Contact Us

12 universities of applied sciences are preparing a proposal for a professional doctorate

Published on

The universities of applied sciences want Finland to follow European development and enable professional doctorates. The doctorate would be equivalent to the corresponding degree from universities but would be implemented in an applied manner, in strong cooperation with companies and working life. The goal is to enhance Finland's competitiveness.

The preparation of the professional doctorate is progressing in cooperation with the universities of applied sciences – a working group consisting of 12 universities of applied sciences is involved. The working group is preparing a concrete proposal of the doctorate and a possible pilot in which the degrees will be tested.

The Ministry of Education and Culture is currently launching the work of Vision for higher education and research 2040. The universities of applied sciences propose the professional doctorate as part of this vision work and hope that the degree or pilot could be implemented, for example, in the next government term.

The preparation of the doctorate pilot involves:

  • Arcada
  • Haaga-Helia
  • Häme University of Applied Sciences
  • Humak University of Applied Sciences
  • Jamk University of Applied Sciences
  • South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences
  • Kajaani University of Applied Sciences
  • Laurea University of Applied Sciences
  • Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
  • Oulu University of Applied Sciences
  • Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
  • Savonia University of Applied Sciences

There is a very significant representation of Finnish universities of applied sciences – about 65 percent of all Finnish UAS students study in these institutions.

The group's work is led by Heidi Ahokallio-Leppälä, Vice-Rector of Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK).

− It is wonderful that so many universities of applied sciences see it as important that Finland keeps up with the development of the European higher education field. The doctorate complements the Finnish education model. It is important for Finland's competitiveness and the development of companies, as emphasized in the final report of the Room for Growth working group, says Ahokallio-Leppälä.

− With the professional doctorate program, we would be able to comprehensively meet the needs of Finnish working life. The professional doctorate is a seeker, producer, and builder of new solutions connected to working life, says Riitta Konkola, President and CEO of Metropolia.

More information

Riitta Konkola
President and CEO, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
riitta.konkola [at] metropolia.fi (riitta[dot]konkola[at]metropolia[dot]fi)