In accordance with the Universities of Applied Sciences Act, everyone graduated with a Bachelor’s degree knows at least two European languages besides his/her mother tongue. The extent of the language and communication studies at SAMK varies in each degree programme.
Read more about the language studies in degree programmes (Requires OneDrive login).
The English degree programmes have slightly different language studies from the Finnish ones. The target level of English studies for a Bachelor’s degree has been defined to level B2 and of Swedish studies to B1 in the grading of the CEFR, Common European Framework of Reference.
In accordance with the Universities of Applied Sciences Act, everyone graduated with a Bachelor’s degree knows at least two European languages besides his/her mother tongue. The extent of the language and communication studies at SAMK varies in each degree programme. The English degree programmes have slightly different studies from the Finnish ones. The target level of English studies for a Bachelor’s degree has been defined to level B2 and in Swedish studies to B1 in the grading of the CEFRCommon European Framework of Reference.
Regarding other languages and RPL, please contact the teacher in question.
The language proficiency is described with a six-level scale:
Proficient user:
C2 Perfect, precise and correct use of language in complex situations
C1 Diverse and effective use of language
Independent user:
B2 Fluent and spontaneous communication
B1 Deals with the language whilst travelling
Basic user:
A2 Social interaction and brief descriptions
A1 Basic needs and very familiar topics with simple phrases
Target levels in different levels of education
upper secondary school/high school/sixth form college: Swedish B1, English B2
upper secondary vocational education and training: Swedish A1 – A2, English A2 – B2
institutes of higher education/universities: Swedish B1, English B2
N.B. The aim of the language studies at the university is to broaden the skills towards a profession/discipline, not to raise from one level to another.
The Master’s degrees do not include compulsory language and communication studies.
Depending on your degree programme at SAMK, you will complete at least the following compulsory language and communication studies:
Language studies in degree programmes (Requires OneDrive login)
In addition to these, you can take elective and preliminary language studies.
§ 7 Language skills
During the studies included in the degree of a university of applied sciences or otherwise, the student must demonstrate to have acquired:
1) such language skills in Finnish and Swedish which are required of state officials functioning in a bilingual office of a public organization according to Act 424/2003 and which are necessary for practicing the profession and for further professional development; and
2) such spoken and written skills in one or two foreign languages which are necessary for practicing the profession and for further professional development.
What is decreed by clause 1 does not apply to a student who has acquired his/her school education in other language than Finnish or Swedish, nor a student who has acquired his/her school education abroad. Thus the language skills requirements are decided by the university of applied sciences.
The university of applied sciences, based on a special reason, can exempt the student partly or entirely from the language requirements decreed in clause 1. The language skills acquired by the student are presented in the degree certificate. Records of the language skills in Finnish and Swedish must observe the Government decree (481/2003) § 19 issued by the state administration.
Government decree on demonstrating language skills in Finnish and Swedish in state administration:
19 § Records of language skills in higher education certificate
(unofficial translation from Government Decree 481/2003, English translation not available)
The degree certificate of a higher education institution degree states
If you have completed a vocational upper secondary qualification, your language of school education is the language in which you completed the native language syllabus (not as a second language) at comprehensive school.
If you have graduated from upper secondary school, your language of school education is the language in which you completed the native language syllabus (not as a second language) at upper secondary school.
You can check your language of school education from the school-leaving certificate of comprehensive or upper secondary school. The matriculation examination (or IB, EB, Reifeprüfung) does not influence the language of school education.
If you have completed your upper secondary qualification abroad, your language of school education is the language in which you completed the native language syllabus at comprehensive school.
Did you complete the native language syllabus in Finnish at comprehensive school, but in Swedish at upper secondary school? (Or vice versa.) In this case, you can choose, when starting your studies at a university, which language you want to use as your language of school education throughout your studies.
Your language of school education is “other language than Finnish or Swedish”:
If your language of school education is other than Finnish or Swedish, you cannot use it to demonstrate the excellent proficiency in Finnish or Swedish required for central-government positions in the language of the majority population in bilingual areas. Government Decree 481/2003 on the demonstration of language skills in Finnish and Swedish (unofficial translation of Valtioneuvoston asetus suomen ja ruotsin kielen taidon osoittamisesta valtionhallinnossa, 481/2003, English translation not available).
Instead, you can demonstrate that you have the required excellent language proficiency with the tests included in the matriculation examination: the native language test (Finnish or Swedish) with the grade of magna cum laude approbatur or higher, or the Finnish or Swedish as a second language test with the grade of eximia cum laude approbatur or higher.
The student can for a particular reason be partly or entirely exempted from completing compulsory language studies stipulated in Act 1129/2014 § 7. Particular reasons include the following a) the student has not studied the language before b) the language is the student’s native language or c) other reason, e.g. a diagnosed severe dyslexia or other verified learning difficulty, which affects language learning.
This means that the student does not need to complete the compulsory language studies in a foreign language and/or in one national language included in the curriculum. However, exemption does not decrease the number of credits required for the degree and the student has to complete other studies with the same number of credits as the compulsory language studies. If possible, these studies should support language studies. However, if the student has clearly problems in learning languages, he or she can complete other studies which support the degree studies. Information on the exemption is marked in the supplement of the diploma.
The entire procedural instructions on completing the studies and exemptions from the compulsory language studies can be found in Quality manual, in ARC.
ME1202 Completing studies (ARC requires SAMK-login)
ME1203 Exemption from language studies (ARC requires SAMK-login)
The exemption application is directed to Riitta Tempakka, Dean.
At SAMK you can study elective and preparatory language studies. We offer elective and preparatory language studies in accordance with SAMK’s annually confirmed language programme.
You can find elective and preparatory language studies here:
Kielet Languages Finnish 2024 kevät spring.xlsx
German 1, 5 cr
This course offers you tools to get started with your German studies. The course will introduce simple everyday language situations, which are practiced both during online lessons as well as on your own time. You are expected to know English since it is the language used in teaching, alongside with German. No previous studies in German are required.
Level A1
German 2, 5 cr
This course continues German 1 and offers you more tools to your German studies.The course will introduce more everyday language situation, which are practiced both during online lessons as well as on your own time. English is the language used in teaching though we are using more German now. Participation to the course requires that you have completed German1 or you already have the knowledge of the basics.
Level A1/A2
Spanish 1, 5 cr
This course offers you tools to get started with your Spanish studies. The course will introduce simple everyday language situations, which are practiced both during online lessons as well as on your own time. You are expected to know English since it is the language used in teaching, alongside with Spanish. No previous studies in Spanish are required.
Level A1
Spanish 2, 5 cr
This course continues Spanish 1 and offers you more tools to your Spanish studies.The course will introduce more everyday language situation, which are practiced both during online lessons as well as on your own time. English is the language used in teaching though we are using more Spanish now. Participation to the course requires that you have completed Spanish1 or you already have the knowledge of the basics.
Level A1/A2
Finnish 1, 3 cr
This course offers you tools to get started with your Finnish studies. You will learn the basics of Finnish language. The course will introduce simple everyday language situations at home and at working life, which are practiced both in classroom as well as your own time. You are expected to know English since it is the language used in teaching, alongside with Finnish. No previous studies in Finnish are required.
Level A1.2
Finnish 2, 4 cr
This course continues Finnish 1 and offers you more tools to your Finnish studies. You will learn more the basics of Finnish language. The course will introduce simple everyday language situations at home and at working life, which are practiced both in classroom as well as your own time.
English is the language used in teaching though we are using more Finnish now. Participation to the course requires that you have completed Finnish 1 or you already have the knowledge of the basics.
Level A1.3/A2.1
Finnish 3, 3 cr
The student can manage both everyday situations related to the topics mentioned below and some professional communication. The student can also describe one’s own life experiences, plans for the future and opinions and discuss topics mentioned below in different tenses. The student can understand and participate in a discussion on most everyday topics, as well as write about their everyday situations, e.g. applications, studies, living in Finland, dealing with officials etc. The student understands and can communicate in basic professional Finnish.
Level A2
Finnish 1, 5 cr
The student can manage simple everyday communicative situations using expressions related to one´s personal life and surroundings. The student can understand and produce short texts on familiar and everyday topics (e.g. e-mail, text message) by using the basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. Possible themes include personal life, family and friends.
Level A1
Finnish 2, 5 cr
Student can manage everyday communicative situations related to the topics mentioned below. The student can also describe one’s own life experiences more extensively and discuss topics mentioned below in different tenses. The student can understand and participate in a discussion on topics familiar to him/her, as well as write a short description of a situation connected to an everyday situation, e.g. short letters, notes, applications. The student understands and can communicate in basic professional Finnish.
Level A2
The aim of the preparatory language studies is to strengthen your basic language proficiency so that it will be possible for you to complete the compulsory professional language studies. In the Finnish degree programmes, an English and a Finnish Placement test are performed. Finnish students in English degree programmes take a Swedish Placement test. The target level is B1 (Swedish) in the CERF, Common European Framework of Reference. You will be directed to the preparatory language studies based on the Placement test. The preparatory Swedish course, Brush up your Swedish, will be completed before the actual Swedish studies. For the non-Finns in English degree programmes we offer a preparatory English course, Brush up your English, as an elective language study.
Brush up your English, 4 cr, language of instruction English
The student is able to use the key structures and essential vocabulary in such oral and written communication situations, which are related to the most common everyday needs at work and in free time. The student recognizes his/her strengths and development needs. The student has the abilities to manage in the compulsory professionally-oriented English studies belonging to the degree. Target level B1 on the CERF.
Brush up your Swedish, 4 cr, language of instruction Finnish
The student is able to use the key structures and essential vocabulary in such oral and written communication situations, which are related to the most common everyday needs at work and in free time. The student recognizes his/her strengths and development needs. The student has the abilities to manage in the compulsory professionally-oriented Swedish studies belonging to the degree. Target level B1 on the CERF.
N.B. The course is intended especially for those students who have not passed the Placement test.
Here, new students who are starting their studies at SAMK will find information about matters such as placement tests (Swedish and/or English) and language tutoring. Also, language tutors’ contact information can be found here.
Language tutors are SAMK language teachers who support and instruct you with issues concerning language and communication studies. Please, contact your specific language tutor (see the list below) if you have special questions regarding your language and communications studies – for example, if you are wondering whether your skills are adequate for a certain language course.
Language tutors:
Business Administration, Business, Tourism, Entrepreneurship (Pori)
Satu Jyllilä, satu.jyllila@samk.fi
Industrial Management, Logistics (Rauma), International Tourism Management (Pori); Business Administration, Business (Huittinen);
Annika Valo, annika.valo@samk.fi
Technology, Pori
Swedish language studies: Minna Iitti, minna.iitti@samk.fi
English language studies: Päivi Sorvi, paivi.sorvi@samk.fi
Artificial Intelligence, Mechatronics (Pori); Health and welfare, Physiotherapy, Nursing (Pori & Rauma); Fine Arts (Kankaanpää)
Sanna Lomma-Lahtinen, sanna.lomma-lahtinen@samk.fi
International Busines, Business, Logistics, Industrial Management and Technology, Sea Captain (Rauma)
Monika Engel, monika.engel@samk.fi
SAMK offers you studying languages and communication in a traditional classroom form, on courses entirely online and in combinations of these both.
In addition to these, you can prove your language and communication skills, obtained somewhere else, through the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.
Have you completed language or communication studies during your earlier institute of higher education/university studies or acquired proficiency in some other way? -> Based on that, you can apply for an RPL substitution. The recognition of prior learning means substituting studies belonging
to the degree programme’s curriculum with corresponding institute of higher education/university level studies.
Demonstration of competence (procedure that can be used to identify competence other than university studies). It can be shown with certificates or as an evaluated RPL exam. If you have acquired the language and/or communication skills required for the degree programme’s curriculum in some other way than at a university, and you have a certificate for it, write an application for demonstration of competence. For example, the so-called YKI certificate of Finnish language. The application is addressed to the head of education Hanna-Kaisa Sadwinski.
The certificate of language proficiency serves as a demonstration of competence only for the compulsory language and communication studies included in the degree. For elective language studies, the certificate of language proficiency cannot be used to make the application of the demonstration of competence in e-Services. The demonstration of competence for the elective language studies can be shown by contacting the teacher of the language in question.
Loki student desktop has a link to the eServices system.
The instructional video (in Finnish) made by eSamk helps in choosing and filling out the right form
The link to the video can also be found in E-services.
A correctly completed application speeds up the processing. It is important to note that the application is of the right type (substitution or competence demonstration) and that all necessary attachments are included or a working link to the electronic transcript of records. The processing time will be shorter if the person making the decision has been chosen correctly.
The application queues are usually longer at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters when new students start. In this case, the application processing times are longer, up to 4 weeks. Outside of peak times, decisions come faster.
a) Statutory language skills shown previously in another Finnish degree are included in the degree studied.
b) If the student has shown the required language skills by completing equivalent studies or studies at the same level (CEFR) in another Finnish higher education institution and the studies are not included in any degree, the language studies are accepted as such even if the extent is not quite the same if it is not more than ten years since the completion of the studies. Over ten-year old language studies, which are not included in any degree, are primarily not directly included in the degree being studied, but competence is shown by demonstration of competence.
c) If the student has shown the required language skills by completing equivalent studies or studies at the same level (CEFR) with similar goals in a foreign higher education institution, the language studies are accepted as such even if the content is not quite the same, if it is not more than ten years since the completion of the studies. Over ten-year old language studies are primarily not directly included in the degree being studied but competence is shown by demonstration of competence.
a) Statutory language skills shown previously in another Finnish degree are included in the degree studied.
b) If the student has shown the required language skills by completing equivalent studies or studies at the same level (CEFR) with similar goals in a Finnish higher education institution, and the studies are not included in any degree, the language studies are accepted even if the extent is not quite the same.
c) If the student has completed the National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI certificate) at least at level three (3) or the Civil Service Language Proficiency Certificate, the student applies for demonstration of competence based on the certificate. (Government Decree 481/2003 on the Demonstration of Language Skills in Finnish and Swedish in Public Administration, Act on the Knowledge of Languages Required of Personnel in Public Bodies 424/2003).
Over ten-year old language studies, which are not included in any degree, are primarily not directly included in the degree being studied, but competence is shown by demonstration of competence. It is recommended to update the communication course included in the previous degree, either as proof of competence or as a new course completion, because the ways of communication have changed a lot in the last 10 years. Agree on the demonstration of competence with your teacher.
What is RPL?
Before entering the process of Recognition of prior learning (RPL) discuss with the language teacher responsible for RPL in your degree programme.
With the help of RPL, i.e. Recognition of prior learning, you are able to include the competences acquired earlier as parts of your studies in the higher education institution. Thus, it is possible to avoid overlapping studies and, on the other hand, make the studies more meaningful from the student’s perspective. Additional underlying objectives are the ideas of promoting student mobility, increasing the transparency of education as well as enabling a flexible progress of the studies. RPL aims at supporting the individual study plan of the student.
More information on RPL/(A)HOT, substitution, inclusion and demonstration of competence can be found for example in ME1202 Completing studies (ARC requires SAMK-login).
Demonstration of prior competence for English is done by passing a written exam in the EXAM room and by giving an oral demonstration at a stipulated time.
Recognition of prior learning (AHOT) for English means the same as completing the course:
English, 3 cr, SY170303 as an evaluated demonstration of competence. The required skill level of the English course is B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The RPL demonstration of competence requires passing both written and oral parts of the exam.
Recognition of prior learning (AHOT) for English means the same as completing the course: English, 3 cr, SY170303 as an evaluated demonstration of competence. The required skill level of the English course is B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You can find instructions, schedules and more detailed information on AHOT/RPL Moodle site.
NB! Log in to the section of your own field. Passwords for the different fields:
Field > Password
Nursing >Nursing
Technology >Technology
Tourism >Tourism
International Business > Business
Demonstration of prior competence for Finnish is done by passing a written exam in the EXAM room and by giving an oral demonstration at a stipulated time.
Recognition of prior learning (AHOT) for Finnish means the same as completing either the course:
Finnish 1, 3 cr, V180055 –> The required skill level A1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
or the course:
Finnish 3, 3 cr, V180057 –> The required skill level A2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
as an evaluated demonstration of competence.
The RPL demonstration of competence requires passing both written and oral parts of the exam.
You can find instructions, schedules and more detailed information on AHOT/RPL Moodle site.
Password: Finnish
N.B. If you already have a certificate of your Finnish skills, please, fill in an RPL application at SAMK’s eServices and send it to Hanna-Kaisa Sadwinski, Head of Teaching.
a) Substitution: requires a higher education certificate.
Substitutes studies in the curriculum with equivalent studies in another institute of higher education.
b) Demonstration of competence: requires a certificate (other than higher education, e.g. YKI)
A procedure whereby a competence achieved, other than higher education studies, can be identified and recognised.
The certificate of language proficiency serves as a demonstration of competence only for the compulsory language and communication studies included in the degree. For elective language studies, the certificate of language proficiency cannot be used to make the application of the demonstration of competence in e-Services. The demonstration of competence for the elective language studies can be shown by contacting the teacher of the language in question.
In these cases, a or b, you are not required to demonstrate your skills in Finnish in any other way than with your certificate.
Demonstration of prior competence for Swedish is done by passing a written exam in the EXAM room and by giving an oral demonstration at a stipulated time.
Recognition of prior learning (AHOT) for Swedish means the same as completing the courses:
Swedish, written skills,1,5 cr, SY172301 and Swedish, oral skills, 1,5 cr, SY172302 as an evaluated demonstration of competence. The required skill level of the Swedish course is B1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The demonstration of the proficiency of the so called civil service Swedish requires the approval of both written and oral demonstration. Both demonstrations are assessed separately with their own grades. On the basis of these performances, the language clause of the diploma records the written and oral proficiency of the second domestic language in accordance with the Decree. Grades 1 to 3 provide competence: satisfactory competence and grades 4 to 5: good competence.
However, if the student has already completed one of the parts, for example, he/she can now give a demonstration of the other part only.
You can find instructions, schedules and more detailed information on AHOT/RPL Moodle site.
NB! Log in to the section of your own field. Passwords for the different fields:
Field > Password
Artificial Intelligence> Tietojenkäsittely
Industrial Management > Tuotanto
International Business > Liiketalous
International Tourism Management > Matkailu
Logistics > Logistiikka
Mechatronics > Konetekniikka
Nursing > Hoitotyö
Physiotherapy > Fysioterapia
Sea Captain > Captain
Accessibility of studying means implementation of a physical, mental and social learning environment which guarantees that every student has equal rights of action.
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences has committed itself to offering every student an equal and accessible university environment. Obstacles hindering studying are paid special attention to and students in need of special support are supported by special arrangements.
If you feel the need of special support for your studies, here you find information on the arrangements and services available at SAMK.
You are entitled to individual support arrangements for your studies if you have an illness, disability or other obstacle impeding the progress of your studies. Discuss the matter with your Teacher Tutor or Student Counsellor, fill in the application for individual study arrangements and send the application (OP16 Application for Individual Study Arrangements) to the Special Needs Teacher as an e-mail attachment (erityisopettaja@samk.fi). Do not attach any expert opinions concerning the obstacles impeding the progress of your studies to the e-mail.
When the Special Needs Teacher has received your application, they will invite you to a guidance discussion, in which you present the expert opinion concerning the obstacle impeding the progress of your studies. The decision on the individual study arrangements is made by the Head of Teaching of your degree programme based on the proposal from the Special Needs Teacher.
Read more in procedural instruction ME1211 Accessibility of studies (ARC, requires logging in)
There are learning difficulties at all educational stages. University students can also have difficulties which obstruct learning and hinder making progress in studies. The difficulties may be various and of multi-level. Motivation, support by the environment and finding suitable study methods do have an effect on how well the student succeeds in his/her studies. We talk about special difficulties of learning when the problems are significant in relation to the student’s talents and educational level. Special learning difficulties are e.g. dyslexia, mathematical difficulties and perceptual problems.
The most common of learning difficulties is the special difficulty of reading. Reading and writing difficulty, dyslexia, has been defined in various ways. According to most recent studies, it is originally a neurobiological, developmental and hereditary disorder. The reading and writing difficulty can change over time. It is characterized by problems with accurate and fluent reading in addition to problems with comprehending the read text. (ICD-11; WHO, 2018.)
The appearance of dyslexia is individual. There can be problems with technical reading, percepting sound correlation, writing and understanding text. Youngsters’ and adults’ reading is often slow. Most difficulties arise especially with foreign languages. Dyslexia makes study performances needing reading difficult, as well as everyday life. It is not a consequence of a deficiency of sight or hearing nor of a neurological illness. (NMI, 2020.)
Dyslexia is a typical reason to grant the right for the Learning support voucher. For the voucher you need a valid dyslexia assessment from the time after comprehensive school.
Ms Pia Lahdenmaa is responsible for dyslexia testing at Satakunta UAS. Students willing to test for dyslexia may contact her directly via email and agree on a test date. Before the actual individual testing the candidate performs a digital screening. The individual test and screening follow standards only for students whose mother tongue is Finnish.
With difficulties in learning languages you will get help from the language tutor teachers and your own language teachers. Before taking the dyslexia test, discuss with them and consider the need for supporting activities.
In addition to learning difficulties, also other reasons may affect the need for special arrangements. These are e.g. neurological disorders, such as ADD/ADHD, ASD or Tourette’s disorder, mental problems or various sensory disabilities. A doctor, neurologist or other expert assesses the need for special support. If you need the statement, please contact the nurse, who will direct you to the appropriate expert.
Dyslexia tester:
Pia Lahdenmaa
pia.lahdenmaa@samk.fi
Translation services for students include thesis summary translations, language revisions and certificate/diploma translations. Because language teachers do translations and language revisions alongside teaching and their other work, the information about translations or language revisions should reach us well before the deadline. The documents needing translation or proof-reading should be sent to us preferably two weeks, but at least one week before the deadline.
National Language Proficiency (YKI) is the official language testing scheme in Finland. National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI-todistus) is an official document that you need for example if you are applying for Finnish citizenship.
SAMK Contact person: Finnish Language and Communication Lecturer Marja Tomberg, 044 710 3285
National Language Proficiency (YKI) is the official language testing scheme in Finland. National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI-todistus) is an official document that you need for example if you are applying for Finnish citizenship. The Certificate is useful also when you apply for studying or working in Finland. SAMK students in international degree programs may use this to obtain an official certificate of their language skills.
YKI examination 2 October, registrations from 23 August to 31 August
YKI examination 13 November, registrations from 6 September to 30 September
Registrations and payment for the exam (140 euros) via National Agency for Education (in Finnish).
More information about YKI examinations (in Finnish).
You can contact the teachers of Languages and Communication Team at SAMK. See the contact information for the teachers.
HILL-meeting rooms:
Liisa Hannuksela https://hill.webex.com/meet/lihannu
Sanna Lomma-Lahtinen https://hill.webex.com/join/salomma
Päivi Sorvi https://hill.webex.com/meet/pasorvi
Henna Tiittanen https://hill.webex.com/meet/hetiitt
Annika Valo https://hill.webex.com/join/annika.valo
Monika Engel https://hill.webex.com/meet/movi
Minna Iitti http://hill.webex.com/meet/miiitti
Satu Jyllilä https://hill.webex.com/meet/sajylli
Tuija Kiviaho, tuija.kiviaho@samk.fi, +358 44 710 3267, https://hill.webex.com/meet/tuija.kiviaho
Pia Lahdenmaa https://hill.webex.com/join/pia.lahdenmaa
Iira Ostamo https://hill.webex.com/meet/iira.ostamo
Marja Tomberg https://hill.webex.com/meet/marja.tomberg
