The degree programme provides a professionally orientated and international knowledge bese for challenges in modern urban planning. The education consists of three different basic elements: urban planning processes including GIS and communicative planning, multidimensional project management and climate change effects in urban settings. Up-to-date knowledge and technology are adapted from the fields of renewable energy and material use, and waste water and stormwater management.
The degree programme is planned and realized in co-operation with two partner universities, Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland (UK) and University of Salento in Italy. The education is carried out through intensive periods, mainly in Fellmannia (Kirkkokatu 27, Lahti), and with the help of virtual meetings and eLearning platforms. Teaching language is English.
Structure of Studies
The curriculum is workplace orientated and based on each student´s individual study plan.
60 ECTS:
• Methodological studies 5 ECTS
• Professional studies 3 x 5 ECTS = 15 ECTS
• Elective studies 2 x 5 ECTS = 10 ECTS
• Master's thesis 30 ECTS
The obligatory courses for all students in the programme are Research process and research methods (5 ECTS), Urban and communicative planning (5 ECTS) and Master's thesis and research seminars (30 ECTS). In addition to professional studies offered by the programme, the student is also able to choose courses from other Master's Programmes in LUAS or in other FUAS universities (HAMK UAS and Laurea UAS).
Study guide
The applicant must have at least bachelor's degree in University or University of Applied Sciences (Engineering or Environmental Science) and a minimum of three years of work experience. Also a solid command of English is required.
Work experience
At least three years' work experience after graduation is required. Those who have completed college-level or vocational qualification, worked for three years after that and then started bachelor degree studies can be accepted as applicants.
The work experience needs to be obtained by 31 July 2013. The only kind of work experience accepted is one of which you have been given a testimonial by your employer. Entrepreneurship is accepted as work experience if you can provide a certificate of it given by a designated authority (in Finland i.e. a testimonial of YEL or MYEL insurance).
A part-time job is converted into full-time so that 150 hours or 20 full-length working days (at least 7 hours per day) are equivalent to one month. The work experience does not have to be continuous or obtained under the same employer.
Work placement or practical training are not counted towards work experience if they are included in the degree used in admission. Military service, non-military service or child-care leave are not counted towards work experience.
English language requirements
In order to prove your English language skills, you must meet one of the following minimum requirements:
- IELTS score academic level 6.0, or
- TOEFL score 550 paper-based test or 79 - 80 Internet-based test or
- grade C in the Finnish matriculation examination in advanced level English (IB examination grade 4 completed in Finland or Reifeprüfung examination grade 7 completed in Finland or EB examination grade 6.00 - 6.95), or
- skills level 4 in English in the Finnish general language examination or
- a bachelor's or master's degree conducted in English in an EU/ETA country or one of the following countries: United States of America, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.
Next application period: from January 7th 2013 until April 12th 2013.
You can still ask for vacant places until 14 June.
Programme is starting in September 2013.
How to apply
Downloadable application form
These documents needs to be sent via traditional mail:
- application form, filled and signed
- copies of the education diplomas (Finnish applicants)
- officially confirmed copies of the education diplomas and officially confirmed translations of the certificates, translated to English or Finnish (foreign applicants)
- certificates to prove the work experience
- the certificate of language skills: TOEFL or IELTS or proof of a bachelor's or master's degree conducted in English in an EU/ETA country or some of the following countries: United States of America, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.
- CV in English
- 2 letters of reference
- copy of passport (if the applicant is non-European)
Return the application with the requested attachments to:
Lahti University of Applied Sciences
Faculty of Technology
Ståhlberginkatu 10
FI-15100 Lahti
FINLAND
Student selection
After the end of the application period all eligible applicants will be invited by a letter to the entrance examination. Student selection will be made based on entrance examination and interview, grade of the thesis and working experience.
The entrance examination includes questions based on an article and an interview. Further entrance examination details and individual interview times will be informed in the invitation letters.
Tuition fees, living expenses and insurances
Attending the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programmes at Lahti University of Applied Sciences is free of charge and therefore there are no tuition fees. However, when planning your studies it is good to remember that books and other studying material, travel, accommodation and living expenses must all be covered by the student himself/herself.
To obtain a residence permit foreign students have to make a bank deposit of at least 6000 euros for each year of studying to cover their living costs in Finland. In addition to this, they have to provide evidence that they have a health insurance for the duration of their studies in Finland. It is important to note, that students from outside the EU/EEA countries are not covered by the Finnish national health insurance. Therefore it is highly important that these students have sufficient insurance cover before their arrival to Finland.
For more information about insurances and residence permits, please visit the web site of The Finnish Immigration Service.
Additional information:
Study in Lahti
Living in Finland