The procedures for the recognition and accreditation of prior learning are Recognition of prior studies and Demonstration of competence.
What does it require?
Recognition of prior learning is always about acquiring new competence. It is therefore an alternative way to study. Recognition of prior learning learning means that you systematically gain competencies required for your degree by working. Through recognition of prior learning, you can advance your professional development, accelerate the progress of your studies, and complete your qualification more quickly.
The work that can be recognized can take place
- in the private or public sector
- in non-profit or association activities
- in voluntary work
- in your own or a company under development
- in a project
- in other activities where you can acquire new competence corresponding to your degree
What can you recognize?
You can recognize both core competence and complementary competence, if the competences acquired at work correspond to the degree’s learning outcomes.
What does recognition of prior learning from work require of you?
Recognition of prior learning from work requires initiative, self-direction and negotiation skills. It is important that you can perceive the targeted competence as a whole.
You can consciously develop your competence according to your career goals. Familiarize yourself with your curriculum and consider what kinds of competences the curriculum includes that you could achieve and develop in your own work. If necessary, the learning objectives can also be defined individually as a personal study.
How do you proceed with recognizing prior learning from work?
Read the degree-specific instructions below on how to proceed with recognizing prior learning from work.
Recognizing prior learning in Finnish-language Bachelor´s degree programmes (excluding health care fields)
There is a dedicated workspace for recognizing prior learning on Canvas, where you will find more detailed instructions on how to proceed. The workspace is available in Finnish-language Bachelor’s degree programmes, excluding health care fields. A plan for recognizing prior learning submitted to the workspace and confirmed together with your supervisor is a precondition for initiating the recognition process. Click the link below and select “enrol in course”.
Recognition of prior learning in the bachelor’s degrees for registered nurses and public health nurses
If you perform registered nurse / public health nurse duties in employment, you can recognize your work as part of your bachelor’s degree. You may perform nurse / public health nurse tasks if you have completed two-thirds of the nursing degree. In practice this means that recognition is possible from placement 4 onwards. The employer decides whether to employ you in tasks that require an bachelor’s degree and will conclude an employment contract with you.
How to proceed
Start
For questions related to the recognition of work, first contact your teacher tutor, the teacher responsible for the placement period or the placement coordinator.
Agreeing with the teacher and the employer
Contact the teacher responsible for placement coordination, who will assess the suitability of your work for recognition.
Negotiate with your employer about the recognition and agree on the work tasks.
The employer will appoint a supervisor who holds the professional qualifications of a registered nurse / public health nurse (mentor/induction supervisor), who together with their team is responsible for ensuring that you receive guidance in line with the competence objectives. (More information on Valvira’s website).
Learning agreement
Notify the teacher responsible for the placement at your workplace of your recognition or, in Workseed, follow campus practices.
A supervising teacher will be assigned to you.
On the learning agreement, describe background information about your employment and your starting level, and set competence objectives. Attach your employment contract. The start of the recognition requires that the supervising teacher approves your learning agreement.
Familiarize yourself with the task that belongs to the placement. If you have already carried out the task, you do not need to do it again. In supplementary placements you complete the task in accordance with the instructions for the “Multiform Expertise 2” course (the so-called old curriculum, for those who started before autumn 2021).
Performing the work
Proceed with your work tasks and document your competence in the agreed manner.
Documentation and assessment of recognized learning
Attach to the learning agreement form:
o Your assessment of how your competence has developed in relation to the objectives you set.
o A qualitative certificate of employment or written feedback from the supervisor/mentor.
o Copies of work rosters signed by your manager or a document signed by them that records the total number of hours worked during the placement.
o Submit the placement task.
Have an assessment discussion with your supervising teacher about how your competence has developed in relation to the objectives set.
A failed placement cannot be repeated as recognized work.
Master’s degree and pathway students
For questions related to recognition of prior learning from work, contact the responsible teacher of your degree programme.