Frequently Asked Questions about the Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience

• What does it mean?
• How to get started?
• What kind of demonstration is required?
• Which method for which studies?
• What types of studies completed elsewhere qualify?
• Can a thesis completed previously be accredited?
• How much of the degree can be accredited?
• How old can accredited studies be?
• How are study attainments awarded through recognition of prior learning and experience?
• How can I apply for accreditation and recognition of informal learning?

Replacement

The replacement of modules and courses included in the degree with corresponding university-level studies.

Inclusion

The inclusion of university-level studies completed elsewhere in the degree.

Recognition of informal learning

The student identifies competence acquired elsewhere (work, volunteer activities, project work, etc.) and demonstrates it.

Studification

An alternative method of developing competence on the module or course level. The subject at hand is examined from the theoretical and practical point of view as well as through self-regulation skills and personal competence.

Replacement and inclusion

You will be conducting a guidance discussion with your Career Tutor in connection with your personal learning plan and assessing your competence in relation to the learning objectives in the curriculum. Do you have prior university-level studies that could be accredited in the degree programme?

Recognition of informal learning

You will be conducting a guidance discussion with your Career Tutor in connection with your personal learning plan and assessing your competence in relation to the learning objectives in the curriculum. Do you have competence acquired in different ways that could be recognised?

Studification

During the guidance discussion, assess together with the teacher whether the competence achieved by the studies could be attained in a different way, such as through work or completing a project and studifying it.

Replacement and inclusion

Certificates or similar documents on any studies completed.

Recognition of informal learning

E.g. written documents, an interview, video, learning diary and portfolio.

Studification

Demonstration agreed in the studification plan.

Replacement

Applicable to shared and professional core studies. There are separate instructions concerning language and communications studies and theses.

Inclusion

Applicable to complementary studies in particular.

Recognition of informal learning

Applicable to shared, professional core studies and complementary studies.

Studification

Applicable to studies with studification as an alternative method of completion.

Replacement and inclusion

The studies must be university-level studies on par with the degree programme (EQF 6 or EQF 7).

A student may also apply for accreditation of leadership and instructor training acquired in military service in their bachelor's degree.

Studies that are included in the education required for entrance eligibility cannot be accredited as part of the degree.

Replacement

Theses completed earlier or elsewhere are generally not accredited in full. A thesis completed earlier or elsewhere is assessed by the Thesis Work Group in relation to the learning objectives and assessment criteria set by JAMK for theses, in accordance with JAMK’s thesis assessment procedure. A thesis that is accredited partly or in full cannot be more than five years old.

Replacement

The entire degree cannot be accredited. The amount of accredited studies can be determined by examining your competence in relation to the learning objectives of the modules and the courses. Accredited studies are initially addressed in the guidance discussion in connection with drafting the personal learning plan.

Inclusion

The entire degree cannot be accredited. However, quite comprehensive entities can be included in the degree. They are initially addressed in the guidance discussion in connection with drafting the personal learning plan.

Recognition of informal learning

A full degree cannot be accredited as such. The number of credits resulting from the recognition of informal learning is determined when the competence is identified and compared to the learning objectives of the degree, modules and courses.

Replacement, inclusion and recognition of informal learning

The competence must be up-to-date and relevant in terms of the learning objectives of the degree, modules and courses at the time when the accreditation is applied for regardless when the student has acquired their prior learning or experience.

Replacement and inclusion

A grade or the letter M, along with the date of completion, is entered into the transcript of records for the replaced or included course. These credits are not counted towards the minimum credit requirement for student financial aid.

Recognition of informal learning

The credits resulting from recognition of informal learning are entered into the transcript using the letter S. If the student completes their attainment during the studies by drafting a portfolio, for example, it is counted as an attainment achieved during the studies, which is also recognised in terms of student financial aid.

Studification

The teacher approving the credit will enter the grade into the transcript of records in the manner agreed in the studification plan.

Replacement

Carefully fill in the form for replacement. Please pay attention to course names in English. Attach certificates of the study attainments.

Inclusion

Carefully fill in the form for inclusion. Please pay attention to course names in English. Attach certificates of the study attainments.

Recognition of informal learning

Fill in the form for recognition of informal learning.

Studification

Discuss studification with your Career Tutor or the Teacher in charge. Draft a studification plan according to instructions given by the Teacher in charge.