Bachelor's Degree Programme in Information and Communications Technology
Key learning outcomes
In the degree programme in Information and Communications Technology, you are able to apply the basic laws of natural sciences to solve problems in your own field. You master the skills to build information technology in an increasingly digitalised and automated society. You are capable of ethically planning, building and testing information technology solutions for the needs of working life.
The competence of a graduate from the degree programme consists of study modules in computer network engineering, software engineering and information security engineering. With your professional study choices, you can increase your competence in programming and software development, artificial intelligence and data analytics or cyber security in the ICT environment. The expression ‘DevSecOps competence’ commonly used in the industry is a shorthand form of the above.
You have good capabilities for continuous professional development, diverse communications and information retrieval. You have adopted an entrepreneurial and innovative approach, and are capable of working as entrepreneurs. You are also capable of working in an international work environment.
Education content and professional growth and know-how
In the education, you will learn by doing. You have access to Finland’s most modern and versatile laboratory environments, such as VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) and WIMMALAB. Studies will also include lectures, project-type learning assignments, group work and online studies. At a later stage, you will have the opportunity to complete challenging project assignments for clients, which will deepen your professional competence and create relationships for working life.
With your professional module choices, you can increase your competence in software development, artificial intelligence and data analytics, or cyber security.
Software competence means that you can plan requirement specifications for software. You are capable of implementing particular software based on these specifications. You are familiar with the logic of programming and the most common algorithms used. You understand the production methods used in the software industry, from building to testing. You master the use of planning, version management and documentation tools.
Artificial intelligence and data analytics competence means that you will be able to implement data pre-processing and exploit different data sources, learn about data analytics and machine learning methods, the most commonly used tools (e.g., Pandas, TensorFlow and scikit-learn) and how AI can be used to provide solutions for different business needs.
Information technology competence means that you know the components of a computer and the most common operating systems running on them. You are able to design and configure communications networks that connect computers. You are able to install and maintain servers. You are familiar with the basics of cyber security. You are able to install, design and maintain the databases required by the software.
Engineering studies usually take 4 years (240 credits), but in some situations, such as studying in the summer or doing a practical training, you can accelerate your studies.
- Common Basic Studies: 55 credits
- Professional studies for the degree: 123 credits
- Practical training: 30 credits
- Thesis: 15 credits
- Optional studies: 12 credits
Common basic studies (55 credits)
In the common basic studies, you will learn about studying at a university of applied sciences and the objectives and content of education. You will also learn about project work, entrepreneurship and business management, learn basic foreign language skills and develop your communication and communication skills. The basic studies will give you the necessary mathematical and scientific skills to study vocational studies related to your degree.
Professional studies for the degree (123 credits)
The professional studies of the degree (78 credits) consist of the studies common to all the options of the orientation and the oriented advanced professional studies of your choice (45 credits).
In the joint professional studies, you will learn the basic skills required for your profession in digitalisation, programming, databases, Internet technologies, web technologies, cyber security and operating systems. You will learn how to apply the skills you learn in practical projects.
After completing the common competences in information and communications technology, you may choose between three different professional studies (3 x 15 cr): Software Development, Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, or Cyber Security.
Through these studies, you will develop your competence in your chosen field and demonstrate your ability to work as an engineer upon graduation.
Practical training (30 credits)
The minimum scope of the practical training is 30 credits. The practical training included as part of the studies provides you with an opportunity to get acquainted with the operations of a company in the field and the work duties in such a company.
Thesis (20 credits)
The thesis develops and demonstrates your ability to apply your knowledge and skills in practical work related to your field.
Optional studies (10 credits)
Optional studies support the development of your expertise and are geared towards your own interests. You can also choose from those offered in your field.
Flexible studies
The full-time studies follow a weekly schedule and include plenty of classroom and laboratory teaching. In addition to this, the students have exercises and assignments to be completed independently (individually or in groups).
You can choose your alternative or elective studies from EduFutura partner institutions (University of Jyväskylä and Gradia) and international studies from European EUDRES higher education institutions. You can also choose from Finnish and foreign partner universities, such as other universities of applied sciences and universities. You can apply for accreditation of higher education studies that you have completed elsewhere.
Working life oriented learning
Working life-oriented learning is included in bachelor’s degree courses throughout the studies. These include practical training to promote professional skills, the thesis and various working life projects. At Jamk University of Applied Sciences, the operating model for working life oriented and student-driven learning is called Jamk Future Factory®. It combines working life operators, students, Jamk experts and working life-oriented LAB environments and other learning environments. In addition to multidisciplinary and working life-oriented project studies, it offers students a chance to develop their future working life skills, career paths and networks.
Studification is also among the options offered by working life-oriented learning. It refers to combining work, project work, Future Factory activities, etc. with studies. Studification involves students drafting a studification plan and documenting it in the manner agreed with the teacher.
If you have dreams of entrepreneurship, you can focus your studies on developing your own business idea and receive coaching to help you get ahead.
Career opportunities and employment
ICT engineers work in areas such as software development, cyber security and embedded systems. Employment prospects are good, and students are often employed in jobs related to their field of expertise at the end of their studies or shortly after graduation. The degree includes a compulsory work placement, and it can be concluded that the placement plays an important role in employment.
- IT Engineer, System Engineer
- Software Designer, Database Designer, User Interface Designer,
- Programmer, Web Designer, Web Developer, Software Developer
- Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Visualiser, Analytic Engineer
- Project Manager, Security Manager, IT Manager
- Security Consultant, Software Test Engineer, System Specialist
Qualifications
There are no specific degree-related or statutory qualification requirements in the field.
Further studies
After graduating and gaining at least two years of work experience, you may apply for a master's degree level education. You can continue your studies by applying for e.g. Master's degree programmes in universities, vocational teacher education or Master's degree programmes abroad. The university of applied sciences offers opportunities for competence development in various institutes, such as the open university of applied sciences, specialisation training and work-oriented continuing education.
Education planning
The Advisory Board of Degree Programmes in Information and Communications Technology shares its input during the curricula planning process. The competences are defined in accordance with Jamk's strategy. The results of alumni surveys and student feedback are considered in the planning and implementation of the curriculum. The curriculum planning also incorporates feedback received from representatives of working life, and accreditation bodies such as EUR-ACE® that provides a set of standards that identifies high-quality engineering degree programmes in Europe and abroad. The Bachelor's Degree Programme in Information and Communications Technology got accreditations from EUR-ACE in the year 2023.
Contact Information
Hautamäki Jari
Principal Lecturer
Institute of Information Technology
+358405402361
firstname.lastname@jamk.fi
Bachelor's Degree Programme in Information and Communications Technology
Timing plans by study path
Bachelor's Degree Programme in Information and Communications Technology
Timing plans by study path