Study Guide

Name of the Degree Programme

Master's Degree Programme in Food Chain Development

Field of study

Agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary
The classification of the educational field is based on the international ISCED classification used by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Specialisations

There are no lines of specialization.

Qualification awarded

Master of Natural Resources
The Degree Programme leads to a higher education degree which is a second cycle Master-level degree in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA)

Level of qualification

The degree programme leads to a higher education degree which is a second cycle Master-level degree in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). According to the eight-level classification of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) the degree represents level 7.
The description of the level of the Degree is included in the Statute, at
http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/alkup/2017/20170120

Specific admission requirements

Eligibility for studies at a university of applied sciences is stipulated in the Universities of Applied Sciences Act 932/2014.
The selection criteria are specified in the data of the Degree Programme at www.opintopolku.fi and www.seamk.fi/haku
On the websites, application and instructions are in Finnish language for the degree programmes taught in Finnish.

Qualification requirements and regulations (incl. graduation requirements)

Please see the Degree Regulations of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading

Please see the Degree Regulations of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.
Link

Structure of the studies

In accordance with the Universities of Applied Sciences Act, the studies of a Degree Programme consist of advanced professional studies, free elective studies, and a final project/thesis. The extent of the studies is 60 credits.
In the 60 ECTS Credit program there is 25 cr compulsory studies and 5 cr alternative studies. Already in the beginning of the studies student are advised to start their 30 cr thesis process.

Profile of the programme

In the studies of Food Chain Management there are courses in the area of operational environment. Agriculture based students can concentrate in farm management studies. In the thesis process the student deepens her/his competence in her/his subject area.

Generic and subject specifc competences

Competencies are extensive knowledge entities, or combinations of the individual’s knowledge, skills, and attitudes. They describe qualifications, performance potential, and the ability to cope with professional duties.
Common/general competencies are fields of know-how common to different Degree Programmes, but their special characteristics and importance may vary between professions and work assignments. General competencies form the basis for professional activities, cooperation, and the development of expertise. According to Arene’s (Rectors' Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences) recommendations, general competencies include learning skills, ethical competence, cooperation skills, innovation skills, and internationalization skills. In addition to the above-mentioned competencies, entrepreneurial skills and quality management skills are emphasized in the degree studies of SeAMK as competencies common to all.
Degree programme-specific competencies form the basis for the development of the student’s professional expertise.

Pedagogical approach and learning environment

During the studies constructivism is a main approach. Teacher is coaching students to ask for theoretical knowledge and use their working life experience to develop their competence. As a tools essays, practical assignments and various plans for real working life are used.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (RPL)

The RPL procedure means the identification and recognition of the student’s previously acquired learning. The student has the opportunity to apply for the recognition of their competencies if the competencies correspond to the learning goals of the Degree Programme. The identification process is closely connected with the preparation of the student’s personal curriculum and is updated during personal counselling discussions.
The identification and recognition practices are presented in the RPL Instruction of SeAMK. It specifies how recognition of competencies is applied for, how the application is processed, and how the student is informed of it. The instruction lists the RPL contact persons of each Degree Programme, who counsel students on matters related to the process.
In the assessment of prior learning, for example the following evidence is used:
– certificates on training programmes with similar content and other training programmes
– testimonials and further clarifications by an employer
– interviews of the student
– written and oral exams or reports
– functional or written assignments or other evidence
– presentations, portfolios
The final project/thesis and the Maturity Test cannot be submitted to the RPL procedure.
The arrangements are based on the general RPL guidelines established at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.

Work-based learning and work placements

The Degree Programme doesn’t include practical training.
The student’s salaried work during their studies and the competencies achieved through it can be used in order to complete a course. This is referred to as employment-integrated learning, and it can also be related to voluntary work or hobbies. It is essential that the things learnt through working contribute to the attainment of the learning goals of the course. Learning achieved through employment-integrated learning can be verified, for instance, through skills demonstrations and assignments.

Occupational profiles

The graduates from the degree program are qualified to expert level to work in various companies and organization in the area of food chain

Internationalization

There are some course books and other learning materials in English.

Access to further studies

Eligible for doctoral studies.

Graduation requirements

Please see the Degree Regulations of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences and instructions for graduates at Intra.

Mode of study

Mode of study This programme is a part of our adult education. Students attend part-time and teaching takes place through various modes on weekends (Thu.-Sat.).

Head of degree programme

Anne-Maria Aho
e-mail: anne-maria.aho(a)seamk.fi
Phone: +358 (0)40 830 4173

Margit Närvä
e-mail: margit.narva(a)seamk.fi
Phone: +358 (0)40 830 2433

Student counsellor

Essi Hauta
e-mail: essi.hauta(a)seamk.fi
Phone: +358 (0)40 830 1262

Coordination of Practical Training

Tutkinto-ohjelmaan ei kuulu harjoittelua.

Coordination of international mobility

Tiina Välimäki, 040-830 4127, tiina.valimaki(at)seamk.fi, Coordinator, Outgoing student exchanges to Europe
Maria Loukola, 040-830 2240, maria.loukola(at)seamk.fi, Coordinator, Incoming and outgoing student exchanges outside Europe

Student services

Tel. +358 20 124 5055, studentservices@seamk.fi