Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about application for accreditation and validation of competences.
1. I have many course units for which I would like to request accreditation or validation. It feels overwhelming, and I don’t know where to start. What should I do?
Start by familiarising yourself with the different methods used at Arcada for having prior studies or competences accepted as part of your degree by reading this page carefully. Then review the course units you are required to complete within your current degree programme and pay particular attention to the learning outcomes. Do the course units’ learning outcomes match your existing competences, and which previously completed courses correspond to the course units at Arcada? Form an overall picture of the situation, and then contact your study counselor to create an individual study plan for your studies.
2. How do I know whether I should apply for accreditation or validation?
You will find the answer on this page. If you are still unsure, contact studentaffairs
3. Which documents should I attach to the application?
You can find information about which attachments to include with your application on this page. If you fill in the application form carefully, you will also include all the necessary attachments. More information on completing the accreditation application form can be found on this page, and if you are applying for validation via E-forms, you can find information here.
4. Do I have to provide the English name of the course unit even if I completed the course in a language other than English?
Yes. This information is necessary for Arcada to provide you with a complete academic transcript in English as an attachment to your degree certificate upon graduation. All universities of applied sciences in Finland should have official English course names for their courses. Therefore, contact the department where you completed the course unit(s) and inquire. Read more on the page about attachments to the application.
5. I want the course unit I have completed to be included in my development studies. Who is the examiner for these studies?
The examiner for development studies is the degree programme director.
6. What should I write under "name of the course unit" if I want to have the course I completed counted as development studies?
It is sufficient to write "Development Studies," and you can leave the field for the course unit code blank.
7. Do I need to attach course descriptions if I completed the course at Arcada?
No. Since the courses were completed at Arcada, we already have all the course descriptions.
8. Do I have to submit one (1) application per course unit if I have previously completed a degree at Arcada and want to have several course units from my previous degree accredited?
Most likely not. If you have many course units from a previously completed degree at Arcada that you wish to have accredited, you do not need to submit a separate application for each course unit. Instead, contact your study counselor to create an individual study plan. Then attach this individual study plan to a single application. The examiner for this application is the degree programme director. However, remember to submit separate applications for language courses.
9. Do I have to submit one (1) application per course unit if I have previously completed a degree at another university of applied sciences and want to have several course units from my previous degree accredited?
Most likely not. Contact your study counselor to create an individual study plan. Then attach this individual study plan to a single application. The examiner for this application is the degree programme director. However, remember to submit separate applications for language courses. It may also be necessary to submit additional applications for certain individual course units or practical training. You will receive information about which course units or practical training this concerns after discussing with your study counselor.
10. Can I, as an Open UAS student, apply to have course units accredited?
If you are a student at the Open UAS you cannot apply for accreditation, because accreditations are only approved within degree studies. However, if you are studying at the open path working towards a degree you can apply for accreditation whenever you are admitted to the programme as a degree student. Still, it is important to discuss the courses and possible accreditation with your study counselor so your personal study plan can be planned with this information in mind.
11. Can I apply for accreditation of studies that are not required for my degree?
No. Only the studies required for you to complete your degree are accredited.