Vocational Teacher Education (in Finnish and in English)

Extent of the studies: 60 ECTS
Application period: The next application period is on January 2013

The post-degree programme in Vocational Teacher Education provides pedagogical qualification for teaching. The education is designed to meet the needs of adult students: the mode of study is flexible, multiform and each student is able to tailor the studies to meet his/her unique needs.

You can study in English in the Helsinki metropolitan area and in Jyväskylä, or apply to one of our Finnish-language study groups based in various parts of Finland.

In most cases applicants must have a relevant university or polytechnic degree and a minimum of three years’ work experience in a field corresponding to the degree. If you already have teacher qualifications, you can also apply to the study programmes of Vocational Special Needs Teacher (in Finnish or in English) and Study Counsellor (in Finnish).

The Teacher Education College has provided vocational teacher education for 45 years and internationally oriented vocational teacher education studies in English since 1994. We offer an enthusiastic and modern learning environment!

How to apply?

The next application period is on January 2013. The joint online application is available (in Finnish) at www.opekorkeahaku.fi and the application form in English will be uploaded here.

Objectives

The general objective of vocational teacher education (Decree 357/03) is to provide students with:

• the knowledge and skills needed in the guidance of learning of diverse students
• the competences needed in developing the educational sector, considering the development of working life and professions.

Content of Studies

The Vocational Teacher Education programme consists of 60 ECTS credits (corresponding to one year of full-time study) and includes:

• basic studies in educational sciences
• vocational pedagogy studies
• teaching practice
• other studies.

Modes of Study

The Vocational Teacher Education programme conducted in English can be completed in an internationally oriented study group partly in Jyväskylä and partly in the Helsinki metropolitan area.

The part-time Vocational Teacher Education programme (60 ECTS) includes seminars, E-learning activities, learning circle meetings and teaching practice. The length of supervised study varies, according to the mode of study and programme, from one to two years. In compliance with the law, the students have the right to study full-time for two years or part-time for three years. These standard times are normally sufficient to include the eventuality of any unscheduled interruptions in the studies.

Learn more about the Teacher Education College in English or Chinese (video, YouTube).

To find out more about the studies, see what Thomas, Benjamin and Katarina – students of our international group – have to say about the programme! Watch the video in YouTube

Eligibility

In most cases the eligibility to apply for teacher education studies can be obtained with:

• a relevant university or polytechnic degree and
• a minimum of three years' work experience in a field corresponding to the degree.

In the field of social services and health, either a relevant master's degree plus three years' work experience or a relevant polytechnic degree plus five years' work experience corresponding to the degree are required.

Please note!

You have to attach a copy of the decision on the recognition of your degree made by the Finnish National Board of Education to your application if you:

• have not completed your degree in the Nordic Countries
• represent the educational field of social services and health and you have not completed your degree in Finland.

Without copy of the decision, your application will not be considered. For further information, please visit www.oph.fi/recognition.

Postgraduate Studies

Vocational teachers can continue their studies in the specialisation programmes of Vocational Study Counsellor (in Finnish) or Vocational Special Needs Teacher (in English and in Finnish).

Further information

Katariina Jouhiaho, Study Advisor, +358 40 752 5358, firstname.lastname@jamk.fi
JAMK University of Applied Sciences

Teacher Education College in Finnish

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