Degree Regulations of Humak University of Applied Sciences

1 GENERAL

1 § Degree regulations of Humak University of Applied Sciences 

Provisions on the educational mission of universities of applied sciences (UAS), their degrees, and the organisation of education are laid down in the Universities of Applied Sciences Act (932/2014) and the Government Decree on Universities of Applied Sciences (1129/2014). The educational responsibilities of Humak University of Applied Sciences (hereinafter Humak) are defined in the operating licence decision issued by the Finnish government.

These Degree Regulations specify the legislative definitions related to UAS studies. The Regulations specify the principles and key instructions for studies and teaching. The need for renewing the Degree Regulations is assessed on an annual basis. The decision on the renewal is made by Humak’s President, and the changes to the Degree Regulations are approved by Humak’s Board of Directors. In the event that the Degree Regulations are to be amended, Humak’s student union, HUMAKO, will be consulted on the matter.

2 § Degrees, degree programmes, and language of instruction

The degrees awarded by Humak are UAS-level Bachelor’s degrees (AMK) and Master’s degrees (YAMK). The studies leading to Bachelor’s degrees and Master’s degrees are arranged in the form of degree programmes. (Table 1, degree titles and completion times)

The scope of the degree programmes is 210 or 240 ECTS for Bachelor’s degrees and 60 or 90 ECTS for Master’s degrees. The President approves the related curricula.

The degree programmes are arranged in a manner that enables students to complete their studies within the time corresponding to the scope of the degree. To this effect, students are expected to attain 60 ECTS per academic year, or 30 ECTS per semester.

Degree scope	Degree title	Target completion time	Target completion time
60 ECTS	Kulttuurituottaja (ylempi AMK)  Master of Culture and Arts	1 year	2 years
90 ECTS	Yhteisöpedagogi (ylempi AMK) Master of Humanities  Tulkki (ylempi AMK) Master of Humanities	1,5 years	2,5 years
90 ECTS	Master of Humanities (EUMASLI)	2,5 years	3,5 years
210 ECTS	Yhteisöpedagogi (AMK)  Bachelor of Humanities	3,5 years	4,5 years
240 ECTS	Kulttuurituottaja (AMK) Bachelor of Culture and Arts  Tulkki (AMK) Bachelor of Humanities	4 years	5 years

Studies that lead to a Bachelor’s degree consist of basic and professional studies, optional studies, practical training that promotes professional skills, and a thesis. Studies that lead to a Master’s degree consist of advanced professional studies, optional studies, and a thesis. (Decree 1129/2014.) The smallest study module is a course, the scope of which is indicated in ECTS credits.

In addition, universities of applied sciences may provide education that does not lead to a degree, in accordance with the Universities of Applied Sciences Act (932/2014).

In addition, universities of applied sciences may provide education that does not lead to a degree, in accordance with the Universities of Applied Sciences Act (932/2014).

2 STUDENT SELECTION AND THE RIGHT TO STUDY

3 § Degree student admissions

As a rule, applications to Humak’s degree programmes are submitted through the joint application system, in accordance with the admission criteria decided by the President. A separate application process may be used instead of the joint application process in accordance with the exceptions specified in the Universities of Applied Sciences Act (932/2014, section 28 a). The right to study is established when an applicant accepts the study place offered in the Studyinfo service and registers as attending or non-attending. Student Services are responsible for the official tasks related to student admissions.

A person who has completed Humak’s path studies can apply for degree studies via a separate application process. The admission criteria for the separate application process are decided by the President, and the admission decision is made by the Chief of Education.

In accordance with the Universities of Applied Sciences Act (932/2014, section 26), Humak must inform applicants to the humanities and education fields about the requirements concerning their health and functional capacity. These requirements apply to both the application process and the actual study periods. As a rule, while matters related to a student’s state of health or functional capacity may not constitute obstacles to their admission, in the humanities and education fields, a person who is not able to perform the practical tasks or training related to their studies due to their state of health or functional capacity cannot be admitted as a student. In the humanities and education fields, a previous revocation of a study place or having a criminal record may also constitute obstacles to admission, if this is required for reasons related to the protection of the health and safety of others.

4 § Transfer students

The term “transfer student” refers to a degree programme student who transfers from one Finnish higher education institution to another or from one degree programme to another within the same higher education institution in a manner that will change the degree title that they will attain from their studies. If a student wishes to become a transfer student, they must submit the relevant application. The transfer process requires that the student be able to complete their degree within the required time limit. The admission of transfer students is always at the discretion of Humak.

The right of a transfer student to complete a degree is determined on the basis of the degree for which the right to study was granted in the transfer process. The time that the student has spent, whether registered as attending or non-attending, on studies within the study right which the transfer is based on is counted towards the duration of studies. When a transfer student accepts their new study right, they will forfeit the study right that the transfer was based on (Act 932/2014). A student may apply to become a transfer student after their first semester at the earliest. The decision to admit transfer students is made by the Chief of Education. The President decides on the criteria for transfer applications.

5 § Verifying the certificates used in student admissions

The certificates submitted as part of the application process will be verified for all admitted students. The study place is conditional until all degree certificates, certificate grades, and possible work experience included in the application have been verified. Humak may cancel a student admission if the applicant has not submitted the required certificates within the specified deadline or if the applicant has provided false information about their qualifications, grades, or work experience. The decision on the cancellation of student admissions is made by the Chief of Education.

6 § Review of a student admission decision

Applicants who are dissatisfied with their student admission decision may request a review of the decision in writing within 14 days of the publication of the admission results.

7 § Changing the location or focus of a degree

For a compelling reason, the Head of Education of a Unit may, at the student’s request, allow the student to transfer from one location to another or from one degree focus to another within the same degree, provided that there is room in the study group. This transfer may take place after the first year of attendance at the earliest.

8 § Registration for the academic year

Admitted students must register as attending or non-attending for each academic year, in the manner and within the period specified by the UAS. Registration is conducted for one semester or the entire academic year, provided that the student’s right to study covers the entire registration period. This registration obligation applies to all degree programme students. Students must also register as attending during periods of practical training (internship) and exchange studies. If a student does not register for the academic year, they will lose their right to study and be recorded as having resigned without a separate decision due to their failure to register.

9 § Right to register as non-attending

A student may register as non-attending for a maximum of one academic year (two semesters) during their studies. During their first academic year, a student may only register as non-attending for a statutory reason, which must be verified with official documents during the registration period. If the documents are insufficient or they are not submitted during the registration period, the student will be marked as attending. A student who registers as non-attending during their first year may have to begin their studies at another location, as the study implementation locations can vary from year to year. Humak is not liable for any transfer-related costs.

Periods of non-attendance do not count towards the maximum duration of a student’s studies. When a student is non-attending, they do not have the right to complete studies, receive guidance, or record attainments in the study register, nor are they entitled to any social benefits for students.

If a student is non-attending for reasons related to the Conscription Act, the Non-Military Service Act, or the Act on Voluntary National Service for Women, or a leave related to the birth or adoption of a child, this period of absence will not count towards the maximum duration of their studies.

As a rule, students in specialisation training or other non-degree education are not entitled to any right of non-attendance. However, the Chief of Education may, for a justified reason, grant a leave of absence if permitted by the relevant teaching arrangements.

10 § Loss and restoration of the right to study

Failing to comply with the registration obligation will result in the loss of the right to study without a separate decision. If the right to study is not granted retroactively for the neglected semester, the semester will count towards the student’s remaining periods of permitted non-attendance or, if these have already been exhausted, the maximum duration of the student’s right to study.

The student must apply for the restoration of their right to study within the calculated period of the right to study. The decision is made by the Student Services Planner. A fee will be charged for processing the application, in accordance with Decree 1440/2014.

11 § Discretionary extension

The student’s right to study ends once they have exhausted the maximum study duration granted to them. Upon application, the student may be granted a discretionary extension to their right to study. The student must submit the application during their right to study period. The prerequisite for granting an extension is that the student has no more than 60 ECTS of incomplete studies in a Bachelor’s degree programme or 30 ECTS in a Master’s degree programme. The student must present justified reasons for the lack of progress in their studies and a feasible plan for completing them. Instructions on applying for a discretionary extension and the grounds for decision-making are provided in a separate guideline. The decision on granting discretionary extension to the right to study is made by the Head of Administration. A fee will be charged for processing the application, in accordance with Decree 1440/2014. A student may request an administrative review of a decision on a discretionary extension of the right to study. The request must be submitted in writing to Humak’s President within 14 days of notification of the decision.

If the student does not complete their studies during the discretionary extension period, their right to study will end. In this case, the student may apply for a new right to study to complete their studies.

12 § Re-granted right to study for the completion of a degree

After their previous right to study has ended, a person who has studied at Humak may apply for a new fixed-term right to study in order to complete their unfinished studies.

The President decides on the grounds for re-granting the right to study. The decision on granting a fixed-term right to study is made by the Chief of Education. If the application is approved, the right to study is usually granted from the beginning of the semester following the application period. The student will be charged a fee for the processing of the application, in accordance with Decree 1440/2014. A student who has been re-granted the right to study is not eligible for discretionary extensions or leaves of absence.

13 § Open UAS studies

The Open UAS offers educational opportunities for everyone. Students are admitted to Open UAS courses according to the order of registration. The courses may include requirements for previously completed studies. The right to study is granted when the student has paid the course fee. Humak degree students who have registered as attending are not granted the right to study at the Open UAS.

The fees for Open UAS studies are laid down in Government Decree 1440/2014. Open UAS studies may also be organised as path studies, which allow students to apply for degree programmes through a separate application process.

14 § Tuition fee liability and the right to study

The same procedures related to the duration of the right to study and the right to non-attendance also apply to students who are liable to pay tuition fees. If a student wishes to register as non-attending, they will not be liable to pay the tuition fee. The rules on registering as non-attending during the first academic year also apply to students who are liable to pay tuition fees. A tuition fee-paying student may apply for a discretionary extension, in which case they will also pay the fee for these semesters. An accepted applicant must first accept the study place in Studyinfo and pay the tuition fee before they may register as attending. The student admission remains conditional until the tuition fee has been paid in full. The authenticity of the applicant’s documents (degree certificate, residence permit, and identification) is verified at the beginning of their studies.

Further provisions on tuition fees are laid down in the instructions approved by the President.

15 § Consequences of neglecting the tuition payment obligation for the right to study

If a student who is liable to pay tuition fees does not pay the tuition fee by the deadline specified by Humak and does not register as non-attending (which, in the case of first-year students, is possible only for the aforementioned statutory reasons), the student will be deemed to have neglected to register and will lose their right to study. The prerequisite for restoring the right to study is the payment of the tuition fee as well as the Government Decree-based application processing fee. The payment obligation applies to all semesters during which the student is registered as attending (including any exchange studies and practical training periods). If the student loses their right to study, the Finnish Immigration Service will be notified of this fact.

16 § Transfer students or students who have been re-granted the right to study and the tuition payment obligation

If the original right to study on which the transfer was based began in a degree programme in which the student was not liable to pay tuition fees, the student will not become liable to pay tuition fees after the transfer. A student who is re-granted the right to study at the same UAS where their tuition fee-exempt studies were interrupted will not be required to pay tuition fees.

3 TEACHING AND STUDIES

17 § Study objectives

The aim of UAS studies that lead to a Bachelor’s degree is to provide students with the skills required for expert-level professional tasks and self-development in accordance with the Government Decree on Universities of Applied Sciences (1129/2014).

The aim of UAS studies that lead to a Master’s degree is to provide students with the skills required for working in demanding expert-level and managerial tasks in their respective fields, in accordance with the Government Decree on Universities of Applied Sciences (1129/2014).

18 § Curriculum and the Personal Study Plan

Students are expected to complete their studies in accordance with the curriculum in force in the year they began their studies, unless the curriculum is amended during their studies. Each student prepares a Personal Study Plan (PSP), which is updated in guidance discussions between the student and their PSP coach.

Students may include studies corresponding to the level of their degree (UAS Bachelor’s or Master’s degree) in their degree, up to the maximum number of ECTS credits permitted for the degree.

Students are informed of matters related to their studies through electronic communication channels. Students are obliged to actively monitor these information channels throughout their studies. Email communications are sent via Humak’s humak.fi domain. Students must ensure that their contact information in the study register remains up to date.

19 § Thesis and maturity test

The purpose of the thesis is to develop and demonstrate the student’s ability to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical expert assignment that is related to their professional studies. This requirement is demonstrated by arranging the thesis as a working life-oriented development task. The aim of the master’s thesis is to develop and demonstrate the student’s ability to apply research data and use their chosen methods to identify and solve problems in working life, while also developing and demonstrating their readiness for demanding independent expert work.

As part of their degree, students are required to complete a maturity test related to the field of their thesis, to demonstrate their familiarity with the field as well as their linguistic skills in Finnish or Swedish (Decree 1129/2014). The language of the maturity test is determined by the student’s prior language of education, i.e. the language in which the student received their education at comprehensive school or general upper secondary school, and for which they have received a passing grade in their school-leaving certificate (Finnish or Swedish as their native language). Students who have received their school education in a language other than Finnish or Swedish will write their maturity test in the language specified in the curriculum.

20 § Practical training in UAS degree programmes

The purpose of practical training (internships) in UAS degree programmes is to develop and demonstrate the student’s ability to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical expert assignment that is related to their professional studies. A separate practical training agreement is drawn up for the practical training period to define the specific arrangements and goals of the practical training.

The scope of practical training periods in UAS degree programmes is at least 30 ECTS (Decree 1129/2014).

21 § Optional studies

The scope of optional studies is specified in the curriculum of each degree programme. Optional studies can be chosen from the degree programmes offered by the student’s own university of applied sciences, or from the selection available at other higher education institutions.

22 § Language proficiency

According to the Government Decree on Universities of Applied Sciences (1129/2014, section 7), students must demonstrate that they have attained a level of language proficiency that meets the demands of working life and the requirements of the Act on the Knowledge of Languages Required of Personnel in Public Bodies (424/2003). This language proficiency requirement does not apply to students who have been educated in a language other than Finnish or Swedish or those educated abroad. The language proficiency demonstrated by the student is indicated in the degree certificate.

For a special reason, Humak may exempt a student from the language proficiency requirements in part or in full. The Chief of Education decides on the exemption from language proficiency requirements based on a proposal submitted by the responsible language Senior Lecturer. The exempted student must complete a corresponding number of ECTS credits in other language or communication studies.

23 § Course registration

Students must register for courses in accordance with Humak’s instructions. In course registrations, priority is given to students whose curriculum includes the course in question, after which other students are admitted to the course in the order of registration.

24 § Accreditation of studies and the RPL procedure

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process allows students to apply for the recognition and accreditation of previously acquired knowledge and skills. The previously acquired competence must correspond to the degree programme’s learning objectives.

Accreditation is granted either by replacing study units included in the degree with previously acquired competence or by including previously acquired competence in the degree. To qualify for accreditation, the higher education studies must correspond to the level of the degree and have been completed within the past 10 years.

The procedures and decision-making used in the accreditation process are described in a separate Humak RPL guideline.

Under the Universities of Applied Sciences Act (932/2014), a student who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the RPL process may request a review of the decision, either orally or in writing, from the responsible Senior Lecturer. The request for review concerning accreditation must be submitted within 14 days of receiving the accreditation decision. A student who is dissatisfied with the decision made on the basis of the review request may request a review from Humak’s Board of Examiners within 14 days of receiving the decision.

4 STUDY ATTAINMENTS AND THEIR ASSESSMENT

25 § Degree programmes

At Humak, students are provided with both qualitative and numerical assessment and feedback. Verbal (written, spoken, or signed) assessment can be used alongside numerical assessment. The curriculum describes the assessment methods and criteria for each course.

Courses assessed on a numerical scale, as well as the thesis, are graded on a scale of 5–0 with four performance levels: excellent (5), good (3–4), satisfactory (1–2), and fail (0). Course grades may also be awarded using the verbal grades “pass” and “fail”. Language proficiency in the student’s second national language is graded on a scale of good (4–5) and satisfactory (1–3). In the assessment of language courses, the verbal grade “participated” is used for students who have actively participated in teaching but have been exempted from language proficiency requirements.

The thesis is assessed with both a numerical grade as well as a written statement.

Courses must be completed during the implementation period indicated in Peppi. For special reasons, the responsible Senior Lecturer may grant the student a supplementary extension until the end of the academic year at the latest. If the student fails to complete the required supplementary studies during the academic year, the student must register for the course in the following academic year.

After a grade has been recorded in the study register (Peppi), the student may improve it once, subject to the following restrictions. If the grading of the course was based on a completion method whose assessment cannot be repeated (e.g. a pair, group, or work-based assignment), the student will not be given the opportunity to improve their grade. The grade of the thesis cannot be improved.

The course assessment must be issued no later than four weeks after the course has ended, or according to another agreed-upon schedule, provided that the student has completed the coursework on time.

According to the Universities of Applied Sciences Act (932/2014), a student who is dissatisfied with the grade of their study attainment may request a review, either orally or in writing, from the Senior Lecturer who graded the attainment. The request for review concerning the grading of a study attainment must be submitted within 14 days of the date on which the student first had the opportunity to be informed of the results of their grading and the application of the grading criteria on their performance. A student who is dissatisfied with the decision made on the basis of the review request may request a review from the Board of Examiners within 14 days of receiving the decision.

26 § Board of Examiners

The purpose of Humak’s Board of Examiners is to process requests for the review of study attainments. The provisions on the Board of Examiners and its composition and duties are laid down in the Universities of Applied Sciences Act (932/2014, section 19). The Board of Examiners is chaired by a Principal lecturer or Senior Lecturer and has one Senior Lecturer and one student as its members. The chair and the members are each appointed a personal deputy. The term of the Board of Examiners’ chair and Senior Lecturer member is two years, while the term of the student member is one year. The members of the Board of Examiners are appointed by Humak’s Board of Directors for each term. The student representative is appointed on the basis of the Student Union’s proposal.

The duties of the Board of Examiners are specified in the Board of Examiners’ Guidelines, which are approved by the President.

27 § Degree certificate

Degree students who complete a Finnish-language degree programme are issued a degree certificate in Finnish, together with a transcript of records in Finnish and English as well as a Diploma Supplement in English for international use. Students who complete an English-language degree programme are issued a degree certificate in both Finnish and English, together with a transcript of records in English and a Diploma Supplement in English for international use.

A student may apply for a degree certificate once they have completed all required studies, their study attainments have been recorded in the study register, and their thesis has been published in Theseus. The application for a degree certificate must be submitted while the student is registered as attending and their right to study is still valid. The date on which the degree certificate application is submitted is recorded as the student’s graduation date.

Open UAS students and students participating in international student or practical training (internship) exchanges are issued a transcript of records for the studies they have completed.

5 OTHER REGULATIONS

28 § Academic misconduct

Academic misconduct refers to dishonest actions, whether intentional or due to negligence, by which a student seeks to gain an unfair advantage for themselves or another student in study-related performances. Academic misconduct includes violating examination instructions, plagiarising a learning assignment, copying another student’s learning assignment, having another person complete a learning assignment, or using artificial intelligence (AI) in a manner that contradicts the instructions issued by Humak or the course Senior Lecturer.

If a student engages in academic misconduct, their Senior Lecturer has the right to fail the study attainment in its entirety. Humak’s ethical guidelines contain separate instructions for handling cases of academic misconduct. In cases of misconduct relating to a thesis, the Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (RI) of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK) will apply.

The joint UAS entrance examinations comply with the instructions issued by the student admission consortium. In Humak’s own entrance examinations, an applicant may be removed from the examination room, and their examination performance may be rejected.

29 § Disciplinary procedure and safety

Students who engage in misconduct or otherwise violate Humak’s rules and regulations will be subject to sections 38 and 39 of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act (932/2014).

A student may be issued a written warning if they:

1. disrupt teaching;
2. behave violently or in a threatening manner;
3. engage in misconduct or otherwise violate Humak’s rules and regulations;
4. refuse to present a drug test certificate, as referred to in section 36 of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act; or
5. have, on the basis of an account referred to in section 36 of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act, used narcotics for other than medical purposes in a manner that has impaired their functional capacity.

If the student’s deed or negligence is serious in nature, or if the student continues to engage in the type of inappropriate behaviour outlined in subsection 1 after having already been issued a written warning, they may be suspended from Humak for a fixed period of up to one year.

The decision to issue a written warning to a student is made by Humak’s President, while Humak’s Board of Directors decides on the suspension of a student for a fixed term. Before any such decision can be made, the deed or negligence resulting in the disciplinary measure must be specified and a relevant investigation carried out, and the student must be given an opportunity to be heard in the matter.

Students must comply with the instructions and rules issued by Humak. A student who disrupts teaching, behaves in an offensive, violent or threatening manner, or endangers the life or health of others may be ordered to leave the premises or event where the teaching takes place. Any inappropriate behaviour, actions that violate the privacy of others, or deeds that damage Humak’s reputation will always be addressed. All serious incidents will be reported to the police.

A student may be denied access to teaching for a maximum of three working days by the Chief of Education if there is a risk that the safety of another student or a person working at Humak or another teaching facility will be compromised due to the student’s violent or threatening behaviour, or if the teaching or other related activities will be unreasonably hindered by the student’s disruptive behaviour.

If a student refuses to undergo the examinations and tests referred to in section 34, subsection 1 of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act, they may be suspended from their studies until they agree to the necessary examinations and tests. If a student refuses to provide an extract from their criminal record, as provided in section 34, subsection 4 of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act, they may be suspended from their studies until they provide the extract for inspection.

In situations referred to in section 38, subsection 3 of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act, the President and the Senior Lecturer, as well as the instructor at the practical training location, may act together or separately, and the measures taken must be recorded. The Board of Directors makes the decision referred to in section 38, subsection 4 of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act.

When a decision is made on a student’s fixed-term suspension or the revocation of their right to study, a decision must also be made on the enforcement of the decision without legal force and the date on which the enforcement will begin.

30 § Revocation and restoration of the right to study in the humanities and education fields

Under section 33 of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act (932/2014), a student’s right to study in humanities and education degree programmes at a university of applied sciences may, as a measure of last resort, be revoked. If the right to study has been revoked due to health or functional capacity concerns, and the student demonstrates that the grounds for the revocation no longer exist, the right to study may be restored upon the student’s application. The grounds for revoking and restoring the right to study, the process itself, and the responsibilities and procedures related to the processing, disclosure, and storage of the related sensitive information are described in Humak’s instructions for revoking and restoring the right to study, which are approved by the President.

Humak’s Board of Directors decides on the revocation and restoration of the right to study on the proposal of the President. The decision on the revocation and restoration of the right to study may be appealed to the national Students’ Legal Protection Board within 14 days of receipt of the decision and, if necessary, subsequently to the Helsinki Administrative Court.

31 § Review procedure and appeals

Provisions on the review procedure and appeals are laid down in the Universities of Applied Sciences Act (932/2014) and the Act on the Students’ Legal Protection Board (956/2011).

32 § Transitional and entry into force provisions of the Degree Regulations

Humak’s Degree Regulations were approved at the meeting of Humak’s Board of Directors on 17 May 2005 and subsequently on 17 September 2007, 8 September 2010, 4 June 2012, 11 December 2013, 31 August 2015, 14 December 2015 and 22 February 2017, 1 March 2017, 28 August 2018, 11 December 2019, 15 December 2020, 15 June 2023, 24 August 2023, 8 February 2024, 13 December 2024, 23 April 2026, and will enter into force on 1 August 2026.