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Åbo Akademi University Board approves education reform

At an extraordinary meeting on 6 October 2026, the Board of Åbo Akademi University confirmed the outcome of the recent change negotiations. The education reform will therefore move forward, and the renewed, broad-based bachelor’s programmes will be introduced from the 2027–2028 academic year.

The aim of the education reform is to create a clearer and more coherent programme structure at bachelor’s level, providing students with a broad foundation of knowledge. The reform will enhance the relevance and attractiveness of the programmes, respond to future competence needs, and at the same time strengthen Åbo Akademi University’s ability to maintain its broad educational remit in the future.

The change negotiations concerned the changes to the educational offering and programme structure required by the reform, as well as the potential consequences for personnel.

The negotiations concluded on 25 September. The parties reached agreement on most issues but had differing views on the changes concerning Musicology and Russian Language and Literature. The negotiations did not include any proposals for redundancies.

The Board’s decision means, among other things, that Musicology will no longer be offered as a major subject at bachelor’s level but will continue at master’s level. The decision also includes a proposal to discontinue the programme in Russian Language and Literature. As this change requires consideration by the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Board authorised the Rector to continue discussions with the Ministry.

Shaping the new bachelor’s programmes

The Board’s decision establishes the direction of the reform, but not all details of the programmes have yet been finalised. Planning will now continue on programme content and delivery, including courses, study paths and pedagogical approaches.

“This is an important milestone for Åbo Akademi University. We are now in the final stretch of an extensive process, and I am proud of the commitment and expertise that have helped move the reform forward. The new structure will help us maintain the breadth of our educational offering and provide future students with a strong foundation for navigating a world in which knowledge and competence requirements are constantly changing,” says Chair of the Board Dag Wallgren.

“In broad-based bachelor’s programmes, students encounter a range of fields and different approaches to complex questions from an early stage. They have the opportunity to explore different areas before specialising and choosing their direction. Our ambition is to provide students with a broad foundation and the tools they need to understand and navigate a changing society,” says Rector Gunilla Widén.

The new bachelor’s programmes and programme descriptions will be published on Studyinfo.fi by 26 October. More detailed information about the programmes will be provided when they are published.

Applications to the new programmes will open in spring 2027. The first students will begin their studies under the new programme structure in autumn 2027.

Opportunity to transfer to the new programmes

Students already enrolled at Åbo Akademi University have the right to complete their degree in accordance with the curriculum in force when they were admitted, provided that they complete it within the target duration of their studies. Students will be supported by study advisors and teacher tutors in planning their studies.

Current students will also be able to transfer to the new programmes. More information about the available transfer options will be provided once the transfer regulations have been finalised.