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 included 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 pertaining 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

The objective of the curriculum is to emphasize teaching methods that actively engage students in the learning process; learning involves the acquisition and analysis of information and the production of new information. Pedagogy can be described as constructivism that complements expertise. However, teaching in individual courses may be marked by typical constructivist methods, such as problem-based learning, project learning together with representatives of the working world, co-operative learning and online study. Teaching also involves lectures, group work and examinations based on set literature.

Students are encouraged to take part in practical training abroad and to acquire other forms of educational experience during their studies. There is a study module available in English (25 cr) for our international partners. Students taking part in the programme have the opportunity to study in English together with international mobility students.

Research and development is integrated into the curriculum on two levels: (1) individual courses are carried out through student projects based on phenomena in the working world and issues concerning patrons, and (2) thesis work is combined with development work during students' practical training period, for example. Furthermore, the degree programme engages in regional and national projects, which are integrated into teaching, thesis work, and the research and development carried out by the university staff.

Profile of the programme

The purpose of the degree programme is to provide students with the readiness they need to work in customer-service and development and in specialist positions in libraries and information service centres. Students graduating from the programme will possess knowledge and skills in running, developing and supervising staff in a library and information service centre. Specialised skills, such as storing data and acquiring information, knowledge of literature and other library materials, customer service skills, social skills and computer skills, are emphasised in the programme.

Occupational profiles

The programme provides students with the qualifications for working in public libraries as stated in the Library Act. Other places of employment include academic and specialised libraries as well as information services in companies. Bachelors of Business Administration have also found job placements in bookshops and publishing. Students can specialise in various areas within the field through the courses they choose.

Job titles in libraries may include information specialist, information consultant, information services secretary, library director, head of department and librarian. There are also may specialised jobs, such as project and computer services designers, in library and information services organisations.

Internationalization in the Degree Programme

The degree programme in Library and Information Services emphasizes internationality. The curriculum includes compulsory, alternative and free choice studies where the language of tuition is English. The multicultural services in libraries are a part of the studies. The material and publications used in courses are international.

Students have a possibility to carry out a part of their studies abroad. Also practical training or a part of it can be done abroad. The best time going abroad to study or to have a practical training is the spring semester of the second year of study or the fall semester of the third year of study.

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 library and information services. (University of applied sciences act 351/2003, in Finnish)

Structure of the studies

The studies consist of basic studies (40 cr), compulsory professional studies (90 cr), elective professional studies (25 cr), work placement (30 cr) and free choice studies (10 cr). In the final thesis (15 cr) students can, in addition to alternative professional studies, deepen their skills in other areas of the library and information services. The first year studies mainly consist of basic and compulsory professional studies. The second year onward, the studies focus on professional studies and students are able to choose among the certain selection of the courses available every year.

The students of the degree programme are able to apply to multidisciplinary FramiPro studies, in which students can study one semester (30 cr) from the second year onward. The application period is the spring semester in the first year of study.

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

Full-time studies

Contact persons

Head of degree programme:
Ms Sari Mäkinen-Laitila, tel. +358 40 868 0077, e-mail: sari.makinen-laitila(at)seamk.fi

ECTS departmental coordinator / International coordinator:
Ms Eija Pennanen, tel. +358 40 830 4272, e-mail: eija.pennanen(at)seamk.fi

Student counsellor:
Ms Tuija Huusko, tel. +358 40 830 4227, e-mail: tuija.huusko(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