2-2 1/2 YEAR ACADEMY PROFESSION (AP) PROGRAMMES

The Academy Profession programmes offer professionally-orientated short-cycle degree programmes usually corresponding to 120 ECTS. The programmes prepare students for performing practical, vocational tasks on an analytical basis and can qualify students for employment in middle-management positions. The programmes combine theoretical studies with a practice-oriented approach in the form of work placements. Academy profession graduates can in some cases obtain a professional bachelor’s degree within the same feld of study through a top-up programme corresponding to 90 ECTS. These programmes are ofered at the business academies. Maritime training institutions ofer programmes at academy profession level, corresponding to 120 ECTS as a top-up programme for vocational maritime training.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGES

BUSINESS ACADEMIES

Main characteristics (AP)

• 2 years (120 ECTS credits)
• Applied learning and professional skills
• Collaboration with business and industry
• Work placements

3 1/2-4 1/2 YEAR PROFESSIONAL BACHELOR'S PROGRAMMES

Professionally-oriented degree programmes at bachelor level typically corresponding to 210 ECTS are ofered in felds such as business, education, nursing, engineering and maritime transport. The programmes are focused on professional practice and provide students with theoretical knowledge and its application to professions and industries. The programmes include a period of work placement corresponding to at least 30 ECTS. Most programmes provide access to further education in the same field. The professional bachelor’s programmes are provided primarily by university colleges but also by business academies, universities and maritime institutions.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGES

SCHOOLS OF MARITIME EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Main characteristics (Prof. BA)

• 3 to 4½ years (180-270 ECTS credits)
• Oriented towards specific professions
• Theory and practice in one programme

3-YEAR BACHELOR'S PROGRAMMES

The university Bachelor’s programme (BSc/BA)  is research-based and provides students with a broad academic foundation as well as specialised knowledge. The programmes qualify students to enter the labour market and further studies at master level. 

UNIVERSITIES

ARTISTIC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Main characteristics (BA)

• 3 years (180 ECTS credits)
• Research-based education
• Predominantly theoretical
• Preparation for postgraduate study

2-YEAR CANDIDATUS/MASTER'S PROGRAMMES

The Candidatus/Master’s programme is research-based and gives students a theoretical knowledge combined with the ability to apply this practically. These programmes usually include one or two of the major fields of study in the bachelor’s progarmme. Independent research activities and master’s thesis corresponding to at least 30 ECTS are required.Upon completion of the pro­gramme, students can enter the labour market or undertake further studies (PhD).

Since 2021, universities have also been able to offer a one-year research based academic postgraduate programme as a new type of ordinary full time master’s study programme (60 ECTS)

UNIVERSITIES

ARTISTIC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Main characteristics (MA)

• 2 years (120 ECTS credits)
• Research-based
• Career oriented

3-YEAR PHD PROGRAMMES

The PhD programme is research-based and contains independent research, teaching, par­ticipation in research networks and often placements at other, primarily foreign, research institutions. The PhD programme holds various opportunities for financial support.
Please note the possibility for more flexible PhD programmes at individual universities.

UNIVERSITIES

ARTISTIC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Main characteristics (PHD)

• 3 years (180 ECTS credits)
• Research
• Teaching required
• Opportunities for financial support