The degree programme leads to a higher education degree which is a first cycle Bachelor-level degree in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). According to the eight-level classification of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) the degree represents level 6.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Please see the Applicant's Guide or the website www.seamk.fi/hakeminen.

Applicant's Guide's instructions are written in Finnish for degree programmes taught in Finnish and in English for degree programmes taught in English. On the website, application and instructions are in Finnish language for the degree programmes taught in Finnish.

SPECIFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Seinäjoki UAS's common practices are observed in the assessment and recognition of prior learning (RPL). The final thesis and Maturity Test are not included in the RPL process. Other studies can either be replaced by courses of equivalent content or other acquired expertise. Studies completed in other institutions may also be incuded in the optional and elective studies.

To receive credit for the practical training for prior work experience a report must be submitted to the degree programme according to the practices observed. Previously acquired expertise expires in 10 years. The teacher who processes the applications may request additional information or demonstration of prior learning, if necessary. The following are used to assess prior learning:

Certificates from courses or other training of similar content
Interviews with the student in question and written reports
Job references and additional information acquired from employers
Skills test if necessary
Comparison of the above to the goals petaining to competence in the course(s) in question

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS

Please see the Degree Regulations of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.

PEDAGOGICAL APPROACH

A variety of teaching methods are utilised in the degree programme, the most important of which is project work. Projects engage students in problem-based, investigative learning, which simulates life in the working world.

PROFILE OF THE PROGRAMME

Beginning studies in the field of culture is a challenging endeavour. It calls for passion and an appreciation for culture, which is a learning process in itself. This is the essence of the fascination of culture as a profession.

Creative work is innovative when it has a goal. Work in the field of culture and education especially should be both creative and innovative. Guidance and career counselling provide students with sustainable support throughout their entire academic career, guiding them through their studies in the field of culture, elucidating the distinctive characteristics of the field, and encouraging students in their learning process.

The aim of the Degree Programme in Design is to prepare students for various duties in the field of design. Emphasis in the programme is placed on user-oriented design that places the wishes and needs of the user in the forefront. Students will have command of project-based, goal-oriented methods of working, and they will be competent in working on multi-professional teams. Students learn through hands-on projects that simulate life in the working world. They will become familiar with the professional practices in each area of specialisation. Students have the opportunity to work in well-equipped workshops during their studies and to complete some of their studies as exchange students in partner institutions abroad.

The Graphic Design line of specialisation provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to create and manage a business and product image. Teaching in the first part of the programme concentrates on developing students’ basic skills in graphics and essential approaches needed to work in the field, such as the principles of designing and the use of computer programmes.

As their studies progress, students delve more deeply into the duties of a graphic designer through projects with various partners. Project partners include companies, associations and representatives of product design and marketing communications. During the projects, students gain extensive insight into the different perspectives of graphic design. At the end of the programme, students practise working as an independent professional. The aim is to prepare students to work in communities where one’s professional knowledge and skill is just as important as interaction and the ability to collaborate.

As the name suggests, the Lifestyle Design line of specialisation concentrates on the design and visualisation of products and services that support different lifestyles. Future trends and being able to identify and cater to the needs of the consumer are an essential part of the designing process.

During course projects, students create brands around products and services accentuating experiences, generate visionary business and company concepts, and design entire collections. Students also practise the visualisation of various events together with events producers.

Some of the projects concentrate on concept design and others on the development of a prototype for a product or a complete product ready for manufacturing. Emphasis is placed on the design, production and co-ordination of products for fashion, living and leisure, which coincide with the concept of lifestyle. The creation of a product does not depend on the types of materials available; the aim is to provide students with opportunities to use various types of materials.

The Industrial Furniture Design line of specialisation provides students with solid knowledge and skills in the designing, manufacturing techniques, materials and marketing of furniture. Studying takes place in close co-operation with the working world. Students design consumer-oriented interior design and product concepts in projects with partner companies. Some of the concepts are developed into products. Students participate in trade fairs by designing and constructing booths for the fairs and creating graphic material for marketing products.

The purpose of the studies is to promote students’ professional development and growth into designing professionals through varied types of approaches. During their studies, students have the opportunity to learn about marketing and acquire knowledge of how to establish their own business. Students can also broaden their international expertise by taking courses in English and completing part of their studies during international exchanges abroad.

OCCUPATIONAL PROFILES

Lifestyle designers may work as entrepreneurs, developers of products and services in the lifestyle sector, in marketing or as purchasers.

An industrial furniture designer may work in small and mid-sized industries as a designer, an independent entrepreneur, product developer, in marketing and as supervisors in the field of design.

Graphic designers work in advertising offices, entrepreneurs or in small and mid-sized companies designing printed or electronic material.

ACCESS TO FURTHER STUDIES

Students who have completed this programme are eligible to continue on to a university of applied sciences' master's degree programme in design. (University of applied sciences act 351/2003, in Finnish)

EXAMINATION REGULATIONS, ASSESSMENT AND GRADING

Please see the Degree Regulations of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Please see the Degree Regulations of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.

MODE OF STUDY

Students study full-time in this programme.

CONTACT PERSONS

Head of degree programme: Mr Esa Savola, +358 40 868 0126, esa.savola(at)seamk.fi

Student counsellor: Mr Hannu Ruokonen, +358 40 830 4226, hannu.ruokonen(at)seamk.fi

ECTS department coordinator / International coordinator: Ms Eija Pennanen, +358 40 830 4272, eija.pennanen(at)seamk.fi

ops.seamk.fi - Kampusranta 11, 2nd floor (Frami F), 60320 SEINÄJOKI - Puhelin: +358 20 124 5000 - Faksi: +358 20 124 5001 - opintotoimisto@seamk.fi