Studies at University of Oulu 2012-2013
The University of Oulu offers study opportunities with a solid academic foundation ranging from 5-6 year degree programmes and master’s programmes to doctoral training. There are also several possibilities such as open university studies, executive training and continuing education for developing and maintaining skills and competencies.
In addition to a variety of student exchange programmes, international master’s degree programmes in English are offered in six fields of study, making the university an international study environment.
5-6 Year Degree Programmes
MA, Major Subject Nordic Philology (Subject Teacher Education)
Studying Nordic Philology in the University of Oulu translates to a variety of studies in Swedish language and culture, taught in Swedish. In addition to Swedish studies our selection of courses includes a study package in Icelandic.
Studies in Nordic Philology cover core skills required in the subject: language use, language structure, as well as language in relation to culture (i.e. Swedish Literature, Swedish and Fenno-Swedish culture, business culture). As studies progress the emphasis of teaching shifts to enhancing a student’s abilities in, and understanding of, the various disciplines within the subject, such as Communication Science, Language Pedagogics, Translation Studies, Literature, Sociolinguistics and Stylistics. An immersive language training period in a Scandinavian language environment is also included in the studies.
- Course Structure Diagram and Courses Required for the Degree
- Learning Outcomes
- Arrangements for recognition of prior learning
- Modes of study
- Language of Instruction
- Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading
- Occupational Profiles of Graduates
- Access to Further Studies
- Graduation Requirements
- Qualification Requirements and Regulations
Master's degree: Major subject Nordic Philology, Swedish subject teacher education (120 ECTS credits)
A Master’s degree includes Advanced Studies in the major subject (80 ECTS credits), Pedagogical Studies (35 ECTS credits) and other studies (5 ECTS credits). The Advanced Studies include a Master's Thesis (40 ECTS credits).
Further information: see Course Structure Diagram.
The overall objective of the studies is to provide the student with basic academic education, as well as with knowledge and skills in Nordic Philology needed to act as a competent language expert in multiprofessional work communities and to follow professional ethics. The student will obtain professional competence within the field of Nordistics and have the ability to acquire new knowledge and skills fast and effectively, according to the principles of scholarly thinking. The student will also be able to communicate convincingly in both oral and written form.
Learning outcomes: Pedagogical studies
After completing a Master's degree, the student
- has knowledge of the dimensions of theoretical discourse within the field of his/her main subject and is able to implement this discourse on a practical level in interpreting and categorizing information and is able to disseminate information for others.
- is able to distinguish between scholarly thinking and common perception and is able to independently work to produce new academic discourse.
- is able to work independently on challenging assignments that demand analytical skills, creativity and ethical judgment, as well as work as an expert in diverse groups and settings.
- is able to plan and implement profound projects by seeking and applying information, and is able to produce scholarly discourse.
- has knowledge of the fundamentals of his/her minor subjects and is able to follow and interpret related developments as well as their significance with regards to society.
- has good oral and written skills in his/her native language and can communicate fluently with other academics in the field of his/her study as well as with people outside the field.
- is able to communicate and interact internationally in his/her field of study in Finnish or Swedish and in at least one foreign language. (Different requirements apply for foreign degree students)
The recognition of prior learning follows the main principles as defined by the University of Oulu.
More information: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Studies are to be carried out fulltime. The average input needed for studies of one academic year is 1600 working hours, which is equivalent to 60 ECTS credits. Studying fulltime, the entire degree (120 ECTS credits) can be completed in two years. The studies are primarily carried out as contact teaching, but some of the courses can be completed by independent learning (book examinations, essays) or by distance learning. The alternative methods are explained in the study unit descriptions.
The language of instruction in the major subject is Swedish. Other languages of instruction depend on the minor subjects the student includes in the degree.
The degree-related studies can be completed based on the curriculum. This means that the student studies the advanced studies and elective studies the curriculum contains, in accordance with the curriculum. The study units are primarily completed by attending examinations and with written assignments and they are assessed by the person responsible for the study unit. The assessment is often based on the grades of final exams and term papers. Also other assessment criteria are used. Study unit descriptions give more exact information on the assessment of study units. Master’s thesis shall be written as the final work in the degree. A Personal Study Plan PSP is compiled for each student, considering student’s prior learning.
Grading: (The University of Oulu Education Regulations 17§): a numerical scale 0-5 in whole numbers or verbal grading Pass or Fail is used in assessing a completed course. When assessing doctoral dissertations and licentiate’s theses, verbal grading kiittäen hyväksytty (Approved with Distinction), hyväksytty (Approved) tai hylätty (Rejected) can be used. In numerical scale zero stands for fail.
In determining the final grade for a study module, a credit-weighted average is utilized. The grades of Pro Gradu Theses and Diploma Theses shall not be considered when determining the average of advanced studies. Separate provisions have been laid down for assessing the proficiency in Finnish and Swedish language required in accordance with the Government Decree on University Degrees (794/2004).
Graduates of Nordic Philology (subject teacher education) work as teachers, and also for example as business communications professionals and translators.
The Master’s degree is required for the commencement of postgraduate studies and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. At the University of Oulu, the postgraduate studies are coordinated by University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).
A Master’s degree includes Advanced Studies in the major subject (80 ECTS credits), Pedagogical Studies (35 ECTS credits) and other studies (5 ECTS credits). The Advanced Studies include a Master's Thesis (40 ECTS credits). A maturity test (0 ECTS credits) will be administered on the basis of the thesis.
The study modules included in the degree must be compiled in Oodi (the official student register). This is done by the person responsible for compiling studies in the subject in question. Diplomas are granted by the Dean of Education and distributed to the graduates in the official graduation ceremony. The ceremony is usually held once a month, apart from July and August. Students should register for the graduation ceremony by filling in a form and submitting it to the Faculty Student Affairs. The forms, as well as detailed information on graduation ceremony dates and closing dates for applications, can be found on the website http://www.oulu.fi/hutk/en/studies/graduation.html
All education in the University of Oulu is based on the principles of the joint European credit transfer system (ECTS) which facilitates the transparency of education and the recognition of degrees at an international level. All degrees awarded from the University of Oulu are recognised by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture.
The Master’s degree (MA) is a qualification for doctoral studies as well as a general qualification for many jobs in the civil service. If a student has completed the pedagogical studies as a minor subject (60 ECTS credits), the Master’s degree provides the qualification for teaching positions in primary and secondary schools and other educational institutions. The pedagogical studies are included partly in the Bachelor's and partly in the Master's degree. The prerequisites for obtaining a teacher’s post in Finland include a completed Master's degree and required studies in the teaching subject(s). The certificate of the eligibility (teacher’s certificate) is attached to the Master’s degree diploma.
The language proficiency requirements of the degree qualify the student for employment in the civil service according to the section on language proficiency, 6 §.
Government Decree on University Degrees 794/2004, Language Proficiency Section 6: Language proficiency
1. The student must demonstrate in studies included in education for a lower or higher University degree or otherwise that he/she has attained:
(1) proficiency in Finnish and Swedish which is required of civil servants in bilingual public agencies and organizations under Section 6(1) of the Act on the Knowledge of Languages Required of Personnel in Public Bodies (424/2003) and which is necessary for their field; and
(2) skills in at least one foreign language needed to follow developments in the field and to operate in an international environment.
2. The provisions of subsection 1 do not concern a student who has been educated in a language other than Finnish or Swedish or a student who has been educated abroad. The language proficiency of such students shall be determined by the university.
3. For special reasons, the university may either totally or partially exempt a student from the requisite language skills referred to in subsection 1.
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