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 cimoinfo@cimo.fi 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