Hospitality management degree while learning Finnish: new programme starts in January

The bachelor's degree programme in Hospitality Operations Management responds to the growing need for skilled professionals in the tourism, restaurant and service sectors. The blended learning studies combine professional competences in the field with Finnish language studies.

This supports the employment and career advancement of international professionals in Finland.

– We have identified a clear need for a functionally bilingual degree programme. There are already positive experiences of this in Finland from nursing education. In addition, blended learning studies are well suited to many students who are already working, says Risto Karmavuo, Degree Director at Haaga-Helia.

Bilingual programme supports integration into working life

The tourism, restaurant and service sectors employ many international professionals with strong practical expertise. However, career advancement often requires both Finnish language skills and deeper professional competences.

– There are many professionals in so-called entry-level positions who have the potential to advance in their careers. However, many lack sufficient Finnish language skills or higher education-level expertise in the field. We wanted to build a degree programme that responds specifically to this need, Karmavuo says.

The programme focuses on operational management skills in service business. The aim of the studies is to support students in advancing towards positions such as shift supervisor and other supervisory-level roles.

Finnish language studies are an integral part of the degree. The programme includes 30 ECTS credits of Finnish language studies, and the use of Finnish gradually increases during the studies.

– At the beginning of the studies, both English and Finnish are used, but as students’ language skills develop, the role of Finnish becomes stronger and English serves more as a support language. This helps students integrate more effectively into Finnish working life, Karmavuo says.

Applicants complete a selection course

Applications for the programme are submitted through a separate application process starting on 14 September. Applicants are required to have basic Finnish language skills as well as proficiency in English.

Applications can be submitted through Studyinfo, and student selection is carried out through a selection course. The selection course, completed through Haaga-Helia Open University of Applied Sciences, includes demonstrating work experience, motivation assignments, language tests, and a group work day in Haaga-Helia’s RestoCamp learning environment.

Degree Programme in Hospitality Operations Management

Degree: Bachelor of Hospitality Management | Restonomi (AMK)
Mode of study: Blended learning studies
Languages: English and Finnish
Application period: 14–24 September 2026 in Studyinfo, followed by the selection course.

More information about the programme