University Education
There are 20 universities in Finland and more than 173,000 university students in all. Ten of these
universities are traditional multidisciplinary universities and the remaining ten are specialised
institutions. Three of the specialised universities are schools of economics and business
administration, three specialise in engineering and architecture and the remaining four are art
academies. These academies include the Sibelius Academy (music), the University of Art and Design,
the Academy of Fine Arts and the Theatre Academy (theatre and dance). University-level education is
also provided by a military institution of higher education, the National Defence College, which is part
of the Defence Forces.
The degrees are mostly first cycle (total of 180 ECTS, approximately 3 years) or second cycle (2 years,
120 ECTS) academic degrees, i.e. Bachelor’s and Master’s or postgraduate
degrees, i.e. Licentiate (2 years) and Doctor’s (4 years) degrees.
Professionally Oriented Higher Education
There are 26 polytechnics in the administrative sector of the Ministry of Education from 1 August 2008.
In addition the Police College of Finland falls under the administration of the Ministry of the Interior.
The autonomous Åland Islands also have their own polytechnic. The Government grants permanent
operating licences to the polytechnics.
Most polytechnics are multi-field institutions. Polytechnics design their degree programmes and
curricula autonomously. The degree programmes are approved by the Ministry of Education; the
programmes and field-specific student intake are agreed between the Ministry and the polytechnics in
consultations concerning targets and outcome.
Polytechnic degree studies give a higher education qualification and practical professional skills. They
comprise core and professional studies, elective studies and a final project. All polytechnic degree
studies include practical on-the-job learning. Completion of polytechnic degrees usually takes 3½–4
years (total of 210-240 ECTS). Polytechnic Master's degree takes 1,5-2 years (total of 60-90 ECTS). he institutions also offer adult education. They can also carry out research and
development work that serves polytechnic education and supports working life.
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