Bachelor of Engineering, Information Technology, Smart Devices and Solutions
Study modern information technology in a hands-on international learning environment where software, connected devices, artificial intelligence and smart systems meet.
Tutkinto: Bachelor of Engineering
Opintomuoto: Päivätoteutus
Talonpojankatu kampus, Kokkola
Ensimmäinen sisäänotto vuonna 2027
Opetuskieli: Englanti
Programme description
The Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology, Smart Devices and Solutions, in Kokkola is a full‑time, campus‑based programme designed for students who want strong practical skills and a clear path into modern IT careers. During the first two years, students build a solid foundation in programming, databases, networks, electronics, web technologies, mathematics, and software engineering. These studies give students the technical confidence needed to understand how digital systems are built and how they work together.
As the studies progress, students specialise in Smart Devices and Solutions (SDS), an area focused on intelligent connected systems that combine devices, sensors, cloud services, data, and AI‑driven technologies. The specialisation teaches how modern smart systems are designed, implemented, and integrated into real industrial and digital environments. Students explore topics such as IoT architectures, embedded systems, data analytics, sensor technologies, data visualisation, and applied artificial intelligence, and they learn to design and prototype smart systems that collect and process data for intelligent decision‑making.
Throughout the programme, students also develop a strong understanding of digital and embedded technologies, including digital logic, microcontroller‑level thinking, sensor‑based systems, and edge computing. These skills form the technical backbone of today’s IoT and Industry 4.0 solutions.
Learning happens through hands‑on projects, laboratory work, and teamwork connected to real development challenges. The Capstone Project Hub brings students together in multidisciplinary teams to solve authentic client problems using agile methods and modern industry tools. This practical approach helps students grow into confident professionals who can work effectively in real‑world environments.
Graduates are well prepared for careers such as IoT Engineer, Embedded Systems Developer, Smart Systems Engineer, AI and Data Solutions Developer, Cloud and Platform Specialist, Software Developer, or Automation and Industry 4.0 Specialist. Studying on campus supports collaboration, hands‑on experimentation, and close interaction with project teams, laboratories, and industry partners, creating a learning environment that feels active, social, and connected to working life.
Additional information
Studying at Centria UAS is very practical, and you will get many chances to participate in real-life projects together The engineering studies in information technology consist of core competence studies, profiling studies, which include specialization studies, optional studies or core, work placement and a thesis. The scope is 240 ECTS, and the length of the degree is around 4 years.
You can find the curriculum here.
Students learn digital logic, microcontroller-level thinking, sensor-based systems and edge computing principles that form the basis for modern IoT and smart industry applications.
Learning takes place through practical projects, laboratory work and collaboration assignments connected to real-world development challenges. The Capstone Project Hub brings students together in multidisciplinary teams to solve authentic client-driven problems using agile software development methods and modern industry tools.
Centria is one of the most international universities of applied sciences in Finland. Our students represent about 40 different countries from around the world, and you can feel the international atmosphere on our campuses.
We have around 130 partner universities, and if you are interested, you can study for a semester or a full academic year in one of the partner universities. Shorter exchanges are possible as well. Some of our students also do their work placement period abroad or in some international company.
Some of the courses are offered together with other IT student groups. It means that you have a great opportunity to practice your language and communications skills and get to know people from all over the world.
The bachelor’s thesis is a large (15 ECTS) development or research project that usually takes place during the last study year. The purpose of the thesis is to prove that you have a good command of software engineering related theory and processes, and you can apply these in practice. The students usually do their thesis for a specific company. The thesis project, together with the work placement, introduces the student to practical work-life duties already during their studies. It is also the first step towards the first permanent position for many of our students.
Some typical planning and development projects are, e.g. planning and conducting a quality assurance manual, marketing plan, business plan, orientation plan, directive, process or production line. The thesis project is a chance to show the skills that you have acquired during your studies. To become an expert, the student needs opportunities to solve authentic problems of the profession.
Conducting the thesis requires systematic, planned and justifiable work to reach the set aims. The thesis work is a process that compiles orientation, planning and implementation of the topic, reporting and assessment. All these make an integrated entity. The thesis is like a business card for the student and can be utilized in publication archives and workplaces when the student proceeds into a professional career.
The thesis is usually done directly for a company, either independently or with a fellow student.
On the online library Theseus www.theseus.fi all the previously completed bachelor’s theses are available for everyone.
The world needs more skilled IT experts, and therefore our students have excellent work opportunities ahead of themselves. The degree programme in Information Technology gives the freshly graduate IT engineer the readiness to work in versatile positions in different companies in Finland and abroad.
IT Engineers have a wide range of working possibilities. The most used occupational titles are
- IoT Engineer
- Embedded Systems Developer
- Smart Systems Engineer
- AI and Data Solutions Developer
- Cloud and Platform Specialist
- Software Developer
- Automation and Industry 4.0 Specialist
After you have completed your bachelor’s degree and you have gained at least two years of work experience, you can apply to our master’s degree programme in Information Technology. You can also continue your studies at another university in Finland or abroad.
The Centria IT Lab is the shared innovation and collaboration environment for Information Technology education, applied research and development (RDI), and working life cooperation.
The IT Lab brings together students, teachers, researchers and companies to work on real-world technology projects connected to software development, smart systems, cybersecurity, cloud services and digital solutions. It serves as the public platform for practical collaboration between degree education, RDI projects and industry partners.
Students participate in multidisciplinary project teams where they solve authentic development challenges using modern software development methods, agile practices and industry-standard tools. Projects may originate from companies, research and development initiatives, Capstone studies, internships or ongoing RDI activities.
Centria IT Lab connects studies directly to working life. Students can contribute to customer projects already during their studies, deepen their expertise through project-based learning and build professional networks with companies and public organisations.
The environment continuously evolves alongside modern technology fields. In addition to software development and networking laboratories, the IT Lab ecosystem is expanding towards cybersecurity environments, smart systems, IoT technologies and applied AI solutions.
Centria IT Lab combines:
- education and practical learning
- RDI and company collaboration
- internships and project work
- Capstone projects and innovation activities
- software engineering, cybersecurity, IoT and cloud technologies
The goal of Centria IT Lab is to create an authentic learning and development environment where students build future-ready expertise together with industry and research partners.
Student selection
Selection method 1: First joint application 2026
Joint Application period is from 7 to 21 January 2026.
Centria University of Applied Sciences uses the following student selection methods during the first joint application 2026:
International University of Applied Sciences (UAS) Exam: 100 % of study places
International University of Applied Sciences (UAS) Exam
International UAS Exam is a joint digital entrance exam of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), used for selecting students to English-conducted study programmes leading to a Bachelor’s degree.
The entrance examination assesses the applicants’ abilities to study at UAS. The entrance examination does not contain any pre-reading materials or pre-tasks.
Every applicant must submit a document of the English language skills and a valid identification document on the Studyinfo’s application form. Please check the approved documents at UASinfo.fi.
Language requirements during joint application 2026
In order to be invited to the International UAS Exam and to be selected based on the International UAS Exam selection method, the applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or previous studies. Please, check the accepted documents here.
Identification documents during joint application 2026
The applicant needs a valid, acceptable identification document to be able to participate in the International UAS Exam. Please, check the accepted documents here. (Notice: only a passport is accepted from the applicants outside EU/EEA).
Please notice: the UASinfo.fi -website will be updated before the new year for the 2026 application.
More information about admission criteria on the UASinfo website.
NB. Changes may occur.
Selection method 2: Certificate-based selection
Applicants who have a qualification that provides eligibility for higher education studies from the EU/EEA-area, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Turkey, Nepal, India, Vietnam, Indonesia or the Philippines can apply in the certificate-based selection. We accept upper/ higher secondary level education and A-level education. The application round is organized between 1 December 2025 and 31 May 2026. Please read more here.
Selection method 3: SAT application
Applicants who in their past have completed the SAT tests (new version taken after March 2016) can also apply in our SAT application round between 1 December 2025 and 31 May 2026. Please read more information and the admission criteria here.
How to apply
Rolling admission
Centria’s Rolling Admission offers a flexible way to apply directly to a degree programme, either with SAT scores or through certificate-based selection. The rolling application period is open from 31 October 2026 to 31 May 2027.
Joint application 2027: 7 January to 21 January 2027
While the application is open you can apply to the degree programme in Studyinfo.
Applying during transfer application 1.-15.5.
It is possible to apply to Centria UAS during the transfer application period if a student wants to transfer from one field of study to another within Centria UAS or a student wants to transfer from another Finnish university of applied sciences to Centria.
Applying with open UAS studies 1.–30.4 and 1.–31.10.
Students who have completed studies in the Open University of Applied Sciences (UAS) may use the open UAS pathway to apply for degree student status.
Applying with an incomplete degree 1.–30.4 and 1.–31.10.
If you have studied in Centria UAS or in another university in Finland but you have not yet finished your degree, you can re-apply for the same or related degree programme to finish your degree.
Check your eligibility
following education will give applicants eligibility to apply for Bachelor´s programmes:
- the studies required for graduating from the Finnish upper secondary school or a Matriculation Ex-amination;
- an International Baccalaureate (IB) degree;
- a European Baccalaureate (EB) Diploma;
- a Reifeprüfung (RP) or Deutsche Internationale Abitur (DIA) degree;
- a Finnish vocational upper secondary qualification covering 120 credits or 180 competence points or a corresponding earlier Finnish vocational degree covering at least 80 credits;
- a Finnish post-secondary or higher vocational level diploma;
- a Finnish vocational upper secondary qualification or a further or specialist vocational qualification as a competence-based qualification, or a comparable previous qualification;
- a foreign qualification that provides eligibility for higher education studies in the country in question;
- Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree.
Contact information
Henry Paananen
Koulutusalapäällikkö (tieto-ja viestintätekniikka)
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