Universities in Finland

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1 Universities in Finland A brief guide Multi-faculty universities Schools of Economics and Business Administration Universities of Technology Art academies Centre for International Mobility

2 Centre for International Mobility CIMO P.O. Box 343 (Hakaniemenkatu 2) FIN Helsinki, Finland Tel Fax [email protected] nland.cimo.fi (Discover Finland) Telephone service for international clients: (Mon Thu and )

3 Universities in Finland Universities in Finland A brief guide Multi-faculty universities Schools of Economics and Business Administration Universities of Technology Art academies 1

4 Foreword Finnish universities Finland s national strategy is to develop the country as a knowledge society. In order to achieve this goal, we have substantially increased investment in R&D in recent years. Currently over three percent of GDP is channelled into R&D. This strategy has borne fruit: the number of Doctorates awarded has increased rapidly and according to recent evaluations the level of Finnish research has improved markedly in a number of fields. There are 20 universities in Finland, which may seem a high figure for a country of just 5.2 million inhabitants. It has, however, been one of the cornerstones of Finland s education policy to guarantee access to higher education in all parts of the country. Educational equality lies very deep in the Finnish psyche. Ten of our universities are traditional multi-faculty institutions. In addition there are three universities of technology, three schools of economics and business administration, and four art academies. All of our universities are stateowned but they enjoy wide autonomy in teaching and research and also in their internal administrative matters. Finnish universities are obliged by law to conduct a systematic evaluation of their activities. There is a specific advisory body attached to the Ministry of Education, the Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council, which assists universities with evaluations. Their support is of particular value in international external evaluations. The Ministry of Education emphasises the importance of high quality by allocating some of the funds to the universities based on the quality of their performance. In judging quality, the Ministry is assisted by the Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council and the Academy of Finland, who are responsible for evaluating university research. The internationalisation of education has been one of the key development areas in Finnish education policy since the late 1980s. As Minister of Education, I am pleased to see the results of this policy. An increasing number of international students choose Finland as their place of study, and many Finnish students pursue part of their degree studies abroad. I am convinced that feedback from our international students has helped our institutions to improve their educational standards. In order to attract international students, our universities have developed numerous English-language study programmes. This has been necessary for practical reasons, but I would like to encourage all international students and teachers to learn a little Finnish or Swedish during their stay in Finland. Our universities are able to help with this too. May I take this opportunity to wish all international students a warm welcome to Finland. Tuula Haatainen Minister of Education 2

5 Universities in Finland Contents Education in Finland 4 11 Multi-faculty universities Åbo Akademi University 12 University of Helsinki 14 University of Joensuu 16 University of Jyväskylä 18 University of Kuopio 20 University of Lapland 22 University of Oulu 24 University of Tampere 26 University of Turku 28 University of Vaasa 30 Schools of Economics and Business Administration HANKEN Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration 32 Helsinki School of Economics 34 Turku School of Economics and Business Administration 36 Universities of Technology Helsinki University of Technology 38 Lappeenranta University of Technology 40 Tampere University of Technology 42 Art academies Academy of Fine Arts 44 Sibelius Academy 46 The Theatre Academy of Finland 48 University of Art and Design Helsinki 50 Fields of Study 52 Addresses

6 University education in Finland Photo: University of Vaasa Finnish education system The Finnish education system consists of pre-school education, comprehensive school, post-comprehensive general and vocational education, higher education and adult education. Comprehensive school provides a nine-year educational programme (with a voluntary 10 th form) for all school-age children, beginning at the age of seven. Post-comprehensive education is given by general upper secondary schools and vocational schools. Higher education is provided by 20 universities and 29 polytechnics. Adult education is given by independent sponsoring organisations, evening schools, vocational institutions (specifically by vocational adult education centres), and universities, all of which have a centre for continuing education. Universities Finnish universities have roots going back to the 17th century and today the country has one of the most comprehensive university networks in Europe. There are 20 universities in Finland, ten of which are multi-faculty universities and ten are specialist institutions. Of the specialist institutions three are universities of technology, three are schools of economics and business administration, and the remaining four are art academies. In addition, university-level education is provided at the National Defence College under the Ministry of Defence. All institutions in the university sector carry out research and confer doctorates. Governance of the universities The universities are under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Education. Even though they are State institutions, they have autonomy in internal affairs, and naturally in education and research. The annual negotiations between the Ministry of Education and the universities lead to agreements on target outcome, in which the overall goals as well as funds for the universities are agreed upon. The universities have recently gone over to budgeting by results and some resources are allocated to universities according to performance. 4

7 Universities in Finland Age Internal administration of the universities At the universities, strategic administration is the domain of the Administrative Council, constituted in different ways at different universities and chaired by the Rector. The Council makes general strategy decisions and lays down operational plans and budgets. The Rector is responsible for the university s operative management under guidelines determined by the Administrative Council. The Rector s term of office is five years. The faculties are responsible for the administration of instruction and research in universities. The principal decisions are made by the Faculty Councils, which are composed mainly of teaching and research staff, although the students are also represented. The Dean, elected by the Faculty Council from among its members for a term of two to three years, is responsible for general management and performance. As a result of the increasing importance of cooperation with business and industry, it has been suggested that representatives of outside interest groups should be represented on the administrative bodies, as indeed they already are at some universities Universities 3 6 years General Upper Secondary Education 3 years Comprehensive School 9 years Whole age group Polytechnics 3,5 4 years Initial Vocational Education 3 years Language of instruction Finland is a bilingual country and education is provided in Finnish and Swedish at all levels of education to a lesser extent also in the Saami language (the language spoken by a small ethnic minority living in Northern Finland). Internationalisation has increased the provision of instruction in English at all levels of education; at universities certain degrees can be taken in English. However, in most cases degree studies require a good knowledge of either Finnish or Swedish. In many programmes knowledge of Finnish or Swedish is required even to apply. At universities, international undergraduate students can, or must, usually take Finnish (or Swedish) courses to support their studies. Doctoral studies can often be pursued successfully in English. 5

8 Organisation and structure of studies Statutes and regulations University education is divided into twenty fields of study, which are: theology, the humanities, law, social sciences, economics, psychology, educational sciences, natural sciences, agriculture and forestry, sport sciences, engineering and architecture, medicine, dentistry, health sciences, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, music, art and design, fine arts, and theatre and dance. For each field of study, there are statutes defining the objectives, overall structure and extent of the degrees. More explicit directions for the content and structure of the degrees are given in the degree regulations formulated by the institutions for their instruction. They also design their curricula and forms of instruction. The curricula are published in the study guides. Education and degrees Finnish university degrees correspond to Bachelor s, Master s and Doctor s degrees. In most fields students can also take a Licentiate s degree before going on to a doctorate. Professional postgraduate degrees, i.e. specialists degrees, are awarded in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. Kandidaatti and maisteri degrees The university degree system has been undergoing reform since the early 1990s. The new regulations introduced a bachelor-level degree, usually called kandidaatti/kandidat, to most fields of study. The second or higher academic degree is generally called maisteri/magister and corresponds to a Master s degree. The degrees usually consist of studies in one main subject, or major (pääaine/huvudämne), and in one or more subsidiary subjects, or minors (sivuaine/ biämne). Studies in a subject are composed of study units of various extent. They form larger entities at three levels: basic or introductory studies (perusopinnot/grundstudier), intermediate (subject) studies (aineopinnot/ämnesstudier) and advanced studies (syventävät opinnot/fördjupade studier). In basic and intermediate subject studies, students learn the fundamentals of the subject and academic research. In the advanced studies they go deeper into their subject and acquire the ability to find and apply scientific knowledge. 6 Photo: Lappeenranta University of Technology

9 Universities in Finland Photo: Lappeenranta University of Technology The first degree kandidaatti usually consists of basic and intermediate studies in the major subject, including a Bachelor s thesis, studies in one or more minor subjects and language studies. For the maisteri degree students must complete advanced studies and prepare a Master s thesis, on top of the kandidaatti curriculum. Some degrees include compulsory practical training, while in some others it is optional. All students must take studies in the native language (Finnish or Swedish), in the second official language (Swedish or Finnish) and in one or two foreign languages. The extent of the degree programmes is given in credits (opintoviikko/studievecka, literally study week ). One credit is awarded for approximately 40 hours of work, including lectures and other forms of instruction, exercises, seminars, and independent work at home or in the library. The fulltime studies for the kandidaatti degree last three years (minimum), the extent of the degree usually being 120 credits. The studies for maisteri take five years (minimum) or two years after kandidaatti, the extent being 160 or 180 credits ( /60). At the moment, the first degree in the fields of medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry is a master-level degree called lisensiaatti/licentiat. The extent of these degrees varies from 200 to 250 credits and the programmes require approx. 6 years of full-time study. These degrees should not be confused with the lisensiaatti in the other fields of study, where the lisensiaatti as a pre-doctoral degree. 7

10 Lisensiaatti and tohtori degrees The operation of the Finnish university sector is based on the unity of research and education. Doctoral studies (jatkokoulutus/påbyggnadsutbildning), in particular, are closely linked with the research work done at universities and international institutions. 8 Photo: Helsinki University of Technology

11 Universities in Finland Students can start working for a doctorate as soon as they have obtained the Master s degree. They can take a Licentiate s degree (lisensiaatti/licentiat) before the Doctor s degree (tohtori/doktor). The licentiate is an optional degree, and is not offered in all fields of study. In certain cases, licentiate programmes may include specialist training. In medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine lisensiaatti is currently a master-level degree, after which doctoral studies can be commenced. Research and the preparation of a substantial thesis are essential parts of the studies for both lisensiaatti and tohtori. The doctoral thesis is published and must be defended in a public disputation. In addition to research, both lisensiaatti and tohtori programmes include studies in the discipline and studies in the student s specific field of research. It is possible for a full-time student to complete a lisensiaatti in two years and a tohtori in four years after maisteri. Research and researcher training Most of the basic research in Finland is undertaken by universities, and nearly one fourth of Finnish research & development (R&D) is also carried out by universities. Apart from professors, who are responsible for both teaching and research in their own subject, research work is carried out by researchers mainly financed by outside funds, as well as by assistants and students. Students preparing their licentiate or doctoral thesis are often employed by the universities and remain in their service later on. The graduate schools established in 1995 have increased the opportunities for full-time postgraduate education. The system comprises over a hundred graduate schools functioning at different universities and research institutes and offering more than 4,000 full-time positions in researcher training. The graduate school students often receive scholarships from external sources, mainly from the Academy of Finland, the National Technology Agency, and funding agencies and enterprises. Many of the graduate schools have been established jointly by several universities, and they help extend the cooperation between universities, industry and research institutes. The programmes are linked to the centres of excellence, to highstandard research projects or to comprehensive national networks. 9

12 Photo: Jari Härkönen, Helsinki University of Technology Continuing education and open university instruction Each university has a centre of continuing education. These centres provide continuing professional education for university graduates as well as organise open university instruction in co-operation with various adult education organisations. It is not possible to take a degree at open university, but after completing at least one third of the studies needed for a degree, students can apply for entry to the regular university. Admission General principles The Finnish matriculation examination taken at the end of the general upper secondary school gives general eligibility for university education. A three-year vocational qualification provides the same eligibility, as do the International Baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate, Reifeprüfung, and those foreign qualifications, which provide eligibility for university entrance in the country in which they are awarded. The universities adjust their admission according to the target number for degrees which they determine in negotiations with the Ministry of Education. All fields of study are subject to numerus clausus, i.e. restricted entry. Since there are far more applicants than places available, students must be selected. Each university (and its faculties 10

13 Universities in Finland or departments) can determine their own selection procedures and criteria. Applicants are generally ranked on the basis of the grades in their matriculation examination (and school leaving certificate) and/or an entrance test. Further information about application and entrance requirements is best obtained directly from the university. International students The term international students is in most cases applied to all those students who have completed their secondary education in any country other than Finland. Other or additional criteria include the nationality or native tongue of the applicant. The general regulations allow a student who, after completing his secondary education abroad, is enrolled in, or has been given the right to be enrolled in or is qualified to enter an institution of higher education of corresponding level, to be admitted to a Finnish university. An institution of higher education is usually considered to be of a corresponding level if it awards doctoral degrees. Finland has signed the European Convention of the Equivalence of Diplomas Leading to Admission to Universities. This Convention clearly states the recognition of European diplomas. According to the Nordic convention on admission to higher education which Finland has signed, all Nordic (Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish) applicants who are eligible for higher education in their home country have the same access to higher education in another Nordic country as local applicants. Requirements for doctoral studies For admission to doctoral studies, the principal requirement is a Mater s degree in the same field, or an equivalent foreign degree, a good grade in the major subject generally being required. The universities may also accept a degree taken in another field if the applicant is found to have the knowledge and ability required for the doctoral studies. If the university deems a degree deficient in some respects, the student may have to take complementary studies before commencing doctoral studies. Visiting students Admission to the Finnish universities for non-degree studies is usually based on student exchange programmes, scientific, technological and development co-operation programmes, agreements between universities, or cultural agreements between governments. Exchange students can come to Finland through European Union programmes, such as Socrates/Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci. Students from the USA may participate in the IS- EP exchange programme while students from the other Nordic countries can take advantage of the Nordplus scheme. A prospective student may also apply for entry independently, outside such programmes and agreements. Visiting students are usually expected to have gained entry to a university or to have completed academic studies in their home country. 11

14 Åbo Akademi University A top university with the personal touch Åbo Akademi University, Finland s only Swedishlanguage multi-faculty university, is committed to research and research-based education of the highest quality. It is the centre of higher education for the Swedish-speaking minority (6% of the total population) and has a special responsibility to provide for the university-level research and educational needs of the country s Swedish language population. Part of Åbo Akademi University s overarching national responsibility for university education in Swedish includes a commitment to provide educational opportunities across a broad range of areas. Founded as a private university in 1918, Åbo Akademi University became state-owned in Today Åbo Akademi University is a comprehensive research university with seven faculties. The university offers both undergraduate and postgraduate studies and extensive research opportunities to some 7,250 students on three campuses: Åbo, Vasa and Jakobstad (Turku, Vaasa and Pietarsaari in Finnish). Åbo Akademi University primarily uses Swedish as the language of instruction but also increasingly English due to a growing number of international exchange students. At present two Master s programmes are offered in English and several new ones will be established within the next years. Close to 500 international students from 60 different countries enrol at our university every year, many of whom study for their degree here. Exchange students can choose from a variety of courses offered in English, for example Business Studies, Environmental Studies, Finnish-Swedish Studies and Women s Studies. Some of the areas in which Åbo Akademi University has an acknowledged position at the forefront of research are biotechnology, computer science, chemical combustion, human rights, informational and structural biology, material sciences and polymer sciences and engineering. Åbo Akademi University has three centres of excellence selected by the Academy of Finland: Åbo Akademi University Process Chemistry Group, the Research Unit on the Formation of Early Jewish and Christian Ideology, and Formal Methods in Programming. The research conducted at the university is primarily funded by the European Union, the Academy of Finland, Finnish industry and the community. 12 Photo: Sari Gustavsson/Lehtikuva

15 Universities in Finland Fields of study Theology, Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Economics, Psychology, Educational Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences, Pharmacy Facts and figures Geographical closeness on an overlapping campus area, and a mutual interest in pooling expertise, has led to closely knit forms of cooperation with the two other universities in Åbo, providing students and researchers with the opportunity to work with experts in other fields such as computer science, medicine and law. International exchange students can also benefit from the cooperation with the International University of Turku/Åbo or IUTÅ, which offers more than 300 courses in English. The year of foundation: 1918 Units in Åbo (Turku), Vasa (Vaasa) and Jakobstad (Pietarsaari) Total number of students: 7,250 International students: 500 The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 410 The number of Doctorates in 2001: 49 Åbo Akademi University is characterised by its small size, good student-teacher relations, rich traditions and its highly flexible study programmes. The university places a strong emphasis on its environmental profile and offers a broad range of interdisciplinary study modules in Environmental Studies. For more information, visit the university at Åbo Akademi University provides you with an excellent opportunity to get to know a part of Swedish-speaking Finland where tradition and innovation are combined in a lively campus milieu. Welcome! Gustav Björkstrand Rector of Åbo Akademi University 13

16 University of Helsinki Photo: Eero Roine The University of Helsinki is the largest and most versatile academic and cultural institution in Finland. Its mission encompasses fundamental research, teaching based upon research, and the education of young people to serve society. In addition, the university is responsible for the National Library, the Finnish Museum for Natural History, several architectural monuments in the historic centre of Helsinki, as well as for numerous fields of study not represented in other universities. The university places a special emphasis on research and researcher training, and is counted among the top research universities in Europe. Of the 41 national centres of excellence, 24 function wholly or in part within the university. Six of them are in the field of humanities and social sciences, nine in biological sciences and nine in health sciences. Although there are research institutes that are independent of the faculties in Biotechnology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Genomics, and Neurosciences, all scientists have teaching responsibilities. The university has several graduate schools, some of which function in collaboration with other universities in the Helsinki region or nationally. There are also research institutes that have been established jointly with other universities, for example the Helsinki Institute for Information Technology, the Helsinki Institute of Physics, and Technomedicum, which promotes the application of technology in medicine. A large multi-faculty university provides an ideal environment for students who are interested in complementing specialised studies with an element of diversity from other fields, thus obtaining a balanced, all-round education. Recent initiatives in curriculum development have aimed at lowering the boundaries between institutes and faculties, and also between universities. This has given students in the Helsinki area the opportunity to participate in cross-university studies covering all academic fields, including fine arts. Special emphasis has been placed upon the tutoring and guidance of students preparing their Master s theses. A major focus will 14

17 Universities in Finland Fields of study Theology, Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Psychology, Educational Sciences, Natural Sciences, Agriculture and Forestry, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy Photo: Jaakko Avikainen/Lehtikuva be on strengthening the link between research and teaching, which will ensure that the material covered is up-to-the-minute and the learning process is stimulating for both students and teachers alike. Information technology is increasingly used in teaching, and a number of courses are available on the Internet, in collaboration with the national virtual university. International student exchanges are popular, with more incoming students than outgoing students. Approximately 1,900 foreign students attend the university during the academic year, some of whom aim to complete an entire academic degree programme, while others plan to remain for a shorter period to take advantage of the European Credit Transfer System. There are no tuition fees for foreign students. Teaching is increasingly available in English, and an excellent course on the Finnish language and culture is offered for foreigners. The Helsinki Summer School is jointly operated by the universities in and around Helsinki and offers a three-week programme for international students focusing on the most interesting of the universities particular fields of expertise. Facts and figures The year of foundation: 1640 in Turku; in Helsinki since 1828 Units in Helsinki and in 17 locations outside Helsinki, among them Lahti, Tvärminne, Lammi, Hyytiälä, Mikkeli, Seinäjoki and Kilpisjärvi Total number of students: 37,244 International students: 1,926 The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 2,307 The number of Doctorates in 2001: Kari Raivio Rector of the University of Helsinki Photo: Jaakko Avikainen/Lehtikuva 15

18 University of Joensuu Innovation, regional engagement and internationalisation hallmarks of the easternmost university in the European Union. The University of Joensuu is a multi-disciplinary, research-oriented university with two campuses: the main campus is located in Joensuu and the second campus in the town of Savonlinna. The university s mission rests on three cornerstones: firstly, quality teaching and research, secondly, regional engagement in the development of eastern Finland and, thirdly, international cooperation. The emerging global, information-based economy highlights the significance of knowledge and innovation as decisive factors in fostering economic progress. Universities are key institutions in the creation, dissemination and application of knowledge within local economies. The internationalisation strategy of the University of Joensuu strongly supports its commitment to regional development. The university s main strengths and areas of expertise are the following: multi-disciplinary teacher education and life course studies; teaching and research relating to forests, other renewable natural resources and the environment; proficiency in the development and application of high technology; teaching and research relating to the social and cultural development of fringe areas and border regions. The University of Joensuu strives for a truly global approach in all of its activities, including teaching, research, knowledge transmission and academic leadership. Its location near the border between the European Union and Russia presents the university with some unique opportunities. The University of Joensuu is committed to promoting the Northern Dimension of the European Union in its special areas of expertise, i.e. in studies relating to socio-cultural and economic conditions and to environmental issues in the border region. 16

19 Universities in Finland To enable international exchange students with no command of Finnish to study in Finland, the University of Joensuu offers a number of international study programmes taught in English. In addition to a variety of non-degree programmes, the university offers an international Master s degree programme in Human Geography, specialising in spatial development in northern and eastern Europe. Other degree programmes designed for both Finnish and international students include IM- PIT: an International Master s Degree Programme in Information Technology, offered jointly with Lappeenranta University of Technology, and an international Master s degree programme in Intercultural Counselling, which is part of the Islamic and Western Culture Project founded by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Roman Herzog, in The University of Joensuu also encourages its academic departments to develop joint international Master s and Doctor s degree programmes. In January 2002, the university launched a Master of Science in European Forestry programme, developed in cooperation with other members of the Silva Network, a consortium of leading European universities offering study programmes in Forestry. Such programmes are also being developed within the framework of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities, ECIU, of which the University of Joensuu is a member. Perttu Vartiainen Rector of the University of Joensuu Fields of study Theology, Humanities, Economics and Business Administration (in cooperation with Lappeenranta University of Technology), Social Sciences, Psychology, Educational Sciences, Natural Sciences, Forestry Facts and figures Photo: City of Joensuu The year of foundation: 1969 Units in Joensuu, Savonlinna and Ilomantsi Total number of students: 6,897 International students: 411 The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 602 The number of Doctorates in 2001:

20 University of Jyväskylä Photo: Uuve Södor A Human Technologies Campus In addition to pleasing the aesthetic eye and inspiring the mind, the University of Jyväskylä offers a lively and youthful context for both studying and for experiencing the Finnish culture and way of life. Our main campus with its Alvar Aalto buildings is noted for its architectural harmony. The two more recent campuses on the shores of Lake Jyväsjärvi, right in the city centre, form a close and functional whole with the main campus. With its excellent cultural and sports facilities, Jyväskylä continues to be one of the most attractive university towns in Finland and one of the most rapidly growing centres for business and learning. Of the inhabitants in the area as many as one fifth are students. The city, located in the heart of Finnish Lakeland, is also building a strong reputation as an international congress and exhibition centre. The University of Jyväskylä is known for its innovative pedagogical approaches to teaching and for its tailored programmes designed to reflect the changing needs of business and industry. This can be seen, for instance, in terms of multiple and intercultural competence-building for internationalised work environments. Our most popular international programmes that are run through English include Sport Management, Intercultural Communication, and Information Technology. Today we have student exchange with some 200 universities in Europe and elsewhere, and research partners in more than 900 universities all over the world. Comprehensive counselling services, a versatile orientation programme, personal tutors, a host family programme and a wide variety of language courses are available, all designed to ensure that our international students enjoy their stay in Jyväskylä. 18

21 Universities in Finland Man, nature and technology form the key elements of today s widely multi-disciplinary scientific profile of the University, but versatile art, culture, communication and educational studies also continue to be our strength. We are particularly proud of the five national centres of research excellence that specialise in exploring 1) Human Development and Its Risk Factors (Psychology), 2) Nuclear and Condensed Matter Research (Physics), 3) Evolutionary Ecology, 4) Geometrical Analysis and Mathematical Physics, and 5) The History of the Mind (History, Philosophy). The Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, as well as the Faculty of Information Technology, are the only ones of their kind in Finland. The University of Jyväskylä has a strong commitment to develop information technology approaches which serve human and social needs and enhance the quality of life. The Agora Center for Human Technologies, bringing together research, education and business, is our most recent step towards achieving these ambitious aims. In addition to research, the quality of teaching continues as a focus area of development. We are committed to designing degree programmes which give students flexibility and choice, and prepare them to meet the challenges of future professions. As a result, the University of Jyväskylä has for several years now been one of the most popular institutions of higher education among Finnish students. Aino Sallinen Rector of the University of Jyväskylä Fields of study Business and Economics, Educational Sciences, Health Sciences, Humanities, Information Sciences, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Psychology, Social Sciences, Sport Sciences. Facts and figures The year of foundation: 1934 Teacher Training Institution; 1966 University of Jyväskylä Units in Jyväskylä and Kokkola Total number of students: 14,359 International students: 426 The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 1,122 The number of Doctorates in 2001: Photo: Marja-Liisa Helimäki 19

22 University of Kuopio An international scientific community specialising in health and environmental sciences The University of Kuopio specialises in health and environmental sciences with particular reference to health and environmental technology as well as information technology. We emphasise the international role of the university as a seat of learning. What we do has an impact on the global development of the fields we represent as well as enhancing the material and spiritual well-being of Finland. The University of Kuopio has five faculties: Medicine, Pharmacy, Natural and Environmental Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Social Sciences, and the AIV Institute for Molecular Sciences. The international activities and cooperation in which the university is engaged influence and enhance the quality of our research and education. The quality and impact of the research work is judged by international scientific criteria; in the same way, international cooperation in education provides a comparative evaluation system. International activities improve students ability to compete both in the national and international market as well as broadening and improving their potential for success in a multinational environment. International cooperation enables the university to assist local businesses with the internationalisation process and increase its influence in global environmental and health issues. The university s strategic goal is to push the international dimension to the forefront so that it becomes an integral part of its education and research activities. Currently there is a strong emphasis on the promotion of a culture of internationalisation as a cornerstone of the university s work. On the research side, the university has a wide range of international contacts. Our international research network is well-established and highly acclaimed and it will serve as a firm foundation for the sustained development of international cooperation within education. The best guarantee for successful international cooperation in research is the quality and the competitiveness of the research itself, and this is at the core of what we do. In the education of researchers, we not only focus on supporting our students during their studies abroad, but in our role as host to international researchers, we are keen to make improvements to what we can offer. Recently, we have started organising international scientific conferences in Kuopio, which also benefit the local economy. Taking part in international exchanges is not uppermost in the minds of our undergraduates. This is due to the way in which the various fields of study are structured: many of the degree programmes within medicine, biosciences and health sciences only recommend study abroad following completion of a Master s degree. In keeping with its in- 20

23 Universities in Finland dividual, strongly research-oriented profile, the university is prepared to extend its support to postgraduates who wish to study abroad. The students travelling to or from Finland, the international students, our own teaching staff as well as visiting staff from abroad, all play a central role in strengthening international cooperation at undergraduate level. We already support student exchange on an ongoing basis as well as joint international education projects. In the future, we shall be focusing our attention on our own teaching staff. We believe that even a short period of teaching abroad can help to equip the teacher on a personal level to face the challenges of internationalisation while an indirect effect will be to boost student exchanges and increase the number of programmes taught in a foreign language at our university. Because only some of our undergraduates spend time studying abroad as part of their degree, we ensure that they have the necessary skills to work in an international environment by offering undergraduate courses taught in English. In addition, we also offer a number of extra-curricula courses in a range of subjects including foreign languages, communications and cross-cultural issues. However, it is not enough to rely simply on the study of foreign languages and other optional subjects. The right attitude of mind is crucial to the university s success in its international role. In our experience, every member of the university should perceive participation in international cooperation in terms of their own personal career development. The University of Kuopio has a key role to play in the development of international potential and cooperation in eastern Finland. Our international contacts in research and education must serve the community outside the university and be seen to make a difference. The university also functions as a driving force for the polytechnics in the area as they launch their own international projects. International activities are a routine part of the day-to-day life of the university as seen in the university s work overall as well as in individual projects. They should be perceived as a way of creating opportunities for ambitious projects to be realised under the watchful eye of the international scientific community. At the same time, the addition of an international dimension will have a positive impact on the quality of development activities. The university s international activities individual projects and its work overall will be developed, evaluated and monitored. This two-pronged approach will encourage rapid progress and aid the successful integration of the internationalisation process into the university s overall strategy. Matti Uusitupa, Professor Rector of the University of Kuopio Fields of study Medicine, Pharmacy, Natural and Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, Business and Management Facts and figures The year of foundation: 1966 Units in Kuopio Total number of students: 5,500 International students: 181 The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 367 The number of Doctorates in 2001:

24 University of Lapland The University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, on the Arctic Circle, is the northernmost university in Finland and in the European Union. It is a diversified centre for education and research, where science and the arts come together in a unique way. The four faculties of Education, Law, Social Sciences and Art and Design both combined and as separate units all form an aggregate that meets the challenges of a changing society with courage and creativity. The university has three other units. The Arctic Centre, Finland s national institute for Arctic research, is actively involved in international collaboration in Arctic research and education. The Continuing Education Centre runs training programmes specifically designed to meet the educational needs of the region while the Meri-Lappi Institute, jointly owned by the Universities of Oulu and Lapland, focuses on design and business services as well as research in the field of technology. At the heart of the University of Lapland is northern expertise and international cooperation between universities and research institutes in the northern regions. Over the past few years, experts in design and media have joined our support teams and with their help, the university has been actively promoting the development of business and culture in the northern part of our country. Besides education, there are dozens of EU-financed projects under way that support regional development. As the northernmost university within the EU, the University of Lapland has played an important role in the creation and advancement of the Northern Dimension initiative. Moreover, the university participates in the realisation of the European Union Action Plan in the Northern Dimension. One of the most significant developments in educational collaboration in the circumpolar region is the establishment of the University of the Arctic, a university 22

25 Universities in Finland Fields of study Law, Social Sciences, Education, Art and Design Facts and figures Photo: City of Rovaniemi without walls in the North, for the North, by the North. Linking universities, colleges and polytechnics in the north and in the circumpolar world, this project demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation in the information society. The year of foundation: 1979 Units in Rovaniemi, Kemi and Kemijärvi Total number of students: 3,500 International students: 110 The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 328 The number of Doctor s degrees in 2001: 12 The University of Lapland will be directing its energies towards an electronic campus en route to establishing a new concept known as the Virtual University. We will use information technology more widely than before in research communications and in creating applications and materials for teaching in new learning environments, regardless of time and place. The utilisation of an efficient information network will become one of the main features of our activities. Abroad, networking is a natural part of lively student and researcher exchange as well as of international cooperation. The university collaborates on an ongoing basis with about 200 foreign universities in Europe and other parts of the world. The growing number of international contacts is supported by the development of international study programmes. The demands of globalisation together with reforms in information technology present challenges to students, researchers and society at large, but we have risen to challenges before. To satisfy these demands, we need cooperation and interaction with other institutes and other People and with You, too. Esko Riepula Rector of the University of Lapland 23

26 University of Oulu An international university with a regional mission In the 1990s the University of Oulu established itself as one of Finland s leading universities. We have currently 14,500 students and more than 3,100 employees. The university sees its main function as serving the needs of northern Finland and parts of central Finland: three-quarters of its students originate in the two northernmost provinces of Lapland and Oulu. Two-thirds of all students eventually find jobs in this area. The Oulu region with nearly 200,000 inhabitants is one of the fastest growing urban areas in Finland. Its international reputation is founded on its rapid development as a high-tech region in Finland with its Technopolis Science Park and high-tech enterprises, which currently offer employment to over 10,000 people. To balance their technology-driven lives northern people seek simple pleasures from their natural surroundings: popular pastimes include fishing in local rivers and berry-picking in the area s many forests. Lapland lies within easy reach for those who seek the peace and tranquility of nature by walking or skiing in the scenic countryside. The university aims to provide students with a solid academic education as well as to equip them with the latest skills in preparation for their professional lives. We pride ourselves on the quality of our teaching as well as on our wide-ranging, innovative research. The University of Oulu s multi-disciplinary fields of expertise are biotechnology, information technology, northern and Arctic issues and environmental issues. The university s general impact is most evident in the business and cultural life of the area. Our mission is very diverse and demanding: not only do we train teachers, doctors, engineers and other experts to meet the needs of society, but we also help to improve the competitiveness of enterprises through R&D projects and staff development, develop new products or production technologies, create new jobs and introduce greater diversity into the business sector in rural areas. International networks and cooperation form an integral part of all these activities. 24

27 Universities in Finland Fields of study As a result of long-term strategic planning and economic investments during the last 12 years international cooperation both in teaching and research has increased from what was a marginal activity into a widespread, continuously growing area. In 2001 we received 242 international exchange students from 34 different countries. 218 international students are studying at Oulu for a Master s degree or a Doctorate. Every year we send 300 students to 35 countries in Europe, Asia, South Africa, North and South America, and Australia and New Zealand. The most recent development has been to establish closer links with universities in northern Scandinavia and the Barents region, for example with the Luleå University of Technology in Sweden and the Murmansk State Technical University in Russia. At the same time we have started new research and educational projects with partner institutions in for example China, Japan, Singapore and Australia. To cater for the needs of exchange students we offer a growing number of programmes in English, inexpensive, good standard accommodation on campus, student orientation and tutoring services and also a friend-family programme. Our aim is not only to provide international students with good quality teaching and interesting research projects but also to offer modern, up-to-date facilities, pleasant surroundings and a variety of social activities. Humanities, Economics, Educational Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering and Architecture, Medicine, Dentistry, Health Sciences Facts and figures The year of foundation: 1958 Units in Oulu, Kajaani, Kemi, Kuusamo, Nivala, Sodankylä, Hailuoto, Kilpisjärvi and Oulujärvi Total number of students: 14,500 (including 1,763 PhD students) International students: 460 The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 1,126 The number of Doctorates in 2001: Welcome to the University of Oulu! Lauri H. J. Lajunen Rector of the University of Oulu 25

28 University of Tampere The University of Tampere, situated in a major industrial and high-tech growth centre, is one of the largest and most competitive universities in Finland. It maintains a close and diverse relationship with society, the economy, government and culture. The historical background of the university as a School of Social Sciences, Civic College, is strongly reflected in the modern curriculum: its traditions in social and communication sciences are combined with the newest challenges of society, technology and medicine. The university offers good quality teaching and a flexible degree system with free choice of minors in interesting subject combinations to prepare students for a successful working life. International students at the University of Tampere have many options. A wide variety of courses are taught and examined in English, mostly in Humanities, Economics and Administration, and Social Sciences. Entire Master s programmes are available in English at the International School of Social Sciences (ISSS) and at the Faculty of Information Sciences, and new ones are being planned. The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is used throughout the university and provides every graduating student with an explanatory Diploma Supplement. The exchange programmes and active international contacts offer opportunities for studies abroad as well as possibilities for incoming students. The university has some 20 bilateral exchange agreements with universities around the world. Furthermore, in Europe there are exchange agreements with 160 EU universities within the framework of the Socrates/Erasmus programme. The NORD- PLUS (with Nordic Countries) and FIRST programmes (with Russia) are popular as well. Exchanges with the USA are also well developed the University of Tampere was the first Finnish university to participate in the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). Cooperation is also ongoing with Africa, Asia and Australia. Currently we welcome some 310 incoming students every year and send about 350 Finnish students abroad. 26

29 Universities in Finland Fields of study Economics and Administration, Educational Sciences, Humanities, Information Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Social Sciences Facts and figures The University of Tampere has led the way in establishing broad-based cooperation with the polytechnics and other institutes of higher education in this part of Finland. Activities include orientation and language preparation for outgoing students, courses in Finnish language and culture for incoming students, intercultural communication and pedagogy courses for teachers, training for the International Office staff, joint trips and sports tournaments for students. The year of foundation: 1925 Civic College in Helsinki; 1930 School of Social Sciences; 1960 relocated to Tampere; 1966 University of Tampere Units in Tampere, Hämeenlinna and Seinäjoki Total number of students: 16,000 International students: 560 Number of Master s degrees in 2001: 983 Number of Doctorates in 2001: 95 The 13 th Annual Conference of the European Association for International Education was held from 5 to 8 December 2001 in Tampere Hall and in the University of Tampere. The theme was International education: realising human potential. In addition to some 16 parallel sessions with 1,650 participants there was an Information Market Exhibition with 200 exhibitors. It was a pleasure to welcome delegates from 69 countries to meet in a beautiful winter setting to promote international education and research. Jorma Sipilä Rector of the University of Tampere 27

30 University of Turku Tradition and quality with an international focus Turku, Finland s oldest university town, has a tradition of international education and research going back 700 years. The founding of the Royal Academy of Turku in the year 1640 was however a milestone that led to increasingly active exchange of scholars between Turku and foreign universities. Founded in 1920, the University of Turku has continued in this tradition of internationalism. Today, as one of Finland s leading universities, we have student exchange programmes with more than 200 universities and pursue active research cooperation throughout the world from the Amazon rain forests to South East Asia and Australia. The university is a member of the Coimbra Group, a network of old prestigious universities in Europe. Turku is Finland s gateway to the West and a route by which innovations reach the country, also acting as a link between the East and the West. The University of Turku is the founding member and the coordinator of the Baltic Sea Region University Network which involves transnational cooperation with 15 universities in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Russia. The network promotes collaboration between universities in Finland and the Baltic countries and is involved in student and staff mobility as well as teaching and research collaboration. Our reputation rests on the quality of our research, our teaching and the services we provide to the community. As a multi-disciplinary university we offer exciting research and learning opportunities across a wide range of disciplines. The university s centres of excellence in research, which have gained both international and national recognition, focus on biosciences, particularly biomedical research, and information technology. In education, the centres of excellence have focused on medicine, biosciences, history, law and social policy. Our strengths are biosciences, cultural interaction and integration, mathematics and mathematical modelling, and learning and teaching. In developing various forms of flexible open and distance learning, the university is doing pioneering work in Finland. This expertise is currently being translated into concrete measures in a project launched by the Ministry of Education the establishment of the virtual university in Finland. 28

31 Universities in Finland Modern technology has allowed the University of Turku and the City of Turku to raise their international profiles. Turku Science Park is the Nordic countries largest single-location cluster in biosciences and IT. A total of 13,500 people work in the Turku Science Park area, many of them in knowledge-intensive high-tech spin-off companies. We welcome students from all over the world and have an ever-growing international population from 70 countries. To serve our international student community we offer a wide range of high quality and innovative learning opportunities in English ranging in scale from individual courses up to entire modules and Master s and doctoral programmes. Programmes and units attracting the largest influx of international students include Baltic Sea Region Studies, European Studies at the Jean Monnet Centre, the Turku Centre for Computer Science, and the Turku Law School. These units and multi-disciplinary courses are attended by both international and Finnish students. The Finnish Language and Culture programme is custom-designed for international students. All of the university s departments are now within the European Credit Transfer System. To facilitate student mobility we are continuously upgrading our academic and student support services. The university s Student Union plays an important role in looking after the welfare and well-being of international students and organises a wide range of social and cultural activities. For several years, both independently and as a member of the International University of Turku/Åbo consortium, which comprises Turku s three universities, we have sought to define our profile by stressing the international dimension in all our activities in research, teaching and adult education. Our strategic goal is to strengthen our position as a multi-disciplinary research-led institution of higher education equipped to meet the global, international and regional challenges. Fields of study Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Psychology, Educational Sciences, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Health Sciences and Dentistry. Facts and figures The year of foundation: 1920 Units in Turku, Rauma, Pori, Piikkiö, Nauvo, Utsjoki, and Kuressaare in Estonia Total number of students: 17,025 International students: 911 The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 1,058 The number of Doctorates in 2001: Photo: Martti Valtonen Keijo Virtanen Rector of the University of Turku 29

32 University of Vaasa Innovative research and education in Economics and Business Administration, Humanities, Social Sciences and Technology on a campus by the sea The University of Vaasa is a four-faculty university whose campus is located off the rocky archipelago in the Gulf of Bothnia. The city of Vaasa was founded in 1606 as a gateway for trade to Europe and has since become a major industrial city with a thriving export industry in the energy and electrical engineering sectors. The university started out in 1968 as a private business school. Since those days we have grown into a university with four faculties and 4,600 students. About 60% of our students take business studies together with other specialist subjects. Our students in the Faculty of Humanities specialise in 30

33 Universities in Finland languages, communication, multimedia systems, translation and bilingualism. The Faculty of Social Sciences concentrates on public administration, social and health administration and regional studies. The studies in the Faculty of Technology emphasise information technology and electrical engineering, with reference to industrial economics and the energy sector. Trade and economics, languages and even regional administration in the EU are by definition international subjects. The university has developed the international orientation of its programmes in several ways. The following study programmes, which are taught in English, are offered to international students in Vaasa: Scandinavian Business Studies, East-West Business Studies, International Programme in Finance, Multimedia Authoring Systems, Comparative Administration and Public Management programme and International Business programme. Bilingualism is a living tradition in our region. About 25% of the population speak Swedish as their native language. The research and teaching programmes educate qualified teachers for bilingual environments. We are also active in planning the curricula for the language immersion programmes run by the schools in our region. Fields of study Humanities, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Technology Facts and figures The year of foundation: 1968 Units in Vaasa Total number of students: 4,600 International students: 103 The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 299 The number of Doctorates in 2001: 11 The university is active in developing new and innovative programmes. The university was the first in Finland to introduce extensive studies in technology as part of the degree in Economics and Business Administration. Modern Master s programmes are in most cases multi-disciplinary and emphasise the national lifelong learning initiative. Matti Jakobsson Rector of the University of Vaasa Photo: Jussi Tiainen 31

34 HANKEN Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration The Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration (HANKEN) offers university-level education in management, economics and languages. We are working hard to generate new knowledge and transfer it to our students, the business community, the research community and society at large. This task takes a variety of forms at national, regional and international level. HANKEN operates in Helsinki, where the main campus is located right in the centre of the capital, and in Vaasa, in Ostrobothnia, on the west coast of Finland. HANKEN represents the Nordic type of business schools that are characterised by a wide range of subjects with the focus on research. Today, when knowledge of management and entrepreneurship is required to transfer innovations, more and more emphasis is laid on a multi-disciplinary approach to research and education. The strengths of the school in research and education are finance, service management and marketing, and management and organisation. 32

35 Universities in Finland Majors Photo: Patrik Lindström Accounting, Business Law, Corporate Geography, Economics, Entrepreneurship and Management, Finance, Information Systems Science, Management and Organisation, Marketing, Statistics Facts and figures Our business school has always been international by nature being part of a small open economy like Finland. As a Swedish-language, university-level higher education institution in Finland, HANKEN has traditionally had close connections with business schools in other Nordic countries. Being geographically located at the intersection of different cultures, HANKEN is in a good position to promote global and multi-cultural communication in education and research in order to educate graduates, postgraduates, PhDs, business leaders and entrepreneurs of the future who possess a genuine international view of the world. The main languages of instruction at our school are Swedish and English. International students have several options to study at HANKEN. We emphasise the specially designed one-year Master s programmes and the Master of Science degree for students with a Bachelor s degree, and the Doctoral programme for students with a Master s degree. If you are enrolled on a Master s programme at one of our partner universities worldwide, there are also opportunities to study as an exchange student on our Programme in International Business. We also offer Master s in Business Administration (MBA) programmes. Student-centred teaching methods are used in all our programmes and at the same time we place a strong emphasis on language and communication skills in order to prepare students for participation in a cross-cultural business community. The year of foundation: 1909 Units in Helsinki and Vaasa Total number of students: 2,341 International students: 96 (students within the exchange programme) The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 238 The number of Doctorates in 2001: 14 As the faculty of the school is part of our large international network the school is guaranteed a place at the forefront of research and training. In 2000 HANKEN was awarded the prestigious EQ- UIS accreditation by the European Foundation for Management Development. The fact that so many of our alumni occupy prominent positions both in Finnish and international business life is a good indication of the sought-after competencies they have acquired as well as of the achievements of the school as a whole. Marianne Stenius Rector of the Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration (HANKEN) 33

36 Helsinki School of Economics (HSE) Internationalisation has always been a high priority, and over the years we have developed an extensive exchange network with other schools. Many of our students in the Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration degree programme spend a semester or a full academic year at one of the universities in the exchange network. A European quality business school The Helsinki School of Economics (HSE) is Finland s leading business university. Underpinned by high-quality scientific research and close contacts with the business community, the school offers students a state-of-the-art education that combines extensive theoretical studies with first-hand practical business experience. Case studies, business projects and visiting faculty from all over the world enrich the curriculum. HSE offers some of the best facilities in Europe together with the latest information technology. As a result of its persistent efforts, HSE has earned its place among the best European universities. EQ- UIS certification is a mark of quality granted by the leading institutions of management education and business experts in Europe. To date, some twenty universities of business and management have received this recognition. HSE is also a member of the CEMS (Community of European Management Schools) network, which comprises 17 leading European universities of business and management as academic members, and three Latin and South American universities as associate academic members. More than 50 international companies are involved in the CEMS network as well. In 2001 HSE became a member of the global PIM (Program in International Management) network, which con- 34

37 Universities in Finland sists of 42 top-level business universities. The PIM network enables HSE to extend the Master s level student exchange activities globally, and supports cooperation among faculty members and researchers within the network. Our plans for future development are centered round the Helsinki Business Campus where toplevel business research and skills are concentrated. Finland s ever closer links with the global economy will require even greater efforts in research into management and markets as well as in lifelong management education. The Helsinki School of Economics and the companies working in partnership with us are prepared to meet this challenge. Welcome to the Helsinki business campus! Eero O. Kasanen Rector of the Helsinki School of Economics Majors Accounting, Business Law, Economic Geography, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Information Systems Science, International Business, International Business/ Area Studies Program, Languages and Communication, Logistics, Management Science, Marketing, Organization and Management, Quantitative Methods of Economics and Management Science, Technology Management and Policy. Facts and figures The year of foundation: 1911 Units in Helsinki and Mikkeli Total number of students: 3,963 International degree students: 70 The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 320 The number of Doctorates in 2001:

38 Turku School of Economics and Business Administration Opening up international horizons The Turku School of Economics and Business Administration provides research and higher education in the field of business science. The school conducts both basic and applied research, and offers graduate, postgraduate and continuing education. Expert consulting services form an increasing part of the school s activities. The school s key area of expertise is business studies comprising accounting and finance, management and organisation, domestic and international marketing, information management, and economics, with the emphasis on international economics. Other areas in which the school has specialist resources are European studies, small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship, international business and logistics, and futures studies. A high standard of research is maintained not only by the departments within the school but also by its auxiliary units, i.e. the Finland Futures Research Centre, the Business Research and Development Centre and Pori School of Technology and Economics. 36

39 Universities in Finland Majors Accounting and Finance, Management and Organisation, Marketing, International Marketing/International Business Program, International Marketing/Logistics Program, Economics, Information System Science, Economic Geography, Economic Sociology, Business Law, Economic Mathematics and Statistics Facts and figures The year of foundation: 1950 Units in Turku and Pori Total number of students: 2,005 International students: 105 The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 201 The number of Doctorates in 2001: 8 The Turku School of Economics and Business Administration places a high priority on collaboration with local businesses, universities, as well as on international cooperation. Internationalisation is an increasingly important part of the university s activities. Student and researcher exchange cooperation agreements have been secured with over 70 foreign universities in 26 countries worldwide. In addition, a wide range of study modules are taught in English. The Turku School of Economics and Business Administration celebrated its 50th anniversary at the turn of the millennium. Youth is our strength and internationalisation is a key factor influencing the future strategy of the school. Tapio Reponen Rector of the Turku School of Economics and Business Administration 37

40 Helsinki University of Technology For science and success Helsinki University of Technology (HUT) is the oldest and most versatile technical university in Finland. Its main campus lies in the Helsinki metropolitan area in Otaniemi, Espoo, on a beautiful peninsula surrounded by the sea. The university s mission is threefold: The basic task of Helsinki University of Technology is to conduct scientific research, to provide teaching of the highest level, in conjunction with research, and to promote science and art. The University operates where research may have both scientific and technological significance. HUT shall be an internationally significant promoter of science and technology. In addition to its twelve departments the university has nine separate institutes, including the Lifelong Learning Institute Dipoli, the Centre for Urban and Regional Studies and the Low Temperature Laboratory. There are also 11 research institutes, two of which are joint institutes belonging to HUT and VTT, the Technical Research Centre of Finland. The instruction and research at HUT encompasses different areas of technology, ranging from computer networks to engineering physics and from material science to industrial engineering and management. Forest products technology has a long tradition in Finland and is therefore taught at HUT as an independent subject. In addition to different areas of science and technology, architecture and landscape architecture can also be studied at HUT. With its sixteen degree programmes, nine international study programmes and a wide range of courses taught in English, Helsinki University of Technology offers numerous opportunities for international students. The international exchange programme is extensive; in addition to exchange programmes such as Nordtek, Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci, ISEP, IAESTE and TIME, the university participates actively in international research. HUT has both multilateral and bilateral agreements with universities all over the world. Practical training is an integral part of technical education. HUT s own students actively seek international training and the university arranges placements in Finnish companies for international students. Through the IAESTE programme alone the university offers placements providing training for dozens of international students every year. The Ministry of Education has designated the following centres of excellence: in research the Low Temperature Laboratory, the Neural Networks Research Centre, the Research Centre for Computational Science and Engineering, the Computational Condensed Matter and Complex Materials Group, the Smart and Novel Radios Research Unit (SMARAD), the Bio- and Nanopolymers Research Group in teaching the Laboratory of Machine Design and Basic Education in Computer Science in artistic activities the Department of Architecture in adult education Helsinki University of Technology 38

41 Universities in Finland Helsinki University of Technology is a research-oriented university and cooperates closely with different research institutions. The majority of all Doctor of Science in Technology degrees in Finland are awarded by HUT. The university takes an active part in the activities of international scientific networks. It is also keen to admit postgraduate students from all over the world. Approximately one third of all international students at the university pursue postgraduate studies. A prerequisite for postgraduate studies at HUT is a Master s degree or equivalent. The international study programmes at HUT are in fields in which the university has always been particularly well-established. The programmes are Master s level programmes and are in the fields of forest products technology, architecture, industrial engineering and management, mining technology, electrical engineering and telecommunications. HUT takes good care of its international students. The university offers study counselling and orientation courses, and aims to find accommodation for all the international exchange students. An information package is sent to all students in advance with information on HUT and Finland. The students at Helsinki University of Technology form what is perhaps the most famous student community in the country. The student union, TKY, offers all students a wide range of services including accommodation and health care. They also organise numerous leisure activities: sports, music, games and last but not least parties. International students are also welcome to join TKY and experience the famous teekkari* spirit for themselves. * teekkari = Finnish word for technology student Paavo Uronen Rector of Helsinki University of Technology Degree Programmes Architecture, Automation and Systems Technology, Geomatics, Chemical Technology, Communications Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Forest Products Technology, Industrial Engineering and Management, Information Networks (separate admission only in Finnish/ Swedish), Landscape Architecture, Materials Science and Rock Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Real Estate Economics, Civil and Environmental Engineering. Facts and figures The year of foundation: 1849 Helsinki Technical School; 1908 Helsinki University of Technology Units in Espoo, Helsinki, Kirkkonummi and Lahti Total number of students: 13,807 International students: 739 The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 853 The number of Doctorates in 2001:

42 Lappeenranta University of Technology LUT expertise in technology and business Since its beginnings in 1969, Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) has focused on combining technology and economics, not only in teaching but also in research. As a result, economic expertise goes hand in hand with technological competence at LUT. In line with The LUT 2010 Strategy the activities of LUT are centred around three focal areas: industry, economics, and information technology and electrical engineering. Within these fields LUT has a strong position in both research and education in the following specialist areas: the forest industry, high-tech metal structures, Russian affairs, environmental and energy issues, electrical and information technology systems and business success factors. Some of the areas in which LUT is involved in high-level research include separation technologies, high-speed engineering, nuclear power plant safety, the application of virtual technology to machine, production and automation planning, the optimal design of steel structures, pattern recognition and machine vision and control of electronic systems. Throughout its history, LUT has worked in close cooperation with business. The first direct contacts were with the local forest industry and today all areas of teaching and research are engaged in industrial cooperation. These extensive contacts with business are one of the main strengths of LUT. Lappeenranta University of Technology has been successful in identifying the courses that best satisfy regional and national demand. As a result our graduates have excellent employment prospects. About 80% of the Master s theses written by LUT students are on subjects proposed by companies. The South-East Finland Centre of Expertise plays a major role in the ongoing collaboration between 40

43 Universities in Finland the university and the business sector. The centre specialises in high-tech metal structures, information systems for the forest industry, logistics and Russian affairs. The geographical position of LUT on the eastern border of the EU and neighbouring on Russia has given our university a unique vantage point and as a result we are one of the leading sources of expertise in Finland on Russian issues, East-West trade and transitional economies. LUT has cooperation agreements with over 100 universities and we regularly receive students, researchers and teachers from all parts of the world. Almost half of the Masters of Technology and Masters of Economics graduating from LUT study for part of their degree or do their internship abroad. LUT offers an English-language non-degree programme in international marketing and East-West trade, the IBTM (International Business and Technology Management) programme for exchange students. Since 1999 the Department of Information Technology has been running an International Master s Programme in Information Technology (IMPIT), which strongly supports cooperation between students and the Finnish IT business sector. In 2003 the Department of Mechanical Engineering will launch its Master s programme for international students, which is taught in English and focuses on virtual design and production. PhD studies in English are also possible on all our programmes. Markku Lukka Rector of Lappeenranta University of Technology Degree Programmes Energy Technology, Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, Industrial Engineering and Management, Business Administration, Financial Administration, International Marketing, Management and Organisations, Business Law, Knowledge Management and Technology Research Facts and figures The year of foundation: 1969 Units in Lappeenranta Total number of students: 4,631 International students: 163 The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 363 The number of Doctorates in 2001:

44 Tampere University of Technology Tampere University of Technology (TUT) specialises in the education of architects, Masters of Science in Engineering and Doctors of Technology or Philosophy. Basic and applied research, in addition to product development, is conducted in close cooperation with industry and the commercial sector. Good relations with the outside community have distinguished TUT as the university for the information society, committed to networking in technology and management, and providing companies with national and international contacts. TUT s industrial partners include most large Finnish companies, not least Nokia, whose Research Centre is adjacent to the university. Most institutes at the university have a long tradition of international cooperation. Currently, contacts are being strengthened with top research laboratories such as those on the west coast of the United States. Signal processing and telecommunications are among TUT s strongest fields in both research and education. Contacts with the international research community have been further strengthened through the launch of the Tampere International Centre for Signal Processing, TICSP, which aims to boost researcher exchange at the highest level. In response to mounting interest from abroad, the popular English-language degree programme in Signal Processing has been expanded to embrace the entire field of computer science. Other English-language degree programmes at TUT are Biomedical Engineering, which has a strong emphasis on the information processing of biosignals, and Materials Science. 42

45 Universities in Finland Degree Programmes Architecture, Automation, Civil Engineering, Communication Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Science, Environmental Technology, Fibre, Textile, and Clothing Science, Industrial Engineering and Management, Information and Knowledge Management, Information Technology, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Facts and figures Other internationally strong fields at TUT include optoelectronics, virtual reality, simulation technology, mechatronics, and computational tasks related to hydraulics, materials strength and magnetic fields. Furthermore, the Department of Architecture has received international recognition. The students of the 30-year-old department have won prizes in several international competitions, and their work has been displayed in various exhibitions abroad. The department attracts around 30 international exchange students every year. The university has striven to create favourable conditions for student exchange. At present, TUT actively cooperates with 160 universities, 124 of which are in EU countries. A total of 176 TUT students studied abroad during A target of 365 has been set for the year The year of foundation: 1965 as a branch institution of Helsinki University of Technology; autonomous University since 1972 Units in Tampere, Pori, Rauma, Seinäjoki and Vammala Total number of students: 10,500 International students: 420 The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 674 The number of Doctorates in 2001: 48 The Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki is Interest in Tampere University of Technology is steadily increasing among international students. During 2001 almost 250 exchange undergraduates studied at TUT. In addition, 59 international students were studying for their Master s degree and 118 postgraduates were aiming for a PhD or other higher academic degree. Jarl-Thure Eriksson Rector of Tampere University of Technology 43

46 Academy of Fine Arts the one and only university-level institution to specialise in fine arts in Finland. The academy has a long and distinguished history but is also very aware of its role in the present, endeavouring to respond to the vast changes within the field of contemporary art and visual culture during the last decade. Although some of the changes are problematic, generally the academy is seeing the widened field of contemporary art as a great challenge and opportunity. The academy provides teaching in four departments: Painting, Print Making, Sculpture, and Time and Space, the last one encompassing everything from photography and video to performance and conceptual art. During recent years the largest department has been Painting. 44 Photo: Juhani Autio

47 Universities in Finland Degree programmes Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Fine Art Media Facts and figures Photo: Juhani Autio The academy has focused on increasing activity and participation both within the school itself and in the world outside its walls. The activity inside the school is encouraged by the interaction of students from different departments as well as by the organising of lectures and projects which are open to all students. At the same time, the academy is opening up and forming collaborative relationships with all the main art institutions in Helsinki. An increasing number of projects are done outside the school, in both a white cube environment and city space. The year of foundation: 1848; university status since 1993 Units in Helsinki Total number of students: 249 International students: 25 The number of Master s degree in 2001: 47 The number of doctorates in 2001: 1 The academy is decisively international in character. A large number of permanent and visiting students are from abroad and considerable effort is invested in international exchange within the Nordic region and also in Europe. Exchanges, which have to work interactively both ways between the host and the visitors are particularly important in relatively small nation-state cultures such as Finland. Mika Hannula Rector of the Academy of Fine Arts Photo: Esko Toivari 45

48 Sibelius Academy The Sibelius Academy is an institution of national importance with a high international profile. Being the only music academy of university status in Finland, it has become a broad-based establishment representing all fields of music education. As a result, the number of students is high in proportion to the Finnish population. Its very diversity, covering everything from composition to orchestral conducting, solo studies to folk music, jazz, teacher training, church music, arts administration and technology, acts as a driving force for the academy, which is aware of the needs of the labour market and plans its curriculum accordingly. The innovative spirit characteristic of the Nordic countries is also reflected in the universities and arts academies. The absence of a long tradition can sometimes be a strength. The Sibelius Academy was in its day founded and constructed on the model of the European conservatories. Free to develop at its own pace in a cultural and educational environment on the periphery of Europe, it has been able to acquire a size and format of its own and avoided becoming just one more conservatory among many. 46

49 Universities in Finland As a consequence, it has been quick to adopt an international strategy. The universities as a whole in Finland were eager to enter into international partnerships as soon as the EU programmes were officially established. Naturally, students of music have long been studying abroad, but the EU programmes have provided a new framework for exchanges. Through them, mutual familiarity and dealings with other European music academies have increased, and the special features of the academy and Finnish educational policy have in the process gained recognition abroad. Of the fields developed in Finland, arts research, higher degrees and continuing education have aroused great interest in Europe, where most countries do not have similar practices. The Sibelius Academy has been a pioneer in networking within international higher education and in the systematic establishment of partnerships between universities. The Sibelius Academy net also extends well beyond the European Union. It has mutual agreements relating to teacher, student and expert exchanges and artistic guest productions with, for example, the Baltic States, Russia, Japan, Africa, the United States and India. The international profile of the Sibelius Academy is characterised by lively, versatile dialogue. The academy is also an active member of various international organisations for music and the arts. The tours made by the Sibelius Academy Symphony Orchestra since 1990 have been among the most ambitious projects in the arts. Degree Programmes Composition and Music Theory, Orchestral and Choral Conducting, Performance: Orchestral Instruments and Piano Music, Vocal Music, Music Education, Church Music, Jazz Music, Folk Music, Arts Management, Music Technology Facts and figures The year of foundation: 1882; university status since 1966 Units in Helsinki, Kuopio and Seinäjoki Total number of students: 1,648 International students: 33 The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 111 The number of Doctorates in 2001: 6 Its international profile reflects the essence of the Sibelius Academy. Interest in the academy and in the Finnish music education system is growing all the time, and the academy has set itself the task of responding to this as effectively as possible. Its international operations also give the academy an opportunity to obtain information, yardsticks and comparisons which are of paramount importance in evaluating its own operations and maintaining its excellent standards. Pekka Vapaavuori Rector of the Sibelius Academy 47

50 Theatre Academy Theatre and dance in Helsinki, lighting and sound design in Tampere the Theatre Academy is the biggest educational institution in these arts in the Nordic and Baltic countries. It is an independent university providing ambitious education up to doctorate level in theatre-related arts. Students at the academy produce about 50 premieres in the course of one academic year. The ten degree programmes cover the main theatre and dance professions, and dance and theatre pedagogics. The academy is also fast becoming a major research institution, offering doctorates with either a theoretical or an artistic orientation. There are in the world many universities with an associated arts college of minority status. However, the situation at an arts academy such as ours is quite the opposite. For ours is an interesting, inspiring forum generating dialogue and, hopefully, new attitudes and ideas. Sounds almost too good to be true. And prompts the question: why? Why Finland, and why Helsinki? Here is one possible answer: The Finns take their theatre seriously. The audience figures are exceptionally high and draw on all sectors of society. Finnish theatre has its roots not in princely courts but in the national awakening of the 19th century and the ensuing need for enlightenment. Nowadays it is, of course, as urban as in any other country, but the original idealism can still be perceived, as can the earthy robustness, physical element and emotional drive. This is possibly manifested best of all in summer, when actors and audiences flock to the summer theatres where the conditions are, in the eyes of the outsider, nothing short of masochistic. The repertoire at the summer theatres has traditionally consisted of light rustic comedies, but in Helsinki, the capital, it may equally well feature Chekhov, Shakespeare, or a five-hour adaptation of Dostoevsky and all at the 48

51 Universities in Finland mercy of the midges and rain. A visit to the theatre, and especially a summer theatre, is always a rewarding experience in Finland. Although theatre is said to depend on language, no language is needed to catch the mood. Contemporary dance is still young in Finland not much older than the Department of Dance founded at the Theatre Academy in For many years the two were in fact one and the same thing, but not any longer. Only recently a dancer could claim Things are getting better; more than half the faces in the audience are now unfamiliar. This is ironical exaggeration, since friends and relatives now have to fight their way in to be sure of getting a seat. For dance, in Finland, is the genre of the 21st century. It is of the highest standard and international, and the Theatre Academy is mighty proud of it. One objective has been achieved. Since 2000 the Theatre Academy has occupied a former factory complex in downtown Helsinki. The building has a history of soap and elevators, and it is now, as a university of performing arts, of interest in itself. The upper floors have all the facilities required for teaching and artistic activities, and the covered plaza downstairs gives access to the theatre studios, library and restaurant. It is well worth a visit, if only a brief one, and even the casual visitor may well capture something of the Finnish spirit at work behind our education in the performing arts. Lauri Sipari Rector of the Theatre Academy Degree programmes Acting (in Finnish and in Swedish language), Directing, Dramaturgy, Dance, Choreography, Lighting and Sound Design, Dance and Theatre Pedagogy, Performing Arts and Theory and Nordic Master s in Acting Facts and figures The year of foundation: 1979 Units in Helsinki and Tampere Total number of students: 327 International students: 10 (8 degree students and 2 exchange students) The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 44 The number of Doctorates in 2001:

52 University of Art and Design Helsinki The University of Art and Design Helsinki founded in 1871 is a special combination of design, media and art, workshops and theory. It is one of the largest design universities in the world, attracting annually a huge number of international students, teachers, scholars and visitors to Helsinki. The University of Art and Design Helsinki has more than 30 BA, MA, and doctoral programmes, ranging from product and strategic design, and photography through to fine arts, new media, film, and art education, offering a unique range of study opportunities for talented students from over 30 countries. What is it that persuades them to seek out what will be an unforgettable experience in Finland? Is it the style of Finland or Finnish design or just Finnishness? Or is it simply the chance to join ambitious projects under the leadership of top professionals? It may be the variety of high-quality courses, the ambitious goals of teachers or doctoral schools: Future Home, Elomedia and Multicultural Arts Education. These schools together with several other research projects create the forum and provide the facilities for top-level research work that is recognised throughout the world. 50

53 Universities in Finland The CUMULUS Association, an active discussion and collaboration forum for 40 universities of art, art education, design and new media, is coordinated by the University of Art and Design Helsinki. CUMULUS, in addition to its various functions in the field of modern art and design education, provides an ideal environment for the development of models, methods, and standards for application in postgraduate education and research and development work. Two other important platforms for collaboration, both of which are coordinated by the University of Art and Design Helsinki, are the CIRRUS Nordplus network of 18 Nordic universities which promotes student and teacher exchange and all kinds of project collaboration and the DESTRA- TUS Leonardo exchange of trainees project which offers a unique opportunity for students of European art and design to learn international business skills. LUME, the Finnish Centre for Media Research and Development is equipped to provide a superb forum for creative work, education, and research in film, television, new media, and stage design. LUME is the most significant educational investment ever made in this field in Finland. It is the largest centre of media technology in the Nordic countries and rare even by international standards. The University of Art and Design Helsinki, in close collaboration with companies, universities, and cultural institutions from all over the world, is creating the Future. Professor Yrjö Sotamaa Rector of the University of Art and Design Helsinki Degree programmes Art Education, Art History and Theory, Art-Oriented Photography, Art Pedagogy, Audiovisual Media Research, Ceramic and Glass Design, Craft Design, Design Management, Design for Theatre, Film and Television, Fashion and Clothing Design, Fine Arts, Furniture Design, Future Home, Graphic Design and Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture, New Media, Spatial Interventions (Environmental Design), Textile Art and Design, Visual Journalism in New Media and Visual Studies Facts and figures Photo: Tapio Heikkilä The year of foundation: 1871; university status since 1973 Total number of students: 1,481 International students: 232, 60 degree students The number of Master s degrees in 2001: 128 The number of Doctorates in 2001:

54 Fields of study by university in Universities Fields of study Theology Humanities Law Social Sciences Economics and Business Administration Psychology Educational Sciences Natural Sciences 2 Agriculture and Forestry Sport Sciences Engineering 2 Medicine Dentistry Health Sciences Veterinary Medicine Pharmacy Music 3 Art and Design Theatre and Dance Fine Arts Åbo Akademi University University of Helsinki University of Joensuu University of Jyväskylä University of Kuopio University of Lapland University of Oulu University of Tampere University of Turku University of Vaasa Hanken Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration Helsinki School of Economics Turku School of Economics and Business Administration Helsinki University of Technology Lappeenranta University of Technology Tampere University of Technology Academy of Fine Arts Sibelius Academy Theatre Academy 4 4 University of Art and Design 1 University-level education in military science is provided by the National Defence College. 2 In some of the universities these fields may also include Information Sciences/Technology and Architecture. 3 Comprehensive school music teachers are also trained at the Universities of Jyväskylä and Oulu. 4 Only Bachelor-level education. 52

55 Addresses Universities in Finland Centre for International Mobility CIMO P.O. Box 343 (Hakaniemenkatu 2) FIN Helsinki Tel Fax Telephone service: (Mon Thu and ) [email protected] (Discover Finland) Ministry of Education P.O. Box 29 (Meritullinkatu 10) FIN Government Tel or Fax National Board of Education P.O. Box 380 (Hakaniemenkatu 2) FIN Helsinki Tel Fax [email protected] National Union of Students in Finland (SYL) Kalevankatu 3 A 46 FIN Helsinki Tel Fax [email protected] Universities Multi-faculty Universities Åbo Akademi University International Office Tavastgatan 13 FIN Åbo Tel Fax [email protected] University of Helsinki Research and International Relations Student Exchange Co-ordinator P.O. Box 33 (Vuorikatu 3 A) FIN University of Helsinki Tel Fax [email protected] University of Joensuu International Student Services P.O. Box 111 (Yliopistonkatu 2) FIN Joensuu Tel Fax [email protected] University of Jyväskylä International Office P.O. Box 35 (T) FIN University of Jyväskylä Tel or Fax [email protected] University of Kuopio International Office P.O. Box 1627 FIN Kuopio Tel Fax [email protected] 53

56 University of Lapland International Relations P.O. Box 122 (Yliopistonkatu 8) FIN Rovaniemi Tel Fax University of Oulu International Relations P.O. Box 8000 FIN University of Oulu Tel Fax [email protected] University of Tampere International Office FIN University of Tampere Tel Fax [email protected] University of Turku International Office FIN Turku Tel Fax [email protected] Schools of Economics and Business Administration HANKEN Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration Centre for Research and International Affairs P.O. Box 479 (Arkadiankatu 22) FIN Helsinki Tel Fax [email protected] Helsinki School of Economics Information Office P.O. Box 1210 FIN Helsinki Tel Fax [email protected] Turku School of Economics and Business Administration Office for Academic Affairs Rehtorinpellonkatu 3 FIN Turku Tel Fax [email protected] University of Vaasa International Office P.O. Box 700 FIN Vaasa Tel or Fax [email protected] information requests [email protected] 54

57 Universities in Finland Universities of Technology Helsinki University of Technology Office for International Affairs P.O. Box 1100 (Otakaari 1, Espoo) FIN HUT Tel Fax [email protected] Lappeenranta University of Technology International and Career Services P.O. Box 20 FIN Lappeenranta Tel Fax [email protected] The Theatre Academy of Finland P.O. Box 163 / Haapaniemenkatu 6 FIN Helsinki Tel Fax [email protected] University of Art and Design Helsinki International Affairs Hämeentie 135 C FIN Helsinki Tel Fax [email protected] Tampere University of Technology International Office Korkeakoulunkatu 10 P.O. Box 527 FIN Tampere Tel Fax [email protected] Art Academies Academy of Fine Arts Kaikukatu 4 FIN Helsinki Tel Fax [email protected] Sibelius Academy P.O. Box 86 (Töölönkatu 28) FIN Helsinki Tel or Fax [email protected] 55

58 Photos: Åbo Akademi University, University of Helsinki, University of Joensuu, University of Jyväskylä, University of Kuopio, University of Lapland, University of Oulu, University of Tampere, University of Turku, University of Vaasa, HANKEN-Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration, Helsinki School of Economics, Turku School of Economics and Business Administration, Helsinki University of Technology, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Tampere University of Technology, Academy of Fine Arts, Sibelius Academy, Theatre Academy, University of Art and Design Helsinki, City of Joensuu, City of Rovaniemi, Lehtikuva Cover: Korona information centre, University of Helsinki Viikki campus, photo Jussi Tiainen Pages 48 and 49: Peruskartasto, photo Eero Kakko, choreography Jenny Kivelä Thicket of Absent Others, photo Hanna-Kaisa Hämäläinen, choreography Betsy Fisher Page 50: Meri Siippainen & Hannaliisa Hailahti, Kuori collection. Photo Jimi Kasteenpohja Susanne Koskimäki, Glass carafes. Photo Christian Jakowleff Teemu Järvi, Vera. Photo Marja Helander ISBN X Libris Oy, 5.000, Second edition 12/2003 Layout: Private Eye Oy 56

59 ARCTIC CIRCLE Rovaniemi Oulu Vaasa Kuopio Joensuu Jyväskylä Tampere Lappeenranta Turku Maarianhamina Helsinki Finland

60 Centre for International Mobility CIMO P.O. Box 343 (Hakaniemenkatu 2) FIN Helsinki, Finland Tel Fax [email protected] nland.cimo.fi (Discover Finland) Telephone service for international clients: (Mon Thu and )