Finland - first cycle programmes

First-cycle university degrees consist of at least 180 credits (3 years of full-time study). They are called kandidaatti/kandidat in all fields except in Law (oikeusnotaari/rättsnotarie) and Pharmacy (farmaseutti/farmaceut).

Studies leading to the degree provide the student with:

• knowledge of the fundamentals of the major and minor subjects or corresponding study entities or studies included in the degree programme and the prerequisites for following developments in the field;

• knowledge and skills needed for scientific thinking and the use of scientific methods or knowledge and skills needed for artistic work;
• knowledge and skills needed for studies leading to a higher university degree and for continuous learning; 
• a capacity for applying the acquired knowledge and skills to work; and
  
• adequate language and communication skills. Studies may include: basic and intermediate studies; language and communication studies; interdisciplinary programmes; other studies and work practice for professionnal development. The degree includes a Bachelor's thesis (6-10 credits).