Education

Theory and Practice in Balance

The Finnish higher education system consists of two sectors: universities and universities of applied sciences (formerly known as polytechnics). The universities of applied sciences are more practically oriented; they educate professionals for expert and development tasks. There are 30 universities of applied sciences in Finland; most of them are multi-field, regional institutions that emphasise contacts with business and industry. Universities of applied sciences are a part of the national and international higher education community, with a special emphasis on expertise in working life and its development. The Universities of applied sciences also carry out research and development activities relevant to their teaching as well as industry and commerce.

The basic degree in universities of applied sciences degree is a higher education degree (Bachelor), a first-cycle degree comprising 210 to 270 ECTS credits, depending on the field of study. Completing the degree takes three and a half to four and a half years of full-time study. In all fields, the curriculum comprises basic and professional studies, free-choice studies, a practical training and a Bachelor's Thesis.

A postgraduate degree programme in a university of applied sciences (a second-cycle degree) comprises 60 to 90 ECTS credits depending on the field of study in which the first degree is taken. It leads to a new type of Master's degree.

Oulu University of Applied Sciences has 30 degree programmes, of which three are taught entirely in English:

DEGREE PROGRAMMES INSTRUCTED IN ENGLISH

Bachelor Degree Programmes

Degree Programme in Business Information Technology, Oulu
Degree Programme in Information Technology, Raahe
Degree Programme in International Business, Oulu

Master Degree Programmes

Degree Programme in Industrial Management
Degree Programme in Information Technology

Please see Guide for Applicants for further information on admission.

DEGREE PROGRAMMES INSTRUCTED IN FINNISH

SOCIAL SCIENCES, BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATION
Degree Programme in Business Economics, Oulu and Raahe
Degree Programme in Business Administration, Oulu

CULTURE
Degree Programme in Library and Information Services
Degree Programme in Music
Degree Programme in Communication
Degree Programme in Dance Teacher Education

SOCIAL SERVICES, HEALTH AND SPORTS
Degree Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Technology
Degree Programme in Dental Health Care
Degree Programme in Emergency Nursing
Degree Programme in Nursing and Health Care
- Option of Nursing, Oulu and Oulainen
- Option of Preventive Health Care, Oulu
- Option of Midwifery, Oulu
Degree Programme in Occupational Therapy
Degree Programme in Optometry
Degree Programme in Physiotherapy
Degree Programme in Radiography and Radiation Therapy
Degree Programme in Rehabilitation Counselling
Degree Programme in Social Services

NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Degree Programme in Agricultural and Rural Industries
Degree Programme in Horticulture
Degree Programme in Landscape Planning

NATURAL SCIENCES
Degree Programme in Business Information Systems, Oulu and Raahe

TECHNOLOGY, COMMUNICATION AND TRANSPORT
Degree Programme in Automation Engineering
Degree Programme in Building Services
Degree Programme in Civil Engineering
Degree Programme in Information Technology and Telecommunications, Oulu and Raahe
Degree Programme in Laboratory Sciences
Degree Programme in Mechanical and Production Engineering, Oulu and Raahe
Degree Programme in Medical Engineering

MASTER PROGRAMMES INSTRUCTED IN FINNISH

Oulu University of Applied Sciences offers the following two Master programmes Degree Programme in Civil Engineering and Programme in Health Promotion. They lead to a new type of Finnish Master Degree which comprises 60 to 90 credits depending on the field of study in which the first degree is taken.

In accordance with the decision of the Ministry of Education the following Master Programmes can be started in 2008.

– Degree Programme in Rehabilitation
– Degree Programme in Rural Development
– Degree Programme in Civil Engineering
– Degree Programme in Development and Management of Health and Social Care
– Degree Programme in Entrepreneurship and Business Competence
– Degree Programme in Health Promotion