Further studies
Bachelor’s degree completed? At HAMK, you can still find things to study after you have completed your bachelor’s degree.
Master’s Degree (YAMK)
The Master’s Degree is a work-oriented, part-time degree that, among other things, qualifies you for public positions that require a higher university degree. The Master’s Degree also allows for further scientific studies (licentiate or doctorate).
You can apply for the training after you have two years of work experience following the completion of a bachelor’s degree. The application is made through a joint selection procedure, and the scope of the Master’s Degree studies is either 60 credits (240 credits for bachelor’s degrees) or 90 credits (210 credits for master’s degrees), depending on the bachelor’s degree.
The programmes are sector-specific, e.g. an engineer (bachelor of engineering) will complete a master’s degree in engineering and transport. The studies consist of advanced and elective studies and a thesis, which is usually a 30-credit development or research project related to the student’s own work and/or work community.
Professional Teacher and Guidance Counsellor Education
Are you interested in a new career in education? Study to become a professional teacher. Or if you already are a teacher, study further and get guidance counsellor’s qualifications.
Continuous Learning
With refresher and further training, you can quickly deepen and update your skills or learn a new subject. The training is always built around current topics in the profession and can be enrolled in regardless of your initial training. Training can also be tailored to the needs of a limited target group.
RUN EU Professional practice based doctoral degree
The RUN-EU Professional Doctorate is a doctoral training programme within the RUN-EU (The Regional University Network – European University) network. It combines theoretical studies and practical research as part of a multidisciplinary, work-life-oriented collaboration. The doctoral candidate addresses real-world challenges in cooperation with companies and receives supervision both from higher education institutions and industry.
Applicants must hold a higher education degree (master’s or equivalent) and present a research plan that aligns with HAMK’s key research ecosystems. The degree is awarded by a RUN-EU partner university.
For Applicants
Applicants must have a relevant higher education degree (master’s level) and a clear work-life-oriented research idea related to HAMK’s research ecosystems. A connection to HAMK’s research is essential to ensure that a supervisor can be appointed from HAMK. At the application stage, an initial research plan is required. Good English skills are necessary, as the dissertation will be written in English.
Support is available from HAMK (contact details at the bottom of this page).
The process includes the following steps:
- Based on the applicant’s research plan, HAMK assesses supervision possibilities (availability of a suitable research group/project and supervisor).
- HAMK helps find an appropriate RUN-EU partner for co-supervision.
- Funding options are discussed with HAMK and a potential company partner.
- Once everything is in place, the application is submitted to the university awarding the degree.
The research plan must be in English and can be very preliminary at the application stage. It typically includes:
- Introduction & how your research relates to HAMK research ecosystems
- Short literature review
- Research questions
- Research methodology (design, data collection, analysis)
- Funding
- Expected timeline
- Expected research impact
- Expected limitations
- References
Currently, applications for the RUN-EU Professional Doctorate through HAMK are ongoing. Doctoral studies are carried out in collaboration with the RUN-EU partner university awarding the degree. Start dates vary according to partner universities’ schedules.
The duration is typically 3–4 years, with studies integrated into work. The programme includes both coursework and research. Studies take place at HAMK and at the institution awarding the doctoral degree. The scope (ECTS) follows the awarding university’s guidelines.
Funding may come from public project funding, company or organisational support (often requiring mentorship and co-funding), self-financing, or a combination of these.
Professional PhD is a doctoral-level qualification (EQF8) focusing on applied research and practical impact. While its emphasis differs from an academic doctorate, it is recognised within the European Higher Education Area as equivalent in level. The degree is awarded by a RUN-EU partner university with the right to award doctorates.
Work-life connection is essential in the Professional Doctorate. Typically, a company or organisation is involved as a mentor and co-funder. If work-life connection and funding are arranged otherwise, working in the field is not mandatory.
Participation in the RUN-EU Professional Doctorate programme offers companies many tangible benefits. The research is practical and work-life-oriented, aiming to provide solutions to real developmental needs. Organisations gain access to doctoral-level expertise and the latest research knowledge, supporting overall competence development. The programme opens doors to international collaboration with HAMK and European partners and offers access to unique research infrastructure. Organisations can also apply for public project funding, adding resources for development and supporting long-term innovation. Furthermore, involvement enhances organisational impact, responsibility, and visibility, strengthening a positive employer image.
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