Vocational Degree in Physical Education and Coaching (LAT), Physical Education area of expertise, 150 ECTS credits
Physical education training for adult students
Are you interested in a career in physical education and exercise counseling, where you promote health, well-being, and a physical lifestyle among people of all ages?
Do you want to work in sports guidance and planning in the public, private or third sector - or become a sports entrepreneur, e.g. a Personal Trainer?
Are you considering a change of field or further education (e.g. social services) and want to study flexibly while working towards becoming a professional in the sports field?
In blended learning, you study flexibly!
You combine the best of distance learning, hands-on learning and working life learning environments, allowing you to study at your own pace and schedule, while still receiving personal guidance and support from a learning community. This form of study is perfect for studying alongside work, for example.
Train as a professional in physical education and exercise counseling
Physical education counselor (AT) degree holder
- guide individuals and client groups to move using a variety of methods
- develop the sports operating environment in compliance with the sector's legislation, ethical principles and safety regulations
- encourages an active lifestyle, emphasizes the impact of exercise on physical performance, health, and psychological and social well-being
- develop their professional skills, act as an entrepreneur and take care of their own work and functional capacity
A physical activity counselor (PA) can work in physical activity planning and guidance tasks in various operating environments:
- In the public sector: municipal sports activities and other sectors related to sports and well-being
- In the private sector: a sports company, an independent sports entrepreneur or in a company in another sector in tasks related to sports and well-being
- In the third sector: sports and leisure clubs and regional and national sports and leisure organizations
The degree also qualifies you to apply for postgraduate studies at a university of applied sciences or university.
Student experiences
Training content
The professional degree in physical education and coaching, the physical education area of expertise, consists of three mandatory parts of the degree:
(90 competence points) and optional components of the degree
(60 skill points).
Compulsory degree components (90 ECTS credits)
- Working in sports environments, 15 credits
- Physical activity counseling in promoting health and well-being, 30 credits
- Physical education instruction for different age groups, 45 credits
Elective degree components (60 ECTS credits to be chosen)
- Promoting individual well-being, Personal Trainer, 30 credits (PT certificate from the Finnish Association of Sports Institutes)
- Entrepreneurship in the sports and coaching industry, 30 ECTS credits
- Sports and nature tourism in promoting well-being, 15 credits
- Developing international competence, 15 credits
- Part or parts of the degree from the Basic Degree in Physical Education Guidance, 15–30 ECTS credits
The training includes The Finnish Sports Institutes Association an authorized Personal Trainer certificate if you have participated in all the in-person training sessions and passed the required tasks and exam in the training.
Read more detailed descriptions of the content of the degree about the basics of the degree.
Method and timing of studies
A personal competence development plan (HOKS) is prepared for each student at the beginning of their studies, which takes into account the student's previous competence.
The start of the training is flexible; before the short sessions, a remote orientation will be held via Teams.
The studies last approximately 1-2 years, depending on previous studies, electives, and skills.
There are approximately 3 days of contact teaching periods per month.
In addition, studies are carried out online and in practical work assignments with an apprenticeship or training contract. More information from the apprenticeship contract.
An apprenticeship or training contract place must be applied for before the start of the education, for example from municipal sports services, sports organizations, sports or exercise clubs or private sports and fitness centers. There may be more than one place depending on the optional studies.
The skills acquired during the studies are demonstrated in demonstrations carried out in real working life situations.
LAT 19 NEARBY PERIODS
September 1.9.2025, 12 Remote orientation (Teams) 14-XNUMX p.m.
15.-17.9.2025
13.-15.10.2025
10.-12.11.2025
15.-17.12.2025
12.-14.1.2026
9.-11.2.2026
9.-11.3.2026
13.-15.4.2026
4.-6.5.2026
LAT 20 NEARBY PERIODS
31.8.2026 Remote orientation (Teams) 12–14
Nearby periods in Tanhuvaara:
April 14-14, 2027 Physical activity guidance for different age groups
12.-14.10.2026 Physical activity guidance for different age groups
April 9-14, 2027 Physical activity guidance for different age groups
14.-16.12.2026 Exercise advice in promoting health and well-being
11-17 March 2027 Personal Trainer
8.-10.2.2027 Personal Trainer
15-17 March 2027 Personal Trainer
April 13-14, 2027 Physical activity guidance for different age groups
3.-5.5.2027 Physical activity guidance for different age groups
In addition to these, possible other elective courses are available.
LAT 21 NEARBY PERIODS
March 29, 2027 Remote orientation (Teams) 12–2 p.m.
Nearby periods in Tanhuvaara:
April 12-14, 2027 Physical activity guidance for different age groups
3.-5.5.2027 Physical activity guidance for different age groups
13.–15.9.2027 Physical activity guidance for different age groups
11.–13.10.2027 Physical activity guidance for different age groups
15.–17.11.2027 Physical activity guidance for different age groups
13.–15.12.2027 Physical activity advice in promoting health and well-being
10.–12.1.2028 Personal Trainer
7–9 February 2028 Personal Trainer
13.-15.3.2028 Personal Trainer
In addition to these, possible other elective courses are available.
Cost of education for the student and student benefits
The price of the professional qualification in physical education and coaching for the physical education competence area is €1150-1250, depending on the optional qualification components. Fees are invoiced per qualification component: €150/15 ECTS credits and €250/30-45 ECTS credits.
It is possible to stay and eat at the college during the upcoming semesters at student prices.
Accommodation and meal prices (incl. VAT)
- 2-4 people (Townhouse) €39,50/night/person, incl. breakfast
- 1 bedroom (Townhouse) €74,50/night, incl. breakfast
- Pet fee 10€/day (limited number of rooms)
- Lunch / dinner: €8,90/meal
Full-time students have the opportunity to apply for Kela study benefits.
Selection criteria
Suitability and motivation for the field
The applicant's suitability and motivation for the field will be assessed based on the application and interview. The interview will be held at a separately agreed time after the application has been received. All applicants will be interviewed.
The training provider will request a criminal record extract from those selected for the training if the training essentially involves working with minors.
Degree-specific health and functional capacity requirements
The Basic Degree in Physical Education Guidance and the Professional Degree in Physical Education and Coaching are degrees covered by the SORA (Solutions for Unsuitability for Study) regulations.
In SORA degrees, the education provider may request information about the student's health and functional capacity when applying for studies or if these change during the studies.
A circumstance related to the health or functional capacity of an applicant may not be an obstacle to admission. However, a student may not be admitted if his/her health or functional capacity does not allow him/her to perform practical tasks related to education in an educational institution, workplace or other learning environment, if the safety requirements related to the qualifications referred to in Section 531 of the Vocational Education and Training Act (2017/81) so require and if the obstacle cannot be removed by reasonable measures. With regard to the person's health or functional capacity, the limitations caused by possible illnesses and the individual treatment situation for the illnesses must be assessed. Read more Health requirements in the sports industry
Obstacles to admission may include:
- an illness or injury that limits physical health and ability to function
- an illness or disability that prevents communication and sign language
- drug addiction or problem or abuse
- a mental health disorder or psychological illness that is not under treatment
- substance dependence or problem or abuse
- a functional impairment that makes interaction difficult
The student is obliged to inform the educational institution of any of the above-mentioned circumstances that may affect their studies or work in the field of physical education. In SORA degrees, a student's right to study may be revoked if they repeatedly or seriously endanger the health and safety of another person or do not meet the requirements for admission to SORA degrees in terms of their health or functional capacity.
Previous studies
If you intend to apply for recognition based on previous studies, you must share your academic records with the application using the link available from the My Study Guide service or by attaching certificates of previous studies (pdf) to the application. There is no fee for recognized degree components.
Other conditions
The applicant must have sufficient study skills for online learning and independent study. The student is also required to have their own computer.
Application for training
Search time: continuous search
Education starts: flexibly twice a year; remote orientation for the fall 2026 start on Monday, August 31, 2026 and remote orientation for the spring 2027 start on Monday, March 29, 2027 (remote studies can be started as early as January).
If you have any questions about the training, please contact:
LAT Degree Coordinator
Ella Tanhuamäki
+358 40 822 3163
ella.tanhuamaki@tanhuvaara.fi
Training manager
Arja Laine
+358 50 572 7348
arja.laine@tanhuvaara.fi
Education Secretary
Satu Kosonen
+ 358447150407
satu.kosonen@tanhuvaara.fi
