International Students at Novia Are Offered

u Four Degree Programmes in English

u A wide range of courses

u Supervised work placements

u Individual counselling and guidance by teachers

u Help and support by tutor students

u Excellent study facilities in beautiful settings

u Services and support of the International Office

u Services and activities of Novium, the student union at Novia

STUDIES AT NOVIA UNIVERSI T Y OF APPL IED SCIENCES

Novia – A New Way

Our name is a combination of the Latin words

nova and via - a new way. The name conveys our

ambition: Novia is the new way for our students

to become professionals equipped with quality

education, ready to meet the challenges of an ever-

changing job market in a globalised world.

With its 4000 students Novia is big enough to

have the resources to meet the expectations of stu-

dents and working life alike, yet small enough to

provide pleasant and stimulating study facilities.

We offer a broad range of degree programmes

in eight fields: Technology, Communication and

Transport; Social Services, Health and Sports;

Natural Resources and the Environment; Business

and Administration; Culture; Tourism, Catering

and Domestic Services; Natural Sciences; as well

as Humanities and Education.

Novia’s campuses are located in coastal towns

from Jakobstad in the north to Raseborg in the

south. The coastal zone in Finland has long tradi-

tions in international trade and business and

considering our geography it is natural for us to

build on this tradition.

We have four international programmes for

degree students: the Degree Programme in Nurs-

ing and the Degree Programme in Environmental

Engineering in Vaasa and the Degree Programme

in Maritime Management in Turku and one adult

education degree programme in Sustainable

Coastal Manangement in Raseborg. In addition,

each field of education offers courses in English

for exchange students.

Active growth in internationalisation is part

of Novia’s strategy. I welcome both students and

teachers from abroad to work and study along-

side our students and staff. I am convinced it will

be a stimulating and rewarding experience both

academically and culturally.

Örjan Andersson

President

NOVIA - A NEW WAY

2

Novia is Unique

Novia is a university network connecting cam-puses in four coastal towns in southwestern and western Finland. A string of approximately 600 kilometers ties together the Swedish-speaking regions of the country, which are Novia’s main area of recruitment. Most of Novia’s 4000 students speak Swedish as their first language, representing a national minority of about 6 % or 300,000 people. The language of instruction at Novia is Swedish, a fact that contributes to our identity.

The unceremonious relationship between stu-dents and staff creates an inspiring atmosphere for working together toward the mutual goal: quality education. Quality education today incorporates a sensitivity for sustainable development. Our geography makes us particularly aware of the vulnerability of coastal areas which constitute Novia’s special field of expertise. As future professionals Novia graduates will have the know-how to apply the principles of sustainable development for the benefit of their organisa-tions and their region.

Novia University of Applied

Sciences is the result of

a merger between Svenska

yrkeshögskolan and Yrkeshög-

skolan Sydväst in 2008. The

new organisation has a 150-

year continuum of education,

dynamic and adaptable to the

changing needs of society.

Novia is synonymous

with quality educa-

tion, project-based learning,

student-centred methods,

regional presence, and

sustainable development

– ecological, economic,

social and cultural.

Novia offers 4 Bachelor

degree programmes in

English, 27 degree pro-

grammes in Swedish and

4 Master’s programmes

within the fields of techno-

logy, social and health care

and natural resources.

In 2012 there were 240 International students at Novia UAS

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Students First

Novia is a multi-disciplinary institution of higher education that trains professionals for expert and development posts. The studies have a practical orientation. Novia interacts with regional industries, trade and services through e.g. projects, development work, practical training periods and commissioned

Bachelor’s theses. The curriculum pro-

motes new methods of learning and

teaching. The traditional discipline-centred

approach is replaced by projectbased

learning where theory and practice blend in logical entities. Student-centred methods aim at knowledge and qualifications vital on the job market today - and tomorrow. Along with pro-ject management skills students develop such key competences as problem-solving, commu-nication and teamwork. The teacher’s role changes from lecturing soloist to coach and team worker. Much time is devoted to counselling the students, both in groups and individually. Cooperation between colleagues in planning a project, in counselling and assessing the students, is not only neces-sary but also stimulating and rewarding. Through research projects and project co-operation with local businesses and organisa-tions, students and teachers build networks and acquire know-how that benefit both them-selves, the university and the local society. Novia’s role as a dynamic regional actor is thus enhanced by its pedagogical approach and methods of learning.

International Activities

The goal of internationalisation at Novia is to increase the skills and capability of

students and staff to act and work in an international and multicultural

environment. We offer a wide range of opportunities for international

participation. Student and

staff exchange

programmes, work placements

abroad, excursions, ex-hibitions, intensive courses

and projects, international art and cultural events as well as research

and development projects. Our focus areas are Scandinavia, the countries around the Bal-tic Sea, other European countries, and China.

STUDENTS FIRST

4

International Students at Novia

Thanks to the relatively small size of our cam-puses all incoming students receive individual counselling and guidance from teachers, help and support from tutor students and personal service from the International Office. All regional campuses offer excellent study facili-ties.

Exchange Studies

Most degree programmes at Novia are taught in Swedish but non-Swedish students can easily participate in the studies. Many courses are offered in English. The growing importance of project-based learning allows the use of English as the working language. Courses with a more practical orientation involving field work, workshops or laboratories are always open to non-Swedish speakers. Exchange students can work on individual projects guided by a teacher, combine studies and a work placement or choose courses from other Finnish universi-ties cooperating with Novia. Students from Novia’s partner universi- ties abroad can apply to Novia once they have been nominated for an exchange by their home university. For more information about the application procedure please visit www.novia.fi

Integrating international activities in the course work provides valuable international experience for students and staff who do not participate in exchange. Internationalisation at home includes an increasing number of incoming exchange and degree students as well as guest lecturers from our partner universities who contribute to an international atmosphere on campus. Tutoring international students is a splendid opportunity to increase one’s intercul-tural awareness and have fun at the same time.

5

Degree Studies

Novia offers three regular Bachelor Degree Programmes and one adult education programme taught exclusively in English. The majority of students in them are non-Finnish citizens making the programmes truly multicultural, as well as maintaining an international perspective.

Nursing - 210 credits

In an increasingly multicultural global society, the need for culturally competent nurses is imminent. The goal of the Degree Programme in Nursing is to educate registered nurses who can work anywhere in the world promoting and supporting health for the prevention and treatment of diseases as well as rehabilitation and habilitation. Studies focus initially on basic nursing skills, followed by health care and men-tal health; the final year of advanced studies focuses on medical and surgical nursing care.

Environmental Engineering - 240 credits

Courses include environmental managementfocusing on for example life cycle analysis and management systems as well as energy techno-logy with a focus on sustainability. The students will learn to handle environmental and energy related tasks in a comprehensive way, taking into consideration both legislation and econo-my. The working methods of the degree pro-gramme include case studies, projects and teamwork which aim at improving the communica-tion, argumentation and cooperation skills. The methods give a good basis for future industrial project work.

Maritime Management - 270 credits

The training is closely related to practice; simulators, workshops, rescue boats and train-ing vessels form a significant part of the study environment. One year of the programme is realized as onboard training. Graduates from the programme are profes-sional and versatile master mariners, quali-fied for Finnish, European and international careers. The first self-evident career is at sea as officers on board any type of vessel. Shore-based careers within the maritime industry are underpinned by a career of sufficient length at sea. The maritime industry offers land-based positions within e.g. authorities, shipping com-panies, brokers, insurance companies, yards, and logistics.

Applying to Novia's English degree programmes is possible online at www.admissions.fi through a joint application system for all degree programmes in English offered at Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences.

Sustainable Coastal Management- 240 credits (120 prior to admission+120 at Novia)

Adult education in English leading to a Bache-lor's degree in Natural Resources is meant for applicants who have already completed two years of university level studies. Application is done outside the joint application system. More information at www.novia.fi/degree-students/adult-education

DEGREE STUDIES

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The Student Union Novium

Novium is an independent service and support organisation for all Novia students. Its status is regulated by law. Members of the student union annually elect representatives to the Union Council. The decisions of the council are implemented by the Executive Board, which is supported by a secretariat. The student union is represented on the board and in other decision-making bodies within Novia and therefore has good possibilities to voice the students’ interests in all decision making. Novium is also a member of the National Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences, SAMOK, which promotes the students’ inte-rests on a national level. In addition to benefits like subsidised meals in student restaurants and discounts for bus and train tickets, membership means first and foremost a great opportunity to get to know students from other degree programmes and Novia campuses. The student union organises get-togethers, excursions, sports activities and an annual ball. A typical feature for most social events organised by Finnish student unions is the wearing of an overall in the colour of one’s own student organisation. International stu-dents are welcome to follow this dress code and buy their own Novia overall. For international students the first contact with the student union will be the international tutor who meets them on arrival, shows them around and introduces them to the studies and Finnish way of life. There are also peer

tutors for new students, marketing tutors who take part in the recruitment of new students and “old” and wise mentor tutors who share their experiences of study-related matters with younger students. For more information about Novium please visit www.novium.fi

Research and Development at Novia

Research and Development (R&D) is one of the core activities at Novia. The emphasis is on applied research with regional impact within the fields of environment and coastal zone management, environmental technology and matters related to energy, social and health care, arts, design and culture, entrepreneurship and business development. A large part of R&D is financed through the European Union, the Academy of Finland and other external sources. R&D is carried out in all Novia’s regional cam-puses. It is a great challenge and opportunity to engage teachers and students in research and development work. The aim is to increase stu-dent participation in different types of projects as part of their studies at Novia. The various aspects of sustainable development and con-cern for our future environment are a common denominator for all R&D activities. Novia and Åbo Akademi University together host the Research and Development Institute Aronia, which concentrates on environmental research with particular focus on coastal zones.

THE STUDENT UNION/R&D

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Suomi - FinlandSpace - Silence - Sisu - Sauna - Sea

Forests, lakes and islands are typical features of the Finnish landscape. Forests cover almost three quarters of the country’s surface. Some 188,000 lakes characterise the scenery in the central and eastern parts of the country. Off the long western and southern coastlines there are 180,000 islands which make up large beautiful archipelagos. In the southwest the Turkuarchipelago stretches across to the semi-auto-nomous, demilitarised island province of Åland, half-way between Finland and Sweden. The Kvarken archipelago outside the coast of Vaasa was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2006. The climate is marked by distinct seasonal variation. The blue lakes and green forests of the summer are transformed into a white infi-nity in winter. Temperatures may vary from +30 C in the summer to -35 C in the winter. The change of light that accompanies the sea-sons is striking. The extremes are experienced in northern Finland, where the polar night lasts for over a month around Christmas. To com-pensate, the legendary mid-night sun never sets between late May and mid-July.

All four seasons offer wonderful possibilities for enjoying the outdoors. Close contact with nature is fundamental for the Finnish way of life, significant even for the highly wired, urbanized generation. There are about half a million lakeside or seaside holiday homes to fulfill the longing back to nature. Each holiday home has a sauna. Totally there are close to two million private saunas in Finland and the number indicates the impor- tance. The rite of sauna bathing includes plung-ing into the lake or the sea – in winter through a hole in the ice, or rolling in the snow. An experience worth joining in and an act requir-ing some sisu. This Finnish word describes the mental determination and physical stamina the Finns have demonstrated in conquering both climatic and historical hardship to reach their present-day welfare. In addition to having sisu, Finnish people can be described as honest, reliable, diligent, straight-forward, modest, loyal and tough. They may not be very talkative at first but foreigners should not be discouraged by this. Enjoy their silence – not many people give you this luxury! The “winter Finn” appears more introvert and sulky, not too interested in small talk. However, the lighter the nights become, the more the sociable and open “summer Finn” takes over.

SUOMI-FINLAND

8

Finland is officially a bilingual country. Finnish is the first language for 93 % of the population and Swedish is the mother tongue of some 6 %. Most of the Swedish-speaking Finns live along the western and southern coasts of Finland, where many municipalities are predominantly Swedish. In these areas there are comprehen-sive schools, vocational institutes and univer-sities for both language groups. Most Finns understand and speak good English and often some other European language.

Facts and Figures

u Population: 5.3 million

u Area: 338,000 sq.km

u Capital: Helsinki, population approx. 0.5 million

u Independent republic since 1917

u Part of Sweden 1155-1809

u Autonomous grand duchy of Imperial Russia 1809 -1917

u Member of the EU since 1995

u GDP about the same as in Austria and the Netherlands

u Export: electrical, optical and telecommu- nication equipment, machinery and scientific instruments, shipbuilding, pulp and paper, foodstuffs, chemicals

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Degree Programmes in Swedish at Novia University of Applied Sciences

Jakobstad

u Design u Fine Arts u Media Culture u Music

Vaasa

u Business Administration u Construction Engineering u Electrical Engineering u Information Technology u Industrial Management u Land Surveying u Mechanical and Production Engineering u Technology-Based Leadership (Master)

u Advanced Clinical Care (Master) u Beauty and Cosmetics u Biomedical Laboratory Science u Nursing (Midwifery, Health Care, Nursing) u Radiography and Radiotherapy u Social Services

uPerforming Arts

Raseborg

u Automation and IT u Business Information Technology u Construction Engineering u Construction Management u Natural Resources and the Environment Turku

u Business Administration u Civic Activity and Youth Work u Development and Leadership within Social Services and Health Care (Master) u Design u Nursing (Health Care, Nursing) u Social Services u Tourism Management u Maritime Studies, Master Mariner

Degree Programmes in English at Novia University of Applied Sciences

Vaasa

u Environmental Engineering u Nursing

Raseborg

u Sustainable Coastal Management

Turku

u Maritime Management

DEGREE PROGRAMMES

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u Automation and IT u Business Information Technology u Construction Engineering u Construction Management u Natural Resources and the Environment Turku

u Business Administration u Civic Activity and Youth Work u Development and Leadership within Social Services and Health Care (Master) u Design u Nursing (Health Care, Nursing) u Social Services u Tourism Management u Maritime Studies, Master Mariner

11

Contact: Novia University of Applied SciencesP.O. Box 665201 VaasaFinlandPhone +358 (0)6 328 5000E-mail international@novia.fi

novia.fi

Did You Know That

u Nokia began as a producer of rubber boots

u In winter you can walk and even drive your car over the iced surface of the sea or the lakes

u Finland has one of the highest standards of education in the world

u Finnish ice-breakers can go through ice 1.5 meters thick

u Sauna is one of the few Finnish words borrowed by other languages

u The sports crazy Finns can compete in anything: hot sauna sitting, wife-carrying, boot throwing, swamp football

u Fish and pork baked inside a crust of bread make the Finnish dish “kalakukko”

u Finns are the number one coffee drinkers in the world

u All Finnish children over one year are guaranteed a place at a daycare centre

u The “everyman’s right” or right of public access allows you to roam freely in the countryside, pick berries, mushrooms and flowers, fish, sail, ski, cycle and camp almost anywhere

u Finnish Lapland is home to the real Santa Claus

u Stories of the Moomin trolls, translated into at least 30 languages, were originally written by Tove Jansson, a Swedish- speaking Finn

u Finland was the first country in the world to give women both the right to vote and to stand for election in 1906

u Nightwish, Him, The Rasmus and Lordi are all Finnish. So are also Karita Mattila and Esa-Pekka Salonen. And who are they, you may ask! This and much more you will find out at www.finland.fi and www.finnfacts.com

International Students at Novia Are Offered

u Four Degree Programmes in English

u A wide range of courses

u Supervised work placements

u Individual counselling and guidance by teachers

u Help and support by tutor students

u Excellent study facilities in beautiful settings

u Services and support of the International Office

u Services and activities of Novium, the student union at Novia

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