Teaching and degree language
The primary teaching and degree language at the University of Eastern Finland is Finnish. The university also offers English-language degree programmes, where the degree, teaching and assessment language is English.
The degree language is the language in which your degree programme is provided. It is specified in the curriculum of your degree programme.
What does the degree language mean in practice?
- If you are studying in a Finnish-language degree programme, more than half of the teaching in your major subject studies (basic, intermediate and advanced studies) is provided in Finnish. You always have the right to receive teaching in Finnish in these studies.
- Your other studies may also be taught in English.
- If you are studying in an English-language degree programme, teaching, assessments and your degree are in English.
Teaching language of a course
Each course has a teaching language, which is stated in the course description. The teaching language is the language in which the majority of teaching is delivered.
- Individual teaching sessions (such as lectures or seminars) may be held in another language, as long as this accounts for less than half of the course workload.
- If the teaching language of a course is other than Finnish, the course description will state in which language you can complete the exam or other assignments.
In which language do you complete your coursework?
The language of a course is usually the same as the teaching language. The assessment language is the language in which you complete the course assignments, such as exams, reports and learning tasks.
If you are studying in a Finnish-language degree programme, you always have the right to use Finnish in both written and oral assignments – regardless of the language in which the teaching is delivered.
Learning materials
Learning materials for courses are selected primarily on pedagogical grounds. Materials may also be provided in languages other than the teaching or assessment language – for example, English-language research literature may be used on a Finnish-language course.
Language of your thesis
You write your thesis in the degree language of your degree programme or in the language specified in the curriculum. If you wish to write your thesis in another language, the decision is made by the head of your department responsible for education.
Teaching in different language versions
The university may also offer teaching in different language versions, for example by using recordings, subtitles or interpretation.
This regulation applies to basic degree education (typically bachelor’s degree). Degree programmes in languages and language and communication studies follow their own practices.
For further information (in Finnish): Decision of the Academic Rector (PDF, login required)
Definition of the language of school education and language proficiency requirements at UEF
Summary
The decision of the Academic Rector of the University of Eastern Finland (UEF record entry 1052/03.00.00/2021) defines the concept of the language of school education and the language proficiency requirements for lower and higher university degrees. Below is a structured overview of the key content of the decision.
1. Definition of the language of school education
The language of school education is determined by legislation (Government Decree 481/2003).
The language of school education affects:
- which compulsory language studies you must complete in your lower and higher university degree
- the language of your maturity test
- your teaching qualifications
Language of school education: Finnish or Swedish
Under the Government Decree (794/2004, Section 6), you must demonstrate:
- Proficiency in Finnish and Swedish – at the level required of staff in bilingual public organisations and relevant to your own field
- Proficiency in at least one foreign language – sufficient for following developments in your field and in an international setting
Language proficiency is usually demonstrated as part of your lower university degree. In this case, the language of school education, the language of the maturity test and the language studies included in the degree are recorded on the degree certificate for the lower university degree. You must write a maturity test that demonstrates familiarity with the subject area of your thesis and proficiency in Finnish or Swedish. The degree certificate for the higher university degree will state that language proficiency has been demonstrated in the lower university degree.
Exception: language proficiency not demonstrated in the lower degree
If your language of school education is Finnish or Swedish and you have not demonstrated language proficiency in your bachelor’s degree:
- You must demonstrate language proficiency through studies included in your higher university degree.
- You must write a maturity test that demonstrates both familiarity with the subject area of your thesis and proficiency in Finnish or Swedish.
- Your higher university degree or English-language master’s programme may also include other compulsory language studies.
2. Language of school education other than Finnish or Swedish / school education completed abroad
- The university determines the required language proficiency.
- You must apply to the head of your department for a decision on the language studies required for your degree and the language of your maturity test.
- Submit your application to Student and Learning Services at the beginning of your studies.
- If you are studying in an English-language degree programme and your language of school education is other than Finnish or Swedish, you do not need a separate decision – the requirements are set out in the curriculum.
Exemption from compulsory language studies: The head of your department may, for justified reasons, grant you a full or partial exemption from compulsory language studies. The grounds for exemption vary depending on your studies.
- Apply for an exemption through Student and Learning Services as soon as your studies begin. If you are granted an exemption, it is recommended that you replace the compulsory language studies with other suitable language, communication or other studies.
- Please note: If you are exempted from studies in the second national language, your degree will not demonstrate the proficiency in the second national language required for positions in bilingual public organisations. This may affect your employment prospects in the public sector.
- Submit your application to Student and Learning Services.
For further information about this decision, please contact the Heads of Academic Affairs Päivi Peltoperä and Satu Kouki.