Tertiäruppgifter

Tertiäruppgifter is a term used in some Finnish- and Swedish-language educational contexts to refer to assignments at the tertiary level—typically tasks that constitute the final or independently conducted work within a degree program. The word is a compound drawing on the Finnish or mixed linguistic usage of “tertiä” (tertiary or third-level) and the Swedish “uppgifter” (assignments or tasks).

Scope and usage

Tertiäruppgifter generally encompass capstone projects, final-year projects, theses, research proposals, and other substantial investigative or applied tasks completed during bachelor’s or master’s programs. They are usually undertaken under supervision and culminate in written reports or presentations. In some institutions, the term is used informally to distinguish advanced, self-directed work from routine coursework.

Forms and assessment

Common forms include bachelor’s theses, master’s theses, and capstone projects, as well as in-depth project reports or research papers. Assessment typically emphasizes research design or applied methodology, originality or insight, analytical rigor, write-up quality, and the ability to defend or present conclusions. Evaluation is often conducted by a faculty committee and may include an oral defense or presentation.

Significance and context

Tertiäruppgifter aim to demonstrate mastery of subject knowledge, methodological competence, and the ability to integrate learning across courses. The term is not universally standardized and may vary by institution; in many settings, official terminology prefers “thesis,” “final year project,” or “capstone project.” It remains most common in bilingual or Swedified Finnish contexts where the concept aligns with higher education requirements for degree completion.