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The extent of polytechnic degree studies is generally 210−240 study points (ECTS), which means 3.5 - 4 years of full-time study. This education is arranged as degree programmes. The entry requirement is a certificate from an upper secondary school or the matriculation certificate, a vocational qualification or corresponding foreign studies.
The requirement for Master's studies in polytechnics is a Bachelors' level polytechnic degree and at least three years of work experience. The polytechnic Master's, which is 60-90 study points and takes 1.5-2 years, is equivalent to a university Master's in the labour market.
Each student has a personal study plan, which facilitates student guidance and the monitoring of progress in studies.
Students apply for polytechnic studies in a national application system. The polytechnics determine the admission criteria and arrange student selection and entrance examination at their discretion. Nearly 90% of applications are submitted electronically.
Polytechnics also arrange adult education and open education geared to maintain and upgrade competencies. The teaching arrangements in adult education are flexible and enable mature students to work alongside their studies. Some 20% of polytechnic students are mature students.
Polytechnics mostly conduct R&D geared to the needs of business and industry and usually linked to the structure and development of the regional economy. Current development targets are interaction between education and R&D, staff development and networking between polytechnics, universities and research institutes.
Polytechnic R&D has expanded in recent years. The most important source of funding is the EU Structural Funds.
The links with the labour market means that polytechnics develop new or improved products, services and production machinery, devices and methods for the needs of their regions. |
