Faculty of Social Sciences

Non-graduate studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences

Studies in various subjects of the Faculty of Social Sciences can be pursued with non-graduate status. Students having this status are not permitted to take a degree at the University of Helsinki. Non-graduate status is intended for students who

wish to upgrade their professional competence
will use the credits earned as an integral part of or a supplement to a degree to be taken at another university.

A person with non-graduate status has the right to pursue studies only in the subject or study block s/he has applied for. Non-graduate studies are always completed in accordance with the degree requirements for minor subject studies. Pursuing non-graduate studies neither gives the right to take a degree at the Faculty of Social Sciences nor does it entitle students to other benefits or rights, for instance access to state-guaranteed loans or various price reductions that students are otherwise entitled to if enrolled at the university.

Non-Graduate Studies

Applicants can seek non-graduate status for the following subjects and study blocks of the Faculty of Social Sciences:

Economics
Moral and Social Philosophy
Political History
Social Policy
Social Psychology
Sociology
Economic and Social History
Statistics
Communication; application deadline 30.4. Spring term only. N.B.! No admission to basic courses (A-level).
Political Science
Development Studies
Philosophy of Values and World Views (Elämänkatsomustieto)
Science Studies

Study Blocks and Fees

According to a decision of the University Senate (11 February 1998) a fee is charged for the right to non-graduate studies and other services. The fee is paid according to the level at which the student is admitted. The main principle is that the right is granted to study on one level at a time, i.e. when applying for higher intermediate studies (C-level), the student should have completed basic studies (A-level). Non-graduate status is granted for the following study blocks (subject to fee charged by the Faculty of Social Sciences):

Study blocks and tuition charges:
- Basic studies (A-level): - Lower Intermediate studies (B-level): - Higher Intermediate studies (C-level): - Advanced studies: - Study unit 1-3 credits: - Study unit over 4 credits:	135 € 120 € 240 € 540 € 50 € 67 €

N.B.! At number 19 of the application form (Application for Non-Graduate Studies) the applicant should indicate only the subject and the level (A, B, C, or Advanced studies) and no codes are needed. Paid charges will not be returned. A separate fee will be charged for an Internet user name. http://www.valt.helsinki.fi/optoim/atkmaksu.htm (Information in Finnish)

Non-graduate Status - Application Procedure and Principles of Admission

Applicants can be granted non-graduate status in the disciplines of the Faculty of Social Sciences for the purpose of upgrading professional competence or academic qualifications. This status is granted in accordance with the different departments' teaching resources. The decision is made by the Dean on the basis of a departmental statement.

Although a well-motivated application is of great importance, the granting of non-graduate status is influenced by other factors, such as whether the person is deemed capable of pursuing studies at the faculty (e.g. language skills) and whether equivalent studies are also available at the Open University. As for degree students from other universities the stage of the applicant's studies and the availability of equivalent studies at the home university are taken into account.

Necessary Enclosures for the Application:

Written statement of purpose for pursuing studies at the University of Helsinki. Other documents that the applicant considers relevant may be included.
A transcript, if the applicant has completed earlier studies in the applied subject.
A recommendation by the employer, which shows what duties the applicant has performed and the length of working experience. (In the event that application is made in order to improve professional skills.)
Degree students from other universities: A certificate of the applicant's study record and a statement that the applied studies will be recognized as part of the applicant´s future diploma.
Graduate student: A copy of the degree certificate.

Application forms and instructions are available from Student Affairs Office of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Print the application form: (WP 6/7/8-,Word 6/7- and RTF-format)

WP-, Word-, or RTF-format.

The form in Finnish is available from here, in following formats: WP-, Word-, or RTF-format..

Applications are processed twice a year. Closing dates are April 30 and Nov. 30.

Decision on the Application and the Validity of the Non-graduate Status

Applicants will be informed of the decision by letter before the beginning of the term. The right to pursue non-graduate studies is normally valid for three years. For study units a maximum of one academic year is granted. Should the allowed studies not have been completed within this period application may be made for a time extension. A extension of the right to pursue non-graduate studies can be granted for a good reason.

Submitting an Appeal

The applicant has the right to appeal a decision within 14 days from the day the decision was made public. The mailing address for the request is Faculty of Social Sciences, Student Affairs Office, P.O. Box 54, 000 14 University of Helsinki.

Beginning of Studies

In order to register for the subject and study block granted one has to deliver a receipt that one has paid for the studies. This has to be done before beginning the studies in the Study Office of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Unioninkatu 37, open 9-11 A.M. and 12-2.45 P.M. There is a separate fee for computer services (in Finnish). Non-graduate student may participate in the instruction and in written exams. The right to pursue studies is valid only for the subject and study block for which it was granted.

Faculty of Social Sciences' Study Guide and Library Services

The Faculty of Social Sciences' Finnish programme book http://www.valt.helsinki.fi/#opas can be bought from the University Book Store (city centre) www.yliopistokirja.fi Address: Vuorikatu 5 A 00100 HELSINKI, tel. 09-652 103, 09-651229 and fax. 09 629 699. Orders may be taken (cash on delivery). E-mail: yliopistokirja@hyy.fi. The guide in English is available from the web or it can be consulted at the Study Office of the faculty.

The non-graduate card entitles the holder to use the Undergraduate Library (Vuorikatu 7) and the Faculty's reading room library (Unioninkatu 35). http://www.valt.helsinki.fi/kirjasto/index.htm

Certificate of Non-graduate Studies

The marks will be registered in the Student Registry. In order to register the study blocks one has to submit a study block request to a department concerned. A transcript can be ordered from the Student Registry, Yliopistonkatu 2 F.