Competence and competitiveness in determining the relative labour market position of UAS Master’s degree graduates

• Kristiina Ojala Turun yliopisto
• Ulpukka Isopahkala-Bouret Turun yliopisto https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8535-8874
• Nina Haltia Turun yliopisto https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2139-1405

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33336/aik.88374

Abstract

In this article we analyse the perceptions of University of Applied Sciences Master’s degree (UAS Master’s degree) graduates concerning their position in the Finnish labour market in relation to graduates holding a University Master’s degree of equal educational level. We examine the determinants of the labour market position through human capital theory on one hand and through credentialism on the other. Our empirical data consist of a survey (N = 1 274) for UAS Master’s degree graduates. We modelled determining factors of graduates’ relative labour market position using confirmatory factor analysis. This yielded two determining elements: ‘competitiveness generated by degree’ and ‘competence generated by degree’. Competitiveness generated by the UAS Master’s degree compared to a University Master’s degree was perceived as weak, but the competence generated by the UAS Master’s degree was regarded strong. Gender and educational field played a role in the way graduates estimated their competitiveness. Men and especially graduates from a technical field estimated the competitiveness of their degree to be stronger than others. Competence was viewed as strong regardless of gender or educational field.

Translation: Markus Palmén