Faculty of Social Sciences

Planning of Studies

One of the most important things to do at the beginning of the studies is to draw up a personal study-plan. The International Students Contact Persons at the departments and the tutors are available for counselling and help.

The Finnish system varies from a number of European, American, Asian etc. study-systems in its freedom, i.e. the student may rather freely choose the pace of his/her studies, minor subjects etc. Of course there are some restrictions, but one should consult the relevant department for those. Since 2005, study progress in being monitored through the Etappi system.

The best way to draw up the study-plan is to first see the courses offered at the Faculty that particular year and choose all the basic courses that are arranged that year in the subject one has been accepted to study.

One should not just take courses in the major subject, but also other courses from other departments, particularly those one intends to take as a Minor subject in the future. If you are able to study also in Finnish, it is advisable to take a look at the Finnish study guide..

It is also a good idea to start taking courses in Finnish or Swedish language as early as possible at the beginning of the studies, since the amount of lecture courses arranged in Finnish or Swedish is multifold compared to those arranged in English.

Also those studies that the department requires as compulsory programme-related general studies (for instance Mathematics and Statistics for Economics, ICT courses all departments) etc. ought to be taken as early as possible, since they offer a solid basis for studies and seminars in one´s major subject.

Even so the outcome might remain somewhat meager, and thus one should also start to think about taking faculty examinations that are held usually once a month.

Degree students should note that the Faculty offers a wide variety of courses in different subjects and degree students are free to take courses or Faculty examinations from other departments if they so choose.

Studies in other Faculties and even in other Universities (Technology, Business etc) are also sometimes a possibility. Enquiries should be directed to the International Affairs´ Officer. Please also see http://www.valt.helsinki.fi/faculty/Studies/rights/joo.htm