The reform of the degree structure at the University of Turku
The background for the reform is the so called Bologna process
The goals and means of the Bologna process
The aim of the Bologna declaration is to create a coherent European area of higher education by the year 2010. The goal is to enhance the competitiveness and appeal of European higher education in comparison to the other continents. There are six means on how to achieve the goal in the Bologna process:
- Easily readable and comparable degrees, also through the implementation of the Diploma Supplement;
- Adoption of a new two-cycle degree structure. The First degree is a bachelor-level degree, which is expected to be relevant in European labour market. The second degree is a master-level degree. After those degrees the student can continue to study for a post-graduate degree.
- Establishment of a system of credits to measure the studies. The ECTS-measurement of studies makes it easier to do comparisons among higher education in Europe.
- The mobility is enhanced. The aim of the harmonisation of the structures of education is to enhance mobility of students, researchers and staff.
- The European aspect to the analysis of quality. Analysis of quality is enhanced by cooperation and harmonisation of structures of degrees.
- The European dimension in higher education is aspired by strengthening of diverse international cooperation and networking and by education of languages and cultures.
The content and timetable of the reform at the University of Turku
On 1 August 2005, all universities in Finland have adopted the new degree structure. The essential content of the reform in the University of Turku is the following:
- There are two cycles in the new basic degree structure: the Bachelor's and Master's degree. New accepted basic degree students automaticaly have the right to study at both the lower (Bachelor) and higher (Master) levels. It is obligatory for all basic degree students to complete a Bachelor's degree before a Master's degree. There are, however, separate admission procedures for those who already have university studies e.g. those applying for a Master's degree programme. The two-cycle degree structure will be applied in all fields with the exception of medicine and dentistry.
- The unit of measure of studies had changed from the credit in the old system (opintoviikko) to the credit in the new system based on the European Credit Transfer System (opintopiste). The Bachelor's degree consists of 180 credits and Master's degree of 120 credits. The exception is the Master of Psychology degree, which is 150 credits. In order to complete the Bachelor's degree in three years and thereafter the Master's degree in two, the suggested amount of studies is 60 credits per year. The extent of a Licentiate in Medicine will be minimum 360 credits and a Licentiate in Dentistry 300 credits.
- A new five-level grading scale has been introduced: 5 (excellent), 4 (very good), 3 (good), 2 (satisfactory), 1 (sufficient), 0 (fail). In addition, a pass/fail scale may be used. Faculties are entitled to give separate orders on evaluation of theses.
- All new students will draw up a personal study plan for their studies.
- The academic year is divided into two semesters. N.B. The teaching periods is not applied at the faculties of Medicine and Law.
Transition to a new system from the student's point of view
The changeover period to the new degree system finished for most students 31 July 2008 and 31 July 2010 for students of the following degrees: Master of Science in Technology, Licenciate of Medicine and Licentiate of Dentistry.
Grading system
The evaluation of study units is rounded as follows:
| Correlative quantitative value | Final grade of the study module |
| 4.50 - 5 | 5 |
| 3.50 - 4.49 | 4 |
| 2.50 - 3.49 | 3 |
| 1.50 - 2.49 | 2 |
| 1 - 1.49 | 1 |