What is the shortcoming of a degree taken from a polytechnic

[sacrifice303]

It really confuses me when talking about both type of educational entities (universities of applied sciences and traditional universities). I grasped the idea that universities of applied sciences are more practical, whereas, traditional universities are theoretical and rely of heavy research. But what about the degrees ? Are they equivalent ? When we speak about Finland as I read from Wikipedia they're the same. However, some countries consider degrees taken from universities of applied sciences lower than those which taken from traditional universities. I don't have idea about that and it worries me because I have an intention to enroll in a university of applied science in Finland. For instance if Sam was graduated with a bachelor degree from a traditional university and Ham was also graduated with a bachelor degree but from a university of applied sciences. Is Sam's degree preferred ? Is Sam's degree higher than Ham's degree ? Do employers prefer Sam or Ham ? This is not just about Finland but in a larger scale. In other words internationally which degree is higher and what are the shortcomings of a degree taken from a university of applied science ?

[betelgeuse]

For instance if Sam was graduated with a bachelor degree from a traditional university and Ham was also graduated with a bachelor degree but from a university of applied sciences. Is Sam's degree preferred ? Is Sam's degree higher than Ham's degree ? Do employers prefer Sam or Ham ? This is not just about Finland but in a larger scale.[/i]

It's not the aim of the system to have identical programs in both types of universities so it can come down to comparing apples and oranges. Legally speaking, at least in Finland, they are undergraduate degrees adequate for jobs where government requires one. Abroad employers haven't probably heard of any Finnish tertiary institution.

[sacrifice303]

For instance if Sam was graduated with a bachelor degree from a traditional university and Ham was also graduated with a bachelor degree but from a university of applied sciences. Is Sam's degree preferred ? Is Sam's degree higher than Ham's degree ? Do employers prefer Sam or Ham ? This is not just about Finland but in a larger scale.[/i]

It's not the aim of the system to have identical programs in both types of universities so it can come down to comparing apples and oranges. Legally speaking, at least in Finland, they are undergraduate degrees adequate for jobs where government requires one. Abroad employers haven't probably heard of any Finnish tertiary institution.

I agree with you. In Finland the educational system is much better than it's in America and the entire world let me say. When I read about it I mean the Finnish educational system it impressed me. Unfortunately, like you said some employers or even educational systems in some countries treat any non domestic degree as weak and unwanted. But what concerned me about this is that I always feared that if I was graduated from polytechnic my degree may be treated as low degree unlike a degree taken from a traditional university. In short, practice requires theory and vice versa, but we ought to follow the world, what is the purpose of unapproved or lower degree after spending 3 or more years studying in it while you can make it in a traditional university with higher reputation ? Of course some people would argue about traditional universities which only give you test after another with little or no practice sometimes I definitely I agree as I said practice requires theory and vice versa.

I hope someone who is an expert in these issues would enrich us with his knowledge about this topic.

[rinso]

Most employers will look for a specific education for a specific job.
Both practical and theoretical orientated studies have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Take the study that leads to a job you like.

[sacrifice303]

Most employers will look for a specific education for a specific job.
Both practical and theoretical orientated studies have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Take the study that leads to a job you like.

But how would I know that those degrees are accredited internationally ? If they're, it'll my life a lot easier, not to insult the educational system in Finland at all, but to enure the degree's feasibility because this is life consumption if you study something for years and it's not accredited by organizations and perhaps I may not find a job in Finland after graduation (I hope not) for example, my choice at that time to find a job in another country or my home country if possible. If my degree wasn't approved by them what would I do ? You understand me.

[rinso]

But how would I know that those degrees are accredited internationally ?

Within the EU there is a system to accredit each others degrees. This goes for all levels of education.
For some professions you need a country specific module or a language skill.
Outside the EU each country has its own rules.

But whether the employer likes a foreign degree is something different.
If he knows nothing/very little about Finland, he'll probably goes for someone with a local degree (even if it might not be as good).

[sacrifice303]

But how would I know that those degrees are accredited internationally ?

Within the EU there is a system to accredit each others degrees. This goes for all levels of education.
For some professions you need a country specific module or a language skill.
Outside the EU each country has its own rules.

But whether the employer likes a foreign degree is something different.
If he knows nothing/very little about Finland, he'll probably goes for someone with a local degree (even if it might not be as good).

How about a degree taken from polytechnic and a degree taken from normal universities are they equivalent in EU ?

[Redshift]

Is there a shortcoming? Depends on how you look at it.

As it has been mentioned on another thread, Finnish people have a higher respect for the traditional universities than for UAS.That may be because UAS offering the same degrees (same as in title) as universities seems to be more recent here than in other countries. But similar things have happened elsewhere, and in some countries what used to be polytechnics became universities without even this distinction we have here.

So looking at the local employment opportunities, it may seem that someone with a university degree has better chances than those from UAS. But that's not what the studies show. "The data also indicate that international students who graduate from a university of applied sciences are more likely to find employment in Finland than those who graduate from a university. One reason for this may be that their studies in Finland last longer – roughly four years – and include an on-the-job training period." http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/fin ... nland.html I would add that it could also be because universities offer some degrees not available in UAS and that may be less employable.

Looking at employment elsewhere, do people from other countries know the difference between Aalto or Haaga-Helia? Most probably no. And a BSc or MSc from a university or a UAS have the same title and are equally accredited in other countries (at least EU, but there can be extra steps needed because some professions have organizations that rule them and you have to join them as well and that may involve an exam or a lengthier process than just showing a certificate).

Also, there are many institutions of the same category as UAS that are at the top of world education, so things can also work on a case by case level. MIT anyone? As well as many business schools which have taken a slightly path than their parent institutions.