Study Guide

Descriptions

This preparatory programme in English is aimed at immigrants, who aim to apply for higher education studies English at a Finnish university or university of applied sciences The language level prerequisite for the preparatory programme is at least level B1 in English and eligibility to higher education.*
The scope of the programme is 30 ECTS and it lasts 5-6 months. It consists of studies common to all students as well as field specific or non-field specific studies.
The programme emphasises English language studies and includes either field specific or more general topics which prepare the students for higher education studies. The programme also contains either Finnish or Swedish language studies, as well as mathematics. All courses place an emphasis on academic competences, such as study and digital skills, and the knowledge of studying at a Finnish higher education institution.

Goals

The aim of the preparatory programme is to give the students competences needed to advance into higher education studies and in studying in English. The programme develops skills required in the entrance exams, as well as for actual studying at universities or universities of applied sciences. The aim is to develop English language skills from level B1 to B2, which is considered the minimum language requirement for studying at a higher education institution. (For more information about the language levels, see The Common European Framework of References for Languages.)

The general goals for the preparatory programme include:
• knowledge of the Finnish higher education system
• developing social and teamwork work skills
• self-direction and responsibility in studies
• reflecting on learning topics and the learning process
• expressing opinion
• information search and criticism of sources
• developing reading techniques and multiliteracy
• basic calculations
• understanding and using English material and communicating in English in various written and spoken communication situations
• Learning basics of either Finnish or Swedish language

The most significant goals for the English language in the preparatory programme include
• Vocabulary and concepts related to higher education studies
• Differences between written and spoken language
• Spoken interaction
• Knowledge of text types and styles
• Constructing a sentence
• Basic grammar

Pedagogical approach

The programme can be carried out as classroom, blended, or online learning**. The programme contains both regular meetings and independent studies. In all implementation methods, student’s own activeness and responsibility of their own learning is emphasised.

It is possible to tailor the teaching based on the student’s competences and needs, for example through the use of competence level based small groups or other pedagogical methods. ***
In field specific studies, English language may be integrated into the other contents being taught.

The pedagogical approach of the preparatory programme is based on e.g. social interaction, activating learning and teaching methods, and working life orientation. Other aims are to help the students to integrate into the higher education community and to enable them to get to know what degree studies and the application process are like.

The programme invests in the student guidance and supporting the learning process. The students are also guided into the studies after the preparatory programme and advised in matters regarding application processes. The programme may also utilise more experienced students when it comes to introducing studying at a higher education institution.

Evaluation

Students’ competences are evaluated through multiple evaluation methods and criteria. The evaluation is continuous in order to support learning and it does not happen only at the end of a course.

Teacher, peer, and self-evaluation are all used when evaluating. Evaluation is a part of student guidance and its aim is to make the student aware and able to evaluate their own competences and to develop them further.
All courses are evaluated numerically on scale 0–5, and the courses use joint evaluation criteria (see below). Pass-fail evaluation may only be used if it is not possible to determine common learning goals for all students of the course. The implementation plan of each course has more detailed information about the evaluation.
Joint evaluation criteria:

FAIL The student has not achieved the course objectives. They are able to identify and use only a few course subject area’s concepts and cannot apply their knowledge.
1–2 The student has achieved the course objectives fairly. They are able to identify and use the course subject area’s concepts and understand the conditions of knowledge and skills development.
3–4 The student has achieved the course objectives well, even though the knowledge and skills need improvement in some areas. They are able to use the course concepts well and to apply their knowledge in study and work situations. The student is able to analyse their own knowledge and skills.
5 The student has achieved the objectives of the course very well. They know the course subject area’s concepts well and are able to make justified and fluent analysis on course subject area. The student is well prepared to apply their knowledge and skills in study and work situations. They are able to analyse the competencies of the study field and the development of their own knowledge and skills.


* Students of the pilot implementation in 2023-2024 do not need to be eligible to higher education. An applicant is eligible to higher education if they have completed
• Finnish matriculation examination,
• Finnish vocational qualification,
• Non-Finnish degree, which gives eligibility to higher education in said country or
• Non-Finnish university degree.
If the applicants cannot prove their qualification with a certificate, they must be granted a refugee status (a decision on refuge or a residence permit based on international protection).

** The pilot programme in 2023-2024 is organised as blended learning, where most of the studies are carried out online. There will also non-mandatory meetings and visits to the campuses of the universities of applied sciences that are organizing the preparatory programme.

*** In the pilot implementation 2023-2024, the students may also get guidance and support for their studies in Ukrainian and Russian.