal order, smooth progress of studies and the safety and comfort of the university community.

Each member of Laurea’s work and study community has the duty to contribute to the safety and attractiveness of the work and learning environment by following general safety instructions and principles of good conduct.

Rules and regulations of Laurea University of Applied Sciences

The rules of order apply to every member of Laurea and are applied in everyday activities of the higher education community.

The rules of order guarantee a safe study and work environment for members of the higher education community.

Good conduct

Disturbing, insulting or threatening behaviour is prohibited in all Laurea activities.

Inappropriate behaviour or treatment always leads to an internal intervention procedure, in which possible follow-up actions are defined.

All serious acts are reported to the police authorities.

Acts that violate another person’s privacy or harm Laurea’s reputation in study, work or online environments are always addressed.

Laurea members must comply with the rules of order as well as other instructions and rules issued concerning Laurea’s operations.

Degree regulations
16(17)

Sobriety and smoke-free environment

Laurea is a sober and smoke-free study and work environment.

Possession, use or appearing under the influence of intoxicants is prohibited in teaching and training situations.

Use of alcohol for intoxication is not permitted in activities of the higher education community.

Laurea adheres to a programme for sobriety.

Smoking is prohibited indoors and in the immediate vicinity of entrances in accordance with the Tobacco Act.

Cheating, plagiarism and inappropriate behaviour

Laurea applies the procedure guidelines of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity regarding good scientific practice and the handling of its violations.

Copying assignments, theses and other ready-made materials as one’s own work is prohibited and results in the failing of the study attainment.

A student who has committed cheating, disturbance of order or inappropriate behaviour may also be sanctioned with a written warning or temporary expulsion for a maximum of one year.

Before deciding on a sanction, the act or omission giving rise to the sanction must be specified, necessary investigations obtained and the student given an opportunity to be heard.

The decision on a written warning is made by the university President and the decision on temporary expulsion is made by the Laurea Board (L 932/2014, 39 §).

If a student is suspected of cheating, the performance or exam is interrupted.

The invigilator of the exam reports the suspicion to the teacher responsible for the exam and to the contact person appointed by the university.

Exam cheating always leads to failing the exam and loss of the attempt.

Section 30 Student union

Laurea University of Applied Sciences’ student union Laureamko is statutory and independent. Its purpose is to act as a bond between its members and to promote their social, civic and intellectual aims as well as matters related to studies and the student’s position in society.

The student union’s task is to prepare its members for active, informed and critical citizenship.

The student union’s special task is to elect student representatives to Laurea’s working and management groups.

Section 31 Entry into force of the degree regulations

These degree regulations come into force on 1.1.2024 and replace the previous degree regulations of Laurea.

DECISION ON AMENDING LAUREA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES’ LICENCE

ANNEX 1 DECISION ON AMENDING LAUREA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES’ LICENCE

GOVERNMENT

Decision to amend the university of applied sciences’ licence 13.1.2022 Dnro VN/24957/2021

Laurea University of Applied Sciences Ltd
Ratatie 22
01300 Vantaa

Application:

Laurea University of Applied Sciences Ltd has applied to amend the university of applied sciences’ licence granted on 11.12.2014 so that the educational responsibility would be expanded to include the social services and health care degree, kuntoutuksen ohjaaja (AMK)

Decision:

By virtue of section 7, subsection 4 of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act (932/2014), the Government has today decided to amend the licence of the university of applied sciences as of 1.8.2023 as follows:

Educational responsibility of the university of applied sciences

The university of applied sciences shall provide the following degrees and degree titles attached to them:

Bachelor’s degree in business administration

tradenomi (AMK)

With regard to the Bachelor’s degree in business administration and the degree title tradenomi (AMK), the educational responsibility is specified to the following fields: business administration, information processing, security sector

Bachelor’s degree in social services and health care

fysioterapeutti (AMK)
kuntoutuksen ohjaaja (AMK)
sairaanhoitaja (AMK)
sosionomi (AMK)
terveydenhoitaja (AMK)

Bachelor’s degree in beauty care

estenomi (AMK)

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management

restonomi (AMK)

Master’s degrees from universities of applied sciences and the attached degree titles that the university of applied sciences may award

Master’s degree in business administration

tradenomi (ylempi AMK)

Master’s degree in social services and health care

fysioterapeutti (ylempi AMK)
kuntoutuksen ohjaaja (ylempi AMK)
sairaanhoitaja (ylempi AMK)

DECISION ON AMENDING LAUREA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES’ LICENCE

sosionomi (ylempi AMK)
terveydenhoitaja (ylempi AMK)

Master’s degree in beauty care

estenomi (ylempi AMK)

Master’s degree in hospitality management

restonomi (ylempi AMK)