Recognition of learning means that the knowledge and skills gained earlier will be recognized as a part of the student's current studies. The recognition of learning is documented on a course or an implementation.
Recognition of learning might be gained from for example
- earlier studies
- participation in student exchange program
- internship
- working experience.
These can be documented as a part of the degree, module or course both to obligatory and mandatory studies.
Applying the recognition of learning is recommendable to be done as soon as possible when student starts their studies or as soon as the recognizable studies have been performed or other knowledge and skills have been gained. The start of studies refers to the initial phase of the active study right, for example the beginning of the bachelor’s studies and the time after the transitions to the master’s studies. The prior learning to be recognized must comply with the learning objectives of the degree curriculum or one of its modules or courses. Recognition of learning might require supplementing ones knowledge or skills.
Students cannot apply for accreditation of courses that they have already completed. The grade of the accredited course can be raised by repeating the whole course.
More information about the policies for Recognition of Learning at the University of Oulu on the Recognition of learning page.
Note things below before filling in the application:
- Check what kind of application you need to do. You can apply:
- Verify that your gained skills follow the study aims.
- Discuss the recognition of learning with your PSP counselor, degree programme's Education designer, Tutor teacher or other person in charge from your Faculty if necessary.
- Fill in the application in Peppi. Before filling in the application, check that you log in to Peppi with the right study right. You can change your study right from the top right corner of the page. A list of study rights opens under your name. Choose the study right you want the credit transfers to be registered.
- Verify that you have copy of the required attachments. You will need the attachments when filling in the application. If asked, you need to be able to show the original certificates.
- Note that you might be asked for more evidence or you might be invented to a hearing for proving the state of earlier gained knowledge and skills.
Attachments required on the recognition for studies performed in another University:
- Certificate of the performed studies
- For example: transcript of records (PDF-copy).
- The name of the studies, courses or modules also need to be provide in English (Note: official translation from the University).
- Studies performed or knowledge gained abroad require that student delivers a report about the extent of the studied as study points or the amount of work required and the assessment scale used.
- Information about the study aims of the performed studies (learning goals, content, technique, literacy and study points.
- If the information is not in Finnish, Swedish or English, the information must be delivered also in English.
- Students who have performed a degree deliver the degree certification
- a PDF-copy and at least the name of the degree in English.
- If the degree certification is in another language than Finnish, Swedish or English, it must be delivered also in English.
- Certificate about the module, if the recognition or learning is applied based on a certain module (for example Basic Studies of Psychology, 25 ECTS).
Attachments required on the recognition for knowledge or skills gained in other way:
- Attachments, which prove the knowledge and skills gained earlier for example
- work certificate
- course certificate
- publication
- learning diary
- certificate of a position of responsibility
Transferring or copying studies from one study right to another
In Peppi, the completed studies are shown on the study right with which you have completed your studies. Studies can be transferred or copied from one study right to another within limits. Check from below can your studies be transferred or copied or should you make a recognition of learning application.
Transferring completed studies
- Transferring studies is possible between bachelor’s and master’s study rights within a study right entity.
- If you want to transfer your studies, please contact Academic Affairs services
Copying completed studies
Completed studies/modules can be copied from one study right to another if the studies are same as in your current PSP/faculty’s curriculum. For example: You have a study named Financial Mathematics in your PSP and you have completed a study named Financial Mathematics on another study right. In this case, you can ask the study to be copied to your current study right.
Copying requires that the studies have the same code, name, and scope (credits). An exception is made for studies offered by the Open University of University of Oulu. These studies have a code which begins with AY. If there are differences in the code, name, or scope of the studies, you must apply for credit transfer (replacement), during which the equivalency of the studies will be assessed.
Studies completed under another study right can be transferred to the minor subjects and/or free choice studies in the PSP if, by decision of the degree program, they are deemed suitable for the degree structure. Ask from the Faculty Study Services if your completed studies can be copied or should you apply inclusion.
The copying is made by Faculty Study Services. Contact the Faculty Study Services and inform your current study right and the study right with which you have completed the study.
Studies that can be copied are for example
- studies completed in another degree programme
- studies completed with a non-degree study right
- studies completed with an exchange student study right (You were previously an exchange student in University of Oulu and you are currently a degree student)
- studies and minor studies completed in the Open University of University of Oulu (if the studies are same as in faculty’s curriculum)
Recognition of learning should be applied for in the following situations
- If you want to replace a study in your PSP with a study completed with another study right, you should apply replacement.
- If you want to include a completed study for example to free choice studies, you should apply inclusion.
- If you want to include a minor study module, you should apply inclusion.
Proficiency in the second official language
- The completion of oral or written proficiency in the second official language (Swedish) can be copied if it is the same study that you have completed, for example, in a previous degree program or in the Open University. Copying requires that you have completed both the oral and written components of language proficiency.
- Proficiency completions in the second official language (Finnish) are not copied, as there are differences in credit scope. In this case, you must submit a replacement application.