Accreditation
What is accreditation?
Accreditation of studies is a term used by JAMK University of Applied Sciences to refer to the replacement of studies, inclusion of studies and recognition of prior learning (See Figure 1). The forms of learning are informal learning, non-formal learning and formal learning.
FIGURE 1. Accreditation, basic concepts.
Accreditation, Basic Concepts and Forms
- Accreditation refers to the acceptance of studies, practical training, work experience and other competences as obligatory or elective studies included in the degree being completed at JAMK.
- Replacement refers to the replacement of courses/studies being completed at JAMK by corresponding higher education courses/studies completed elsewhere in the field of study concerned.
- Inclusion refers to including higher education courses/studies completed elsewhere as part of the degree being completed in JAMK, mainly as elective studies.
- Recognition of prior learning refers to the ability of the student to analyse the competencies he/she has acquired and to perceive them in the context of the learning objectives of the course/competence concerned in such a way that he/she is able to describe and substantiate these competencies. Recognition of prior learning also refers to the official recognition of prior learning by the Head of Department concerned on the basis of the evidence submitted by the student and JAMK's assessment criteria.
Forms
How does the student apply for the accreditation of studies?
The student applies for accreditation by filling in the relevant application form. The accreditation process starts when the student compiles his/her personal study plan (HOPS). He/she evaluates his/her prior learning in view of the learning objectives of the courses/competences included in the curriculum. This evaluation is part of the application process.
The student may apply for accreditation of higher education studies completed elsewhere (Finnish Online University of Applied Sciences, Open Studies or another higher education institution) or for competences he/she has acquired in other ways. Also the leadership and instructor training acquired in the military service can be accredited as part of the degree, the number of the credits accredited ranging from 3 to 8. Studies that are included in the education that is required for entrance eligibility cannot be accredited as part of the degree. The application and accreditation process is shown in Figure 2.
FIGURE 2. Accreditation process stage by stage
The student applies in writing to the Course Tutor of the course concerned for accreditation and presents the documents on which the application is based. The student shall, by means of self-assessment, explain to the Course Tutor how his/her competences meet the learning objectives of the course concerned. The student submits the necessary documents with the application to the Course Tutor by the date set by the School concerned. If a student must complete the application, it should be done within two weeks of being informed.
The Course Tutor evaluates the material/evidence presented by the student in relation with the objectives of the course, and based thereon, prepares an accreditation proposal to the Head of the Department concerned. The Course Tutor has one month to process the application. The Course Tutor may also request further evidence or an interview or propose that the application be rejected. The Head of the Department makes a decision on accreditation on the basis of the proposal of the Course Tutor.
In case the Head of the Department rejects the application or only partially approves the application, the decision shall be justified in writing. If the student is dissatisfied with the decision, he/she may present an oral or written request for a review of the decision to the Head of Department who has made the decision. The request shall be made within 14 days from receipt of notification of the decision. In case the decision remains the same, the student may appeal against the decision to the JAMK Board of Examiners within 14 days from receipt of a written notification of the decision of the Head of Department.
Additional Information on Accreditation
The student has the right but no obligation to apply for accreditation. The student is responsible for providing evidence on the competences on which he/she bases his/her application for accreditation. Accreditation is based on the acknowledgement of various ways of learning, student-oriented assessment, competence-based curricula, and the development of JAMK’s personal study plan culture. Accreditation means that various sources of students' learning and competences are acknowledged as part of the studies. A full degree cannot, however, be completed on the basis of the accreditation principle. The time when the competences have been acquired is not relevant, but the competences must be valid on the date they are acknowledged. The student and the Course Tutor discuss and agree on the ways prior learning is substantiated. The recognition and accreditation of prior learning is implemented as part of Study plan.
Read more! JAMK University of Applied Sciences defines the accreditation practices annually. Changes to be taken affect from 1 August every year.
Additional Information: