# One path, two degrees – EU4DUAL built a new route to working life

> International double degree programme creation requires a competence-based perspective and a flexible mindset.

## Overview
Savonia University of Applied Sciences and the Austrian university FH JOANNEUM are launching a double degree programme in tourism that combines international studies with work-based learning. Developed within the EU4DUAL Alliance, the programme demonstrates that it is possible to align two different degree structures when curricula are examined from a competence-based perspective rather than through individual courses alone.

## Understanding the Double Degree
A double degree is a study pathway jointly designed by two higher education institutions. Students who successfully complete the programme receive a degree certificate from both institutions. Unlike a joint degree, where partners award a single shared diploma, a double degree results in two separate qualifications issued by the participating universities. Students’ studies, mobility periods, and credit recognition are agreed upon in advance through an inter-institutional agreement.

In the Savonia–FH JOANNEUM programme, students complete coordinated studies in Finland and Austria. Upon graduation, they may obtain both a Bachelor of Arts in Business from FH JOANNEUM and a Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management from Savonia. The programme brings together FH JOANNEUM’s Health and Tourism Management programme and Savonia’s Tourism and Hospitality Management, Wellness Tourism Management programme.

## Programme Objectives
The initiative originated from the EU4DUAL Alliance’s objective to create smoother European mobility and career pathways for students. Key objectives included:
* Educating internationally minded tourism professionals
* Combining Finnish and Austrian expertise in tourism, health, and wellbeing sectors
* Strengthening international work experience and employability skills
* Enhancing multilingual and intercultural competencies
* Creating a pre-defined and seamless mobility pathway
* Increasing the international attractiveness of both degree programmes

## Integration with Working Life
A distinctive feature of the programme is its strong connection with working life. Students gain practical experience in tourism and service-sector organisations throughout their studies. The degrees include at least 600 hours (27 ECTS credits) of practical training, a significant proportion of which can be completed during international mobility periods.

The study pathway for Savonia students includes their first academic year in Finland, a second year at FH JOANNEUM, and a work placement in Austria. Final studies and the bachelor’s thesis are then completed at Savonia. FH JOANNEUM students follow a corresponding pathway, beginning in Austria and later undertaking studies and a substantial internship period in Finland.

## Curriculum Development and Challenges
Developing the double degree required addressing significant differences between the two institutions:
* **Credit Discrepancies:** FH JOANNEUM’s bachelor’s degree comprises 180 ECTS credits, while Savonia’s degree totals 210 ECTS credits.
* **Curricular Focus:** Savonia focuses on tourism, hospitality, food services, and wellness, while FH JOANNEUM emphasizes health-related themes. This was bridged using online health-related courses and micro-credentials.
* **Academic Calendars:** Differences in course availability and summer schedules were managed by designing the pathway around complete semesters and strategically scheduling internships.
* **Administrative and Legal:** The agreement covers student selection, language requirements (B2-level English proficiency), data protection, tuition fees, and insurance.

## The Role of the EU4DUAL Alliance
The development took place within the EU4DUAL Alliance framework, specifically the “Enabling Seamless Mobility” work group. Internal quality assurance and external evaluations by experts from the ESTIA Institute of Technology and Mondragon Unibertsitatea supported the project. The model developed by Savonia and FH JOANNEUM serves as a framework for future initiatives within the alliance.

## Implementation Timeline
The partner institutions signed the agreement in summer 2026. 
* **October 2027:** First Savonia students begin studies at FH JOANNEUM.
* **January 2028:** First FH JOANNEUM students arrive at Savonia.

## Authors
* **Solja Ryhänen**, International Coordinator, Savonia UAS
* **Ingerid Nordahl Dommersnes**, International Project Coordinator, FH JOANNEUM

## References
* Borsetto, E. & Saccon, C. (2023). Students’ Experience of Double Degree Programmes: Motivations and Perceptions of Skill Acquisition. Higher Education Advances. DOI: 10.4995/HEAd23.2023.16351.
* Leung, C. (2025). Challenges in International Joint Education Programmes: A Systematic Review. Perspectives: Policy and Practice in Higher Education. DOI: 10.1080/13603108.2025.2571915.