Language and communication studies
Language, communication and international skills are essential for working life in all sectors.
The aim of the UAS’s practical language and communication studies is fluency in a variety of workplace interactions.
General information on language and communication studies
The guidelines apply to international students studying in English. For Finnish students you find the information here.
Language, communication and international skills are key competences in all fields of work. The aim of the practical language and communication studies at the university of applied sciences is fluency in various interactive situations at work.
A Bachelor’s degree conducted in English includes at least 15 credits of language studies, of which at least 5 credits are English studies and at least 10 credits are Finnish studies. English-taught degree education may also include other studies in Finnish that support employment in Finland.
Language and communication studies are closely linked to other professional studies, which often also include various international projects. Students can increase their international competence in many ways throughout their studies.
HAMK offers preparatory language and communication studies that support studies. Versatile language and communication studies are also available through the KiVANET language teaching network of Finnish higher education institutions and the CampusOnline network of Finnish universities of applied sciences.
In English, the aim is to achieve proficiency level B2 in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The proficiency level target for Finnish is A2. See assessment grid
Degrees in English include 10 credits of Finnish studies aimed at supporting the employment of international students in Finland. Students liable to pay tuition fees may apply for a scholarship based on the required number of credits and Finnish language proficiency.
Language proficiency is demonstrated by a language test organised by HAMK or by a national certificate of language proficiency (YKI certificate).
Language and communication studies can only be recognised if they are of the same level and completed at a higher education institution. If the student is proficient in a language, but has no official (university-level) certificates, they may demonstrate their skills via the skills demonstration procedure.
Further information on the principles of recognition and accreditation of prior learning (RPL) at HAMK is available on the RPL page of study planning and in the guideline for recognition and accreditation of prior learning (RPL). The RPL guideline contains a separate chapter on the recognition of language and communication studies.
A student may be exempted from compulsory language studies for special reasons, such as severe dyslexia. Students exempted from compulsory language studies must complete a corresponding number of credits in other studies.
The principles of course assessment, completion of an unfinished course, renewal of a failed grade and improvement of a passed grade are described in the HAMK assessment of studies guideline.
The international students write the thesis and the abstract in English in English-taught bachelor’s degree programmes. Their language is reviewed by an English teacher. The maturity test related to the thesis is written in English.
The language of Master’s theses is not reviewed. A maturity test is not required in Master’s programmes. Instead, the student will write a press release about the main research findings of their Master’s thesis. The international students write the press release in English in English-taught degree programmes.
HAMK guidelines for theses can be found on the thesis page.