DEGREE REGULATIONS OF THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE, FORESTRY AND TECHNOLOGY
In the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, the University of Eastern Finland’s Regulations on Education, along with other current university guidelines and provisions, are observed. This document compiles faculty-specific instructions and clarifications to the regulations concerning degrees and studies completed within the Faculty.
1 § Educational Mission of the Faculty
The mission of the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology at the University of Eastern Finland is to promote and conduct broad-based research, and to educate professionals for expert, teaching, and leadership roles in the fields of natural sciences, forestry, and technology. The faculty offers degree programmes in both Finnish and English at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, producing internationally competent professionals for national and international positions.
2 § Degrees Offered by the Faculty and Student Admissions
Students may be admitted to pursue degrees within the Faculty as follows:
- Lower university degrees:
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Forestry
- Bachelor of Science in Technology
- Higher university degrees:
- Master of Science
- Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry
- Master of Science in Technology
- Scientific postgraduate degrees (doctoral degrees):
- Licentiate of Philosophy
- Licentiate of Science in Agriculture and Forestry
- Licentiate of Science in Technology
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Doctor of Science in Agriculture and Forestry
- Doctor of Science in Technology
Education leading to the degrees of Master of Science, Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry, and Master of Science in Technology is based on a lower university degree or equivalent prior education. Provisions regarding scientific postgraduate education are defined separately in the selection criteria and curriculum of the Doctoral Programme in Science, Forestry and Technology (LUMETO).
Specialist training in medical physics may be included as part of a Licentiate or Doctoral degree completed within the Faculty, as separately determined by the Faculty.
The organisation and completion of degrees and studies shall comply with the provisions of the Universities Act (558/2009), the Government Decree on University Degrees (794/2004), the Decree on Qualification Requirements for Teaching Staff (986/1998), the valid University Regulations and Education Regulations approved by the Board of the University of Eastern Finland, including any amendments thereto, as well as the provisions and instructions set forth in these Degree Regulations. In subject teacher education, the degree requirements and selection criteria of the Philosophical Faculty shall also be applied where appropriate.
Students admitted solely to pursue a Master’s or Master of Science (Technology) degree may be required to complete up to 60 ECTS of supplementary studies to compensate for deficiencies in their prior education. These supplementary studies are not included in the minimum scope of 120 ECTS required for the Master’s or Master of Science (Technology) degree.
Degree students are admitted to a degree programme (Bachelor’s programme, Master’s programme, combined Bachelor’s and Master’s programme, or Doctoral programme) in accordance with the selection criteria separately confirmed by the Faculty. The selection criteria also define the procedures for changing the major subject and for transfer admissions. Admission to subject teacher education is carried out as separately stipulated. The selection of doctoral researchers is governed by the selection criteria for doctoral studies.
3 § Courses and Study Modules
Studies leading to a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Master of Science (Technology) degrees may include studies in major and minor subjects, as well as so-called other studies. These other studies include language and communication studies and optional studies. The studies consist of individual courses, which may be compulsory, optional, or freely elective. Students must complete the studies in the second national language and in a foreign language as required by Section 6 of the Government Decree on University Degrees (794/2004), unless these have already been completed as part of a lower university degree.
Individual courses form broader study modules of varying scope, which may also be multidisciplinary. These modules include basic studies, intermediate studies, and advanced studies. The tables below provide information on the study modules included in Finnish-language degree programmes in the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology.
| Bachelor's degree | Master's degree | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Degrees in Natural Sciences Bachelor of Science (180 ECTS) | · Basic studies in the major subject must comprise at least 25 ECTS. · Intermediate studies in the major subject must comprise 55-70 ECTS, including a Bachelor’s thesis 6-10 ECTS. · For subject teachers, intermediate studies in the major subject must comprise 40-46 ECTS. · Language and communication studies must comprise at least 9 ECTS. · Studies in the personal study plan must comprise at least 1 ECTS. · The degree must include one minor subject study module of at least 25 ECTS. · The student must complete a maturity test in accordance with the curriculum. · The degree may also include optional courses. · Provisions concerning the completion of the Bachelor of Science degree in subject teacher education are laid down in Section 6. | Master of Science (120 ECTS) | · Advanced studies in the major subject must comprise at least 60 ECTS, including a Master’s thesis (30 or 40 ECTS, 20 ECTS for subject teacher education). The degree must include 2 ECTS of foreign language studies, minor subject studies if not completed in the lower university degree, and at least 1 ECTS of personal study plan studies. · As a minimum requirement for minor subject studies, 25 ECTS of basic studies must be completed in the Master’s degree if not completed in the Bachelor’s degree. · The student must write a maturity test in accordance with the curriculum. · The degree may also include optional courses. · Provisions concerning the completion of the Master of Science degree in subject teacher education are laid down in Section 6. · Provisions concerning the completion of the Master of Science degree in joint degree programmes are laid down in a separate agreement. |
| Degrees in Agriculture and Forestry Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Forestry (180 ECTS) | · Basic studies in the major subject must comprise at least 40 ECTS. · Intermediate studies must comprise 55-65 ECTS, including a Bachelor’s thesis 8 ECTS. · Language and communication studies must comprise at least 9 ECTS. · Studies in the personal study plan must comprise at least 1 ECTS. · The degree must include basic studies in at least one minor subject. · The student must write a maturity test in accordance with the curriculum. · The degree may also include optional courses. | Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry (120 ECTS) | · Advanced studies must comprise at least 70 ECTS, including a Master’s thesis (30 or 40 ECTS). · Studies in the personal study plan must comprise at least 1 ECTS. · As a minimum requirement for minor subject studies, 25 ECTS of basic studies must be completed in the Master’s degree if not completed in the Bachelor’s degree. · The student must write a maturity test in accordance with the curriculum. |
| Degrees in Technology Bachelor of Science in Technology (180 ECTS) | · Basic studies in the major subject must comprise at least 25 ECTS. · Intermediate studies must comprise at least 35 ECTS, including a Bachelor’s thesis 9-10 ECTS. · Studies in the personal study plan must comprise at least 1 ECTS. · Language and communication studies must comprise at least 9 ECTS. · The degree may also include optional courses. · The student must write a maturity test in accordance with the curriculum. | Master of Science in Technology (120 ECTS) | · Advanced studies must comprise at least 60 ECTS, including a Master’s thesis (30 ECTS). · Studies in the personal study plan must comprise at least 1 ECTS. · The student must write a maturity test in accordance with the curriculum. |
| Degrees in Natural Sciences | |
| Bachelor of Science (180 ECTS) | Master of Science (120 ECTS) |
| · Basic studies in the major subject must comprise at least 25 ECTS.
· Intermediate studies in the major subject must comprise 55-70 ECTS, including a Bachelor’s thesis 6-10 ECTS. · For subject teachers, intermediate studies in the major subject must comprise 40-46 ECTS. · Language and communication studies must comprise at least 9 ECTS. · Studies in the personal study plan must comprise at least 1 ECTS. · The degree must include one minor subject study module of at least 25 ECTS. · The student must complete a maturity test in accordance with the curriculum. · The degree may also include optional courses. · Provisions concerning the completion of the Bachelor of Science degree in subject teacher education are laid down in Section 6. |
· Advanced studies in the major subject must comprise at least 60 ECTS, including a Master’s thesis (30 or 40 ECTS, 20 ECTS for subject teacher education). The degree must include 2 ECTS of foreign language studies, minor subject studies if not completed in the lower university degree, and at least 1 ECTS of personal study plan studies.
· As a minimum requirement for minor subject studies, 25 ECTS of basic studies must be completed in the Master’s degree if not completed in the Bachelor’s degree. · The student must write a maturity test in accordance with the curriculum. · The degree may also include optional courses. · Provisions concerning the completion of the Master of Science degree in subject teacher education are laid down in Section 6. · Provisions concerning the completion of the Master of Science degree in joint degree programmes are laid down in a separate agreement. |
| Degrees in Agriculture and Forestry | |
| Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Forestry (180 ECTS) | Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry (120 ECTS) |
| · Basic studies in the major subject must comprise at least 40 ECTS.
· Intermediate studies must comprise 55-65 ECTS, including a Bachelor’s thesis 8 ECTS. · Language and communication studies must comprise at least 9 ECTS. · Studies in the personal study plan must comprise at least 1 ECTS. · The degree must include basic studies in at least one minor subject. · The student must write a maturity test in accordance with the curriculum. · The degree may also include optional courses. |
· Advanced studies must comprise at least 70 ECTS, including a Master’s thesis (30 or 40 ECTS).
· Studies in the personal study plan must comprise at least 1 ECTS. · As a minimum requirement for minor subject studies, 25 ECTS of basic studies must be completed in the Master’s degree if not completed in the Bachelor’s degree. · The student must write a maturity test in accordance with the curriculum. |
| Degrees in Technology | |
| Bachelor of Science in Technology (180 ECTS) | Master of Science in Technology (120 ECTS) |
| · Basic studies in the major subject must comprise at least 25 ECTS.
· Intermediate studies must comprise at least 35 ECTS, including a Bachelor’s thesis 9-10 ECTS. · Studies in the personal study plan must comprise at least 1 ECTS. · Language and communication studies must comprise at least 9 ECTS. · The degree may also include optional courses. · The student must write a maturity test in accordance with the curriculum. |
· Advanced studies must comprise at least 60 ECTS, including a Master’s thesis (30 ECTS).
· Studies in the personal study plan must comprise at least 1 ECTS. · The student must write a maturity test in accordance with the curriculum. |
Students who have been admitted to complete both a lower and a higher university degree must complete the Bachelor's degree before pursuing the Master's degree. Provisions concerning subject teacher education and combined subject and class teacher education are set out in Section 6 of these Degree Regulations.
4 § Minor Subject Studies and Separate Studies
Degree students at the University of Eastern Finland may complete minor subject studies within the Faculty in accordance with the procedures specified separately by the departments/schools of the Faculty. As a rule, the Faculty applies an open minor subject policy. Students who do not hold the right to complete a degree at the University of Eastern Finland may pursue separate studies within the Faculty through alumni study rights, via the Open University, or if the department/school grants the right to complete separate or supplementary studies.
Minor subject students may complete
- Basic studies: 25-30 ECTS
- Intermediate studies: 30-45 ECTS
- Advanced studies: 30-60 ECTS
The detailed content and scope of study modules are defined in the curriculum. The curricula may also include specific provisions and recommendations regarding the selection of minor subjects.
In addition, it is possible to complete individual courses and study modules, specialisation programmes, and continuing education modules within the Faculty with a separate paid study right, as well as to participate in contractual education (inter-institutional cooperation and international joint studies).
5 § Degree Programmes in Finnish and English Offered by the Faculty
In the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, degrees can be completed in the degree programmes listed below. The objectives and contents of the degrees and studies are defined in the curricula. A Master's degree or a Master of Science (Technology) degree provides eligibility for scientific postgraduate studies in the respective major subject.
| Bachelor of Science (180 ECTS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Major subject | Specialisation / Please note |
| Bachelor of Science | Biology (Joensuu ) | Biologist, Subject Teacher |
| Bachelor of Science | Environmental Science (Kuopio) | |
| Bachelor of Science | Chemistry (Joensuu) | Chemist, Subject Teacher |
| Bachelor of Science | Mathematics (Joensuu) | Mathematician, Subject Teacher |
| Bachelor of Science | Computer Science (Joensuu ja Kuopio) | In Joensuu: Subject Teacher |
| Bachelor of Science | Information Technology (Joensuu and Kuopio) | |
| Subject Teacher, Bachelor of Science | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science | |
| Subject Teacher and Class Teacher, Bachelor of Science | Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry | |
| Master of Science (120 ECTS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Major subject | Specialisation / Please note |
| Master of Science | Biology (Joensuu ) | Biologist, Subject Teacher |
| Master of Science | Environmental Science (Kuopio) | |
| Master of Science | Biology of Environmental Change (Joensuu) | BEC |
| Master of Science | Environmental and Ecosystem Ecology (Kuopio) | EEE |
| Master of Science | Environmental Health and Technology (Kuopio) | ENHET |
| Master of Science | Mathematics (Joensuu) | Mathematician, Subject Teacher |
| Master of Science | Chemistry (Joensuu) | Chemist, Subject Teacher |
| Master of Science | Research Chemists, Joensuu | Chemistry |
| Master of Science | Computer Science (Joensuu ja Kuopio) | In Joensuu: Subject Teacher |
| Master of Science | Information Technology (Joensuu and Kuopio) | IMPIT |
| Master of Science | Computational Colour and Spectral Imaging (Joensuu) | Erasmus Mundus Programme COSI |
| Master of Science | Imaging and Light in Extended Reality (Joensuu) | Erasmus Mundus Programme |
| Subject Teacher, Master of Science | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science | IMLEX |
| Subject Teacher and Class Teacher, Master of Science | Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry | |
| Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Forestry (180 ECTS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Major subject | Specialisation / Please note |
| Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Forestry | Forestry (Joensuu) | |
| Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Forestry | Sustainable Forest Bioeconomy (Joensuu) | SuFoBe |
| Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry (120 ECTS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Major subject | Specialisation / Please note |
| Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry | Forestry (Joensuu) | |
| Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry | European Forestry (Joensuu) | Erasmus Mundus Programme |
| Bachelor of Science in Technology (180 ECTS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Major subject | Specialisation / Please note |
| Bachelor of Science in Technology | Photonics (Joensuu) | |
| Bachelor of Science in Technology | Sustainable Technologies (Joensuu) | -> materials and industrial products -> digital products |
| Bachelor of Science in Technology | Technical Physics (Kuopio) | |
| Bachelor of Science in Technology | Data Engineering (Kuopio, Joensuu) as of 2026 onwards | |
| Master of Science in Technology (120 ECTS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Major subject | Specialisation / Please note |
| Master of Science in Technology | Photonics (Joensuu) | |
| Master of Science in Technology | Intelligent Photonics for Security Reliability, Sustainability and Safety | Erasmus Mundus Programme iPSRS |
| Master of Science in Technology | Sustainable Technologies (Joensuu) | -> materials and industrial products -> digital products |
| Master of Science in Technology | Technical Physics (Kuopio) | ->atmospheric physics ->computational technology ->medical physics and engineering ->material technology |
| Master of Science in Technology | Medical Physics (Kuopio) | |
| Master of Science in Technology | Data Engineering (Kuopio, Joensuu), as of 2026 onwards | |
| Bachelor of Science (180 ECTS) | ||||
| Degree | Major subject | Specialisation / Please note | ||
| Bachelor of Science | Biology (Joensuu ) | Biologist, Subject Teacher | ||
| Bachelor of Science | Environmental Science (Kuopio) | |||
| Bachelor of Science | Chemistry (Joensuu) | Chemist, Subject Teacher | ||
| Bachelor of Science | Mathematics (Joensuu) | Mathematician, Subject Teacher | ||
| Bachelor of Science | Computer Science (Joensuu ja Kuopio) | In Joensuu: Subject Teacher | ||
| Bachelor of Science | Information Technology (Joensuu and Kuopio) | |||
| Subject Teacher, Bachelor of Science | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science | |||
| Subject Teacher and Class Teacher, Bachelor of Science | Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry | |||
| Master of Science (120 ECTS) | ||||
| Degree | Major subject | Specialisation / Please note | ||
| Master of Science | Biology (Joensuu ) | Biologist, Subject Teacher | ||
| Master of Science | Environmental Science (Kuopio) | |||
| Master of Science | Biology of Environmental Change (Joensuu) | BEC | ||
| Master of Science | Environmental and Ecosystem Ecology (Kuopio) | EEE | ||
| Master of Science | Environmental Health and Technology (Kuopio) | ENHET | ||
| Master of Science | Mathematics (Joensuu) | Mathematician, Subject Teacher | ||
| Master of Science | Chemistry (Joensuu) | Chemist, Subject Teacher | ||
| Master of Science | Research Chemists, Joensuu | Chemistry | ||
| Master of Science | Computer Science (Joensuu ja Kuopio) | In Joensuu: Subject Teacher | ||
| Master of Science | Information Technology (Joensuu and Kuopio) | IMPIT | ||
| Master of Science | Computational Colour and Spectral Imaging (Joensuu) | Erasmus Mundus Programme COSI | ||
| Master of Science | Imaging and Light in Extended Reality (Joensuu) | Erasmus Mundus Programme IMLEX |
||
| Subject Teacher, Master of Science | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science | |||
| Subject Teacher and Class Teacher, Master of Science | Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry | |||
| Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Forestry (180 ECTS) | ||||
| Degree | Major subject | Specialisation / Please note | ||
| Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Forestry | Forestry (Joensuu) | |||
| Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Forestry | Sustainable Forest Bioeconomy (Joensuu) | SuFoBe | ||
| Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry (120 ECTS) | ||||
| Degree | Major subject | Specialisation / Please note | ||
| Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry | Forestry (Joensuu) | |||
| Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry | European Forestry (Joensuu) | Erasmus Mundus Programme | ||
| Bachelor of Science in Technology (180 ECTS) | |||
| Degree | Major subject | Specialisation / Please note | |
| Bachelor of Science in Technology | Photonics (Joensuu) | ||
| Bachelor of Science in Technology | Sustainable Technologies (Joensuu) | -> materials and industrial products
-> digital products |
|
| Bachelor of Science in Technology | Technical Physics (Kuopio) | ||
| Bachelor of Science in Technology | Data Engineering (Kuopio, Joensuu) as of 2026 onwards | ||
| Master of Science in Technology (120 ECTS) | |||
| Degree | Major subject | Specialisation / Please note | |
| Master of Science in Technology | Photonics (Joensuu) | ||
| Master of Science in Technology | Intelligent Photonics for Security Reliability, Sustainability and Safety | Erasmus Mundus Programme iPSRS | |
| Master of Science in Technology | Sustainable Technologies (Joensuu) | -> materials and industrial products
-> digital products |
|
| Master of Science in Technology | Technical Physics (Kuopio) | ->atmospheric physics
->computational technology ->medical physics and engineering ->material technology |
|
| Master of Science in Technology | Medical Physics (Kuopio) | ||
| Master of Science in Technology | Data Engineering (Kuopio, Joensuu), as of 2026 onwards | ||
The establishment and discontinuation of degree programmes are governed by Section 6 of the Education Regulations of the University of Eastern Finland. The Faculty Council of the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology has decided to discontinue the degree programmes listed in the table below. Separate transitional provisions have been prepared for the discontinued degree programmes.
| Discontinued degree programmes and right to complete | ||
|---|---|---|
| Degree programme | Right to complete ends | Please note |
| Master's Degree Programme in Wood Materials Science (WMS) | 31.7.2026 | |
| Master's Degree Programme in Biology of Environmental Change (BEC) | 31.7.2027 | Name change of the degree programme in Kuopio as of 1.8.2024 (corresponding new degree programme under the name Environmental and Ecosystem Ecology (EEE)) |
| Research Chemist Speicalisation | 31.7.2028 | |
| Physics | Bachelor’s + Master’s degree 31.7.2029 Master’s degree 31.7.2026 | In the future: Bachelor of Science in Technology and Master of Science in Technology, Photonics, Msc in Photonics |
| Applied Physics | Bachelor’s + Master’s degree 31.7.2029 Master’s degree 31.7.2026 | In the future: Bachelor of Science in Technology and Master of Science in Technology, Msc in Medical Physics |
| Discontinued degree programmes and right to complete | ||
| Degree programme | Right to complete ends | Please note |
| Master's Degree Programme in Wood Materials Science (WMS) | 31.7.2026 | |
| Master's Degree Programme in Biology of Environmental Change (BEC) | 31.7.2027 | Name change of the degree programme in Kuopio as of 1.8.2024 (corresponding new degree programme under the name Environmental and Ecosystem Ecology (EEE)) |
| Research Chemist Speicalisation | 31.7.2028 | |
| Physics | Bachelor’s + Master’s degree 31.7.2029
Master’s degree 31.7.2026 |
In the future: Bachelor of Science in Technology and Master of Science in Technology, Photonics, Msc in Photonics |
| Applied Physics | Bachelor’s + Master’s degree 31.7.2029
Master’s degree 31.7.2026 |
In the future: Bachelor of Science in Technology and Master of Science in Technology, Msc in Medical Physics |
6 § Subject Teacher Education
The right to study in teacher education or in pedagogical studies for teachers may be granted either through the joint application process (Subject Teacher in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science, or Combined Subject and Class Teacher in Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry), or later during studies through a separate application procedure and aptitude test organised by the Philosophical Faculty (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Computer Science).
The qualification requirements for teaching staff are defined in the Decree on Qualification Requirements for Teaching Staff (986/1998):
To teach in general upper secondary school, a teacher must have:
- A higher university degree, 120 ECTS
- At least 120 ECTS of basic, intermediate and advanced studies in one teachable subject (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Computer Science)
- At least 60 ECTS of basic and intermediate studies in all other teachable subjects
- 60 ECTS of teacher’s pedagogical studies
To teach in basic education, a teacher must have:
- A higher university degree, 120 ECTS
- At least 60 ECTS of basic and intermediate studies in each teachable subject
- 60 ECTS of teacher’s pedagogical studies
A person is qualified to provide class teaching if they meet the above-mentioned qualifications for subject teaching in basic education and have also completed multidisciplinary studies in the subjects and subject areas taught in comprehensive school.
The contents of teacher education programmes in the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology are defined in more detail in the curricula of the respective degree programmes. Section 13 of the Degree Regulations provides further details on changing the major subject or specialisation within subject teacher education.
7 § Doctoral Education
At the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, doctoral degrees available include Licentiate of Philosophy, Licentiate of Agriculture and Forestry, Licentiate of Science (Technology), Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Agriculture and Forestry, and Doctor of Science (Technology). Doctoral researchers are admitted to the Doctoral Programme in Science, Forestry and Technology (LUMETO). The selection criteria of the Doctoral Programme in Science, Forestry and Technology specify the regulations concerning student admissions, while the curriculum defines the degrees, the studies included in them, and the contents of the education.
8 § Bachelor’s Thesis and Master’s Thesis
The Bachelor's degrees in Natural Sciences, Agriculture and Forestry, and Technology include a Bachelor's thesis, the scope of which is 6–10 ECTS depending on the degree programme. In addition to literature-based research, the thesis may include an experimental component. The experimental part may be completed as part of a research project, in which the student must have a clearly defined and assessable independent contribution. Section 35 of the Education Regulations provides further provisions on completing a thesis as a joint project. The Bachelor's thesis is supervised and assessed by a member of the university staff who holds at least a higher university degree.
The advanced studies in the major subject include a thesis (Master’s thesis), which demonstrates the student’s ability for scientific thinking, mastery of research methods, familiarity with the topic of the thesis, and competence in scientific communication. The scope of the Master’s thesis is 30 or 40 ECTS, and 20 ECTS in subject teacher education. The scope of the thesis in technology studies is 30 ECTS. In addition to literature-based research, the thesis may include an experimental component, which can be completed as part of a research project, provided the student has a clearly defined and assessable independent contribution. The thesis supervisor must hold at least a higher university degree, and at least one of the supervisors must hold a Licentiate degree or higher.
The main supervisor responsible for the supervision and assessment process must be a member of the university staff. Section 35 of the Education Regulations provides further provisions on the assessment of theses.
The thesis is written in the language specified in the curriculum. A student enrolled in a Finnish-language programme may, for special reasons, write the Master’s thesis in English with written permission from the head of the degree programme.
9 § Language and Communication Studies and Maturity Test
Language and communication studies
At the University of Eastern Finland, the language and communication studies included in a degree are governed by the decision of the Academic Rector, available on UEF intranet under the title Definition of the language of school education and language proficiency requirements for lower and higher university degrees.
The language proficiency required by the Government Decree on University Degrees (794/2004) is usually demonstrated as part of the lower university degree. If the proficiency has not been demonstrated in the lower degree, it must be demonstrated in the higher university degree.
The curricula specify appropriate language and communication studies or other studies to be completed in place of the compulsory language studies. The university’s guidelines on the definition of the language of school education and the language proficiency requirements for degrees can be found on the intranet under Legislation, regulations, contracts and steering in education.
Maturity test
The maturity test is written under supervision, either in the EXAM system or in another supervised examination setting, in a manner that prevents the use of generative artificial intelligence in producing the student's maturity test. In joint degree programmes, however, the maturity test is governed by specific instructions provided within the programme.
The student submits the final version of the thesis to the main supervisor for review, agrees on the date of the maturity test, and then registers for the test. The curricula provide more detailed instructions on completing and writing the maturity test. The student writes the maturity test in the language of their school education.
Maturity test for the Bachelor’s thesis
In addition to the Bachelor's thesis, the student must write a maturity test that demonstrates familiarity with the subject area of the thesis and proficiency in Finnish or Swedish (Government Decree on University Degrees 794/2004).
The maturity test at the Bachelor's level is approved in terms of both content and the language of school education by the thesis supervisor or, by decision of the head of department/school, another designated person. A separate guideline specific to the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology has been prepared regarding the language of the thesis and the maturity test (Appendix 1: Language of the Thesis and Maturity Test).
The maturity test is graded on a pass/fail scale. The assessment considers the student's mastery of the subject matter of their thesis. In addition, proficiency in Finnish or Swedish is assessed in accordance with Government Decree 794/2004, if the student's language of school education is Finnish or Swedish (or both). If the supervisor considers the student's Finnish language skills insufficient, the maturity test may be sent to the Language Centre for review by a Finnish language teacher. If the student completes the maturity test in Swedish, the supervisor sends the test to the Language Centre for language review. The contact person at the Language Centre in these cases is the Head of Academic and Student Affairs.
Maturity test for the Master’s thesis
Language proficiency is usually demonstrated as part of the lower university degree. In such cases, the language of school education, the language of the maturity test, and the language and communication studies included in the degree are recorded in the degree certificate of the lower university degree. If the student has received their school education in Finnish or Swedish and has not demonstrated their language proficiency in the lower university degree, the proficiency must be demonstrated in the studies included in the higher university degree. In this case, the student must write a maturity test that demonstrates both familiarity with the subject area of the thesis and proficiency in Finnish or Swedish. The language proficiency and the language of the maturity test are recorded in the degree certificate of the higher university degree.
The maturity test for the Master's thesis is graded on a pass/fail scale. The student writes the maturity test in the language of their school education, demonstrating mastery of the thesis topic and scientific writing. If language proficiency has already been demonstrated in the lower university degree, the assessment focuses primarily on the content. A separate guideline specific to the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology has been prepared regarding the language of the thesis and the maturity test )
10 § Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology follows the university’s guidelines on credit transfer and recognition of prior learning. These guidelines are available on the university’s intranet. The Faculty has issued its own specifications, and the curricula may include subject-specific clarifications.
A course completed at the University of Eastern Finland may be credited toward multiple study modules in accordance with the curricula of departments/subjects, provided that it is a compulsory course within those modules, cannot be substituted with other studies, and the curriculum does not explicitly restrict multiple credit transfers. If the course is an elective that belongs to several study modules, the student must complete additional elective studies to meet the content requirements of each module. Departments/schools provide more detailed regulations on this in their curricula.
From previously completed degrees within the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, compulsory studies belonging to the major subject are primarily credited. After this, previously completed minor subject studies or other studies may be included or substituted, provided that the total amount of credited studies does not exceed 50% of the scope of the degree being pursued.
Recognition of leadership training completed during military service
Leadership training completed during military service (NCO School, Reserve Officer School) may be credited (included) as 5 ECTS toward elective studies in the degree. The student applies for credit recognition through their own degree programme, following the established procedures. A certificate of completed leadership training is sufficient as an attachment to the application.
11 § Assessment of Study Attainments
The assessment of study attainments is regulated in Section 33 of the Education Regulations, and the grading scales and grades used in assessment are defined in Section 32. Section 34 specifies the procedures for communicating and recording the results of study attainments.
In addition to the Education Regulations, the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology provides the following guidelines regarding grades. The grading scale used in the assessment of study attainments is 0–5. The table below indicates the percentage range corresponding to each grade. The meaning of each grade is as follows:
| 5 = excellent
The student is able to analyse the subject matter of the course comprehensively. (90–100%) |
| 4 = very good
The student is able to analyse the topics covered in the course. Independent thinking is evident in the student's performance. (80–89%) |
| 3 = good
The student has a good grasp of the main points of the subject matter covered in the course. (70–79%) |
| 2 = satisfactory
The student is able to explain the topics covered in the course. Minor gaps in knowledge are acceptable. (60–69%) |
| 1 = sufficient
The student recognises the main points of the subject matter covered in the course. There are content-related deficiencies in the student's knowledge. (50–59%) |
The assessment criteria for each course are specified in the course description. The Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology recommends that numerical grading be used as the primary method of assessment.
To pass a study attainment, the student must achieve approximately half of the maximum score or demonstrate the level of competence required for an excellent performance. The grade “pass” generally corresponds to grade 1. However, a specific numerical threshold for a passing grade may be defined in the course description if necessary.
Separate guidelines on the assessment criteria for theses have been prepared by the departments/schools and are provided to the student when starting the thesis.
12 § Course Registration, Communication and Attendance Requirements
As a faculty-specific clarification to Section 30 of the Education Regulations, the following provisions apply:
Course registration
Students must primarily register for courses in Peppi, unless otherwise specified in the course description.
Communication during the course
The responsible teacher must ensure that the communication practices of the course are clearly communicated to students, either in the course description, the learning environment, or through other written means such as email.
Attendance requirements
According to Section 30 of the Education Regulations, if the curriculum does not specify that the course or study attainment can be completed remotely, teaching takes place on campus. Attendance requirements related to course completion are defined in more detail in the curriculum. The course description specifies the attendance requirements, remote participation, and its implementation.
13 § Changes to Study Rights
Transfer applications, changes of major subject or campus within the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology are governed by the Faculty’s admission criteria. The student portal Kamu contains the Faculty’s guidelines, including links to the relevant forms in the e-services system. Changes may only be applied for during the Bachelor's stage, provided the student has completed a sufficient number of studies in the major subject.
Situations where a student has been admitted to pedagogical studies and wishes to return to the research track:
- If the student has been directly admitted through the joint application process to subject teacher/class teacher education, they must apply for a change of degree programme to the research track. The change is applied for using the form “Change of Major/Specialisation/Degree Programme/Campus,” which requires logging into the e-services system.
Upon making the change, the student’s study right for subject teacher pedagogical studies/class teacher multidisciplinary studies will be terminated. If the student later wishes to regain the study right for subject teacher pedagogical studies, they must participate in an aptitude test. It is possible to apply for a minor subject study right for studies leading to class teacher qualification if the student has completed teacher’s pedagogical studies or holds a study right for pedagogical studies at the University of Eastern Finland. These studies have a separate application procedure.
- If the student has been granted the study right for pedagogical studies during their studies and is studying in the subject teacher education (admitted through an aptitude test), they may switch to the research track using the form “Change of Major/Specialisation/Degree Programme/Campus,” which requires logging into the e-services system.
Switching to the research track terminates the study right for the subject teacher education. If the student later wishes to return to the teacher track, they must reapply for the study right for pedagogical studies through the minor subject application process and participate in an aptitude test.
14 § Completion of Courses
Registration for exams and leaving the exam room
Section 31 of the Education Regulations includes provisions on exam registration and leaving the exam. The Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology specifies the following additional details:
- Registration and leaving the exam are defined in the curriculum, the course’s learning environment, or in writing by the teacher-in-charge before the course begins.
- Further specifications may be provided at the unit level, i.e. departments or schools may have their own detailed instructions.
General exam instructions for on-campus exams, unless otherwise specified in the curriculum or communicated in writing before the exam:
- Students may enter the exam room up to 30 minutes after the scheduled start time.
- Students may leave the exam no earlier than 30 minutes after it begins.
- Only necessary items (writing tools, ID/passport or physical student card) may be brought to the desk. Permitted tools such as calculators or computers are specified separately.
- Mobile phones, smart devices, watches, and smartwatches must be left in bags at the edge of the exam room or outside the room, turned off or in airplane mode.
- If the student has been granted individual study arrangements and wishes to use them, they must contact the teacher-in-charge no later than 10 days before the exam.
- All papers used during the exam must be returned upon leaving the exam room. Students may later request access to the exam questions unless the teacher has restricted access for justified reasons.
- Students must verify their identity with a student card/digital student ID, passport, or identity card. A list of participants is maintained, and students sign the list and, if required, indicate the number of exam papers returned.
- In computer-based exams, general instructions provided by the course teacher apply.
A separate exam instruction document has been prepared by the Faculty
Number and method of retakes and grade improvements
In addition to Section 30 of the Education Regulations, the Faculty specifies the following: Retakes
and grade improvements are carried out as defined in the curriculum, in the course description, or as specified in writing by the teacher-in-charge at the beginning of the course. For partial retakes, course-specific rules may apply regarding the implementation of the retake.
15 § Expiry of Studies
Courses or study modules completed more than 10 years ago may not be credited toward a degree. The inclusion of older studies or modules is governed by the curriculum. Decisions regarding credit transfers and the expiry of studies at the University of Eastern Finland are made by the unit in which the studies were originally completed.
Recommendations concerning the university’s degree certificate can be found on the intranet under Legislation, regulations, contracts and steering in education. A study module consisting of separate courses will be recorded in the degree certificate if its scope is at least 20 ECTS credits.
16 § Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In addition to the university’s general guidelines and policy on artificial intelligence, the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology has prepared a separate written instruction document regarding the use of AI
The University of Eastern Finland does not have university-wide regulations concerning the expiry of studies. More detailed regulations may be provided in the curricula.
According to the Education Regulations (Section 18), the curriculum of a degree programme must specify, among other things, the number of completion and retake attempts for study attainments. Students must be provided with a sufficient number of opportunities to complete study attainments, taking into account the target durations of degrees. A student has the right to retake a failed study attainment and to improve the grade of a passed one at least once. The curriculum may, bearing this in mind, limit the number of times a grade for a course can be improved or a course retaken. Improving or retaking a course grade is done by retaking the entire course or a part of it. The improvement or retake must be carried out in the manner specified in writing by the teacher-in-charge at the beginning of the course or in the curriculum. A graded and approved thesis cannot be retaken or improved. (Education Regulations, Section 30)
If a completion opportunity specified in the curriculum is cancelled unexpectedly, or if the timing of a study attainment must be changed for a compelling reason—or both—students must be guaranteed the opportunity to complete the study attainment in an appropriate and equitable manner. (Education Regulations, Section 30)
More detailed regulations may be provided in the curricula.