The Bologna Process at the University of Helsinki University of Helsinki

General aims of the Bologna Process Promotion of the European Higher Education Area Harmonisation of higher education in Europe Adoption of a two-cycle degree system Establishment of a system of credits (ECTS) Promotion of mobility Development of quality assurance systems for higher education Promotion of the transparency of education in Europe

Specific aims of the Bologna Process at the University of Helsinki The quality of degrees in the faculties will be enhanced The emphasis on research, as specified in the Strategic Plan of the University of Helsinki, will be manifested in the basic degrees The Master’s degree will be the primary aim, the Bachelor’s degree an interim aim The multidisciplinarity of degrees will be furthered by minor subject studies

Quality assurance systems for education student feedback systems follow-up of graduates feedback from employers the information gained through the feedback systems will be used in the development of education evaluation of education and research

Two-cycle model for basic degrees The two-cycled basic degree will consist of the Bachelor’s degree (180 credits / 3 years) and the Master’s degree (120 credits / 2 years) The third cycle will consist of postgraduate studies (leading to a postgraduate degree)

Alternatives for the structure of basic degrees Examples

General features of the Bologna Process at the University of Helsinki The objectives for the years are defined in the Strategic Plan of the University of Helsinki, the Programme for the Development of Teaching and Studies, and the strategy for international activities at the University of Helsinki The faculties are responsible for the enhancement of the quality of degrees The Ministry of Education provides project funding for the employment of experts in the faculties and the University central administration for A support group for the reform of degree structures was established in spring 2003

Duties of the Support Group Coordination of the reform of degree structures and organisation of cooperation between faculties Follow-up and promotion of the implementation of strategies relevant to the reform of degree structures Preparation of decisions of principle at the university level Guidelines, recommendations and scheduling of the reform Organisation of dissemination of information and training at the university level (www, in-house publications, visits to faculties and departments, best practices) Promotion of national and international cooperation relating to the reform of degree structures

Composition of the Support Group Chair: Vice-Rector Hannele Niemi (responsible for teaching at the University) 7 members 2 student representatives 3 professors 1 senior assistant Head of Academic Affairs not all faculties are represented A team of three administrators is responsible for the preparation of matters dealt with by the Support Group

Forums dealing with the reform of degree structures at the University of Helsinki Field-specific national coordination groups Departmental committees for curriculum planning Faculty councils and committees for the development of teaching Network meetings and seminars panel discussions for the whole University faculty-level development seminars network formed by heads of academic affairs in the faculties network of experts on the reform of degrees networks of deans and vice-deans leadership of the University Academic Affairs Committee of the University of Helsinki Senate of the University of Helsinki

Latest developments in the Bologna Process at the University of Helsinki Assessment of the study load and academic curriculum core analysis in faculties and departments Subject-specific preparatory work in national coordination groups Governed by the Universities Act and Decree on degrees University-level policy decisions to be made after the Government bills on the Act and the Decree are passed Publishing of the memorandum of the Support Group Policy decisions by the Senate in Compliance of degree programmes with the new degree system as of 1 August 2005

Proposals for policy decisions on studies at the University of Helsinki Personal study plans to be initiated to support studies Practical training and studies aiming at orientation to working life to be incorporated into studies Minimum requirements to be set for language and communication studies Minor subjects to be included in degrees About six months of studies abroad to be recommended Studies completed at other universities to be accepted as part of the degree programmes at the University of Helsinki

Grading scales Course grading scale: 0-5 (no relative grading) Bachelor’s thesis grading scale: 0-5 Master’s thesis grading scale: 7-tier scale in Latin Grading scales used since

General proposals on degrees at the University of Helsinki Faculty degree certificates to be standardised The Diploma Supplement to be introduced Joint degree partners to be sought for long-term collaboration

Teaching periods at the University of Helsinki as of 1 August 2005 The autumn and spring terms will be divided into two periods (7 weeks each, except for the last spring period which will last 8 weeks), with a one-week break in between. The creation of teaching periods will help to structure teaching and studying so that they support the learning process. Teaching periods will facilitate minor subject studies. They will make study plans more effective. They will enable teachers to take time off for research. The Rector may give a faculty the right to employ some other system of teaching periods.

Transition period at the University of Helsinki Transition period: 2-3 years Students will be encouraged to adopt the new degree system as soon as possible. Faculties will draw up guidelines on procedures and practices during the transition period. Flexible, student-friendly solutions will be given priority. Previously completed studies will be accepted as part of the new degree programmes as far as possible. Students may choose between the old and new systems. Communications Faculties will distribute information on the reform and the transition process to their students, applicants and partners. University Communications will provide the general public with information on the reform.

Academic Curriculum Core Analysis Example Study unit MUST KNOW Core contents whose grasp is necessary for further studies and which enable students to acquire more profound/extensive knowledge SHOULD KNOW Theoretical details and less common applications NICE TO KNOW Specific information in a given field Scientific competence Professional competence Source: University of Oulu

Programme for Development of Teaching and Studies The University of Helsinki is a stimulating environment for teaching and learning. Research forms the basis for all other activities of the University. The University strives to maintain an atmosphere and operations that motivate and encourage both teachers and students. The trend in the development of teaching and learning is turning away from a teacher-oriented approach toward one which is student-oriented.

Basic degrees consist of the following studies Proposals of the support group: basic level studies 25 credits intermediate level studies 60 credits (minimum), including thesis (6 credits) in the major subject advanced level studies credits, including Master’s thesis (40 credits) in the major subject study guidance and orientation to university studies: 3 credits at the Bachelor’s level and 2 credits at the Master’s level orientation to working life: 3 credits (minimum) at the Bachelor’s level and a period of work placement at the Master’s level language and communication studies15 credits (minimum)