Completion methods 

The completion methods for your courses are defined in the curriculum. You can find the curricula in the Peppi study guides. The completion method may be, for example, an examination, essay, assignment or seminar work – often a course combines several methods. 

If distance learning is not mentioned in the course information, teaching takes place on campus. 

Most common completion methods 

Contact teaching 

• Lecture – an oral presentation on campus, via remote connection or as a recording. Lectures do not usually require attendance, but practices vary – check the course information in Peppi. A lecture series typically ends with an examination. 

• Exercises (incl. laboratory exercises) – practical exercises where you apply what you have learned in lectures or through independent study. Exercises usually require attendance and the approved completion of assignments. 

• Seminar – you present your own seminar paper, act as an opponent and take part in discussion. Seminars require regular attendance. 

• Small group teaching – working in smaller groups, which may take the form of exercises, a seminar or other guided group work. 

Written assignments 

• Essay – a reflective piece of writing based on source literature, where you analyse a given topic using multiple sources and include your own reflections and critical observations. 

• Summary (in Finnish: referaatti) – a structured summary of the main points of an oral or written presentation in your own words. A summary is not mechanical copying – it must be clear which parts are your own formulations and which are from the original source. 

• Learning diary – you form your own perspective on the study material by combining new knowledge with what you have previously learned. A learning diary is not a summary. 

• Lecture diary (incl. laboratory diary) – you write down the main points of a lecture in your own words and include your own reflections. In a laboratory diary, you describe the procedure and results of a laboratory exercise in enough detail for another student to be able to replicate the work. 

• Learning assignment – an individual or group assignment completed according to the course instructions, for example a research plan or a work report. 

• Portfolio – a collection in which you compile evidence of your skills and expertise according to the course instructions. 

Practical training 

Your studies may include compulsory or elective practical training. Examples: 

• Teacher’s pedagogical studies include teaching practice. 

• Studies in dentistry, medicine and other health sciences include clinical training. 

• The Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree includes a compulsory teaching pharmacy placement. 

Elective practical training can be a significant advantage for your employment.

In some cases, you can also complete your practical training abroad.

Theses and maturity test 

All university degrees include a thesis, for example a Bachelor’s thesis, Master’s thesis, thesis in advanced studies or doctoral dissertation. More information about theses.

Your degree also includes a maturity test. More information about the maturity test.

Other completion methods 

• Reading circle – you read the assigned articles or books in advance and discuss them in a group led by the teacher. A reading circle may also include lectures or written work. 

• Study circle – a student group completes a course as group work: you meet regularly, take turns presenting on the literature and produce a written final report based on your discussions. You are responsible for forming the study circle and organising the meetings yourselves. 

• Flipped learning – a teaching method where you study the content independently before the contact session and focus on applying and analysing what you have learned during the session. 

• Demonstration of skills – you demonstrate that you have achieved the knowledge and skills defined in the course learning outcomes. 

• MOOC – a massive open online course available to everyone. 

• Online course – a course that you can complete entirely online. 

• Independent study – you study independently without participating in teaching. 

• Blended teaching – a course that combines different forms of teaching. 

• Other methods may include, for example, self and peer assessment, online tests, simulations or gamified learning methods. 

Read more about examinations. 

On-campus, distance and blended teaching 

Teaching format	Description
On-campus teaching	The teacher and students are physically in the same space on campus.
Distance teaching	Teaching takes place via information and communication technology – the teacher and students are in different locations.
On-campus or distance teaching	Contact teaching where you can choose whether to participate on campus or remotely.
Blended teaching	Combines on-campus teaching, distance teaching, guided study and independent work.
Independent study	You complete a set of assignments independently without contact teaching.

You can complete distance studies either at your own pace or simultaneously with on-campus teaching – this varies by course. In distance studies, you study in web-based learning environments such as Moodle. 

Link: Digital environment – UEF Kamu. 

Exceptions to the completion method and individual arrangements 

Exceptions to the completion method: The teacher in charge of the course may, in individual cases, grant an exception to the completion method specified in the curriculum for a particularly compelling reason (UEF Education Regulations, Section 19). 

Individual study arrangements: If you need individual arrangements for completing your studies, for example due to your health or a disability, apply for an individual study arrangements recommendation.