The revision of the Degree Statutes has been necessary as the higher education landscape is changing rapidly and there is an increasing need for greater flexibility in how education can be delivered. New ways of working also require new approaches to ensuring quality and equal treatment.
The revised Degree Statutes apply to all degrees at Arcada and they were adopted by the University of Applied Sciences Arcada AB's Board on 9 June 2026. These degree statutes enter into force on 1 August 2026.
Opportunities for flexible study pathways have been enhanced through the following amendments to the Degree Statutes:
- Greater flexibility in the structure of Master’s degree study plans: at least 5 ECTS credits may consist of elective studies, and methodology studies may be included in research studies (§5).
- Double degree studies are now possible also without an exchange agreement (§16).
- The possibility to apply for an extended right to study has been expanded (§§22–23).
- The transfer process between degree programmes has been streamlined (§26).
Quality assurance and equal treatment have been strengthened through the following amendments to the Degree Statutes:
- Clarification of the degree language and the language of instruction (§2).
- Clarification of the procedures for failed performances and grade improvement (§9).
- Credited and validated performances may not be removed from the student register (§10).
- Theses completed jointly by several students are assessed through group assessment (§11).
The preparation of the revision was led by Dean Carina Kiukas. Colleagues from Student Affairs, the two Academies, including the Head of the Language Team, and the Pedagogical Council were consulted and involved in the preparatory work.Bottom of Form
You can find the revised Degree Statutes here