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Tampere University

Address: Korkeakoulunkatu 7, 33720 Tampere, Finland
Phone: +358 29 451 1111
Email: info@tuni.fi
Website: www.tuni.fi


About Tampere University

Tampere University is the second largest university in Finland, established in 2019 through the merger of Tampere University of Technology and the University of Tampere. We offer the broadest range of educational opportunities in Finland. Almost all internationally recognized fields of study are represented at our university. In addition to degree programs taught in Finnish, we offer 34 master’s degree programs and two bachelor’s degree programs in English ranging from Game Studies to Photonics and Public and Global Health to Innovative Governance and Public Management – a wide variety of possibilities to fill your educational dreams!

Tampere University has competitive edges in technology, health and society. Our strength is the strong interplay between different research fields and our ability to apply and test our research results in real life situations; in cities, companies and societal services. Our excellent research environment and infrastructure enable us to carry out world-class research, collaborate globally and bring benefits for people locally and ultimately globally. 

We are situated in the vibrant city of Tampere, Finland’s most sought-after city to live and study in, and a region renowned for four beautiful seasons, pristine nature and thousands of lakes.

Why Tampere University

Tampere University is one of Finland's leading universities, recognized for several key reasons:

1. Merger of Two Prestigious Institutions

  • In 2019, Tampere University was established through the merger of Tampere University of Technology (TUT) and University of Tampere (UTA). This merger combined strengths in technology, health, and social sciences, making it a multidisciplinary hub for education and research.

2. Strong Focus on Technology and Innovation

  • Engineering and Technology: Tampere University is well-known for its excellence in engineering and technology, particularly in fields like automation, industrial engineering, and information technology.
  • Innovation and Industry Collaboration: The university has a strong connection to the industry, fostering research and development that leads to technological innovations. It works closely with Finnish companies like Nokia, and is known for its contributions to the telecommunications sector.

3. Health Sciences Leadership

  • The university is a key player in medical research, particularly in public health, clinical medicine, and biomedical technology. It has strong research programs aimed at improving health outcomes and addressing global health challenges.

4. Social Sciences and Humanities

  • Social Sciences and Political Research: Tampere University has a renowned social sciences department, with strong programs in media studies, sociology, political science, and gender studies. It is also recognized for research in sustainable development, social equality, and public policy.

5. Interdisciplinary Research

  • The university places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, bridging technology, health, and social sciences to solve real-world problems.
  • Focus areas include sustainability, digitalization, and human-centered technology.

6. Global Recognition and Collaborations

  • International Collaborations: Tampere University is actively involved in global research projects and collaborates with leading universities and research institutions worldwide, enhancing its international profile.
  • It is also part of several international academic networks and programs, offering students the opportunity to study in a global context.

7. Impact on Society

  • The university is committed to societal impact, with research that addresses global challenges, including climate change, digitalization, and health. Its interdisciplinary approach makes it a pioneer in creating practical solutions for both Finland and the world.

Tampere University has specific language requirements for its degree programs, particularly those taught in English. These requirements ensure that students are proficient enough in the language to succeed in their studies. Here's an overview of the language proficiency requirements:

1. English-Taught Programs

For applicants applying to degree programs taught in English, the following language tests are typically accepted:

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

    • Minimum score of 92 on the Internet-based test (iBT), with section scores often required to be 20-22 or higher.
  • IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System):

    • Minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5 or 6.0, depending on the program.
  • Cambridge English Qualifications:

    • Acceptable qualifications include C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) with a minimum score of 180, or C2 Proficiency (CPE).
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English):

    • Minimum score of 62, with no section below 50.

2. Exceptions

  • Native English Speakers: Students from countries where English is the native language (e.g., the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, etc.) or those who have completed their prior education in English are generally exempt from language test requirements.
  • Previous Education in English: Applicants who have completed a degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or equivalent) in English in certain countries may also be exempt from submitting language test scores.

3. Finnish or Swedish-Taught Programs

For degree programs taught in Finnish or Swedish, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the respective language. This may be done through:

  • Finnish Language Test (YKI) for Finnish programs.
  • Other recognized language certifications for Swedish programs, as specified by the program.

4. Proof of Language Proficiency Waiver

Some programs may waive the English language requirement if the applicant has completed a higher education degree taught in English in an EU/EEA country or in certain English-speaking countries.

5. Doctoral Programs

For doctoral applicants, language requirements may vary depending on the field of study. Many doctoral programs allow flexibility regarding English proficiency if the research can be conducted and published in English.

Tampere University offers a wide range of course specialities that combine its strengths in technology, health sciences, and social sciences. Here are some of the key specializations across different fields:

1. Engineering and Technology

  • Automation and Robotics: Focuses on designing and developing robotic systems, automation technologies, and smart machines for industrial applications.
  • Information Technology (IT): Specializes in software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science. This is a flagship program given Tampere’s history with technological innovation.
  • Mechanical Engineering: Offers courses in sustainable manufacturing, smart systems, and engineering design, preparing students for roles in modern industry.
  • Electrical Engineering: Covers power systems, telecommunications, and signal processing, emphasizing practical applications and cutting-edge technologies.

2. Health Sciences

  • Biomedical Technology: Integrates life sciences with technology, focusing on medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare innovations.
  • Public Health: Prepares students for global health challenges, focusing on epidemiology, health policy, and community health.
  • Clinical Medicine: Offers specialization in medical research, diagnostics, and healthcare management, with a focus on both theory and clinical practice.

3. Social Sciences and Humanities

  • Media Studies and Communication: Focuses on media theory, journalism, digital media, and the societal impacts of communication technologies.
  • Sociology and Social Policy: Offers courses in social inequalities, public policy, and welfare systems, exploring the relationship between policy and society.
  • Political Science and International Relations: Specializes in global politics, governance, and policy-making, with a focus on contemporary issues such as climate change, security, and human rights.
  • Gender Studies: Offers courses on gender, sexuality, and intersectionality, focusing on equality and social justice issues.

4. Business and Management

  • International Business: Covers global business strategies, cross-cultural management, and international marketing.
  • Leadership for Change: A unique interdisciplinary program focusing on leading transformation in organizations, businesses, and society in a rapidly changing world.
  • Sustainable Business: Focuses on the intersection of business and environmental sustainability, preparing students for roles in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green innovation.

5. Interdisciplinary Programs

  • Sustainable Digital Life: Combines technology, sustainability, and social sciences, focusing on creating digital solutions that improve sustainability and societal well-being.
  • Human-Technology Interaction (HTI): A unique program that studies how humans interact with technology, covering usability, UX design, and digital systems.

6. Environmental Sciences

  • Sustainable Development: Focuses on environmental policy, conservation, and sustainable resource management, addressing global ecological challenges.
  • Environmental Engineering: Specializes in water resource management, waste treatment, and environmental protection technologies.

As of now, Tampere University does not have any direct Nobel Prize laureates among its faculty or alumni. However, the university is known for its strong contributions to research and academic excellence, which align with the kinds of work that have led to Nobel recognition in various fields.

Research Impact and Nobel-Prize Related Fields

Tampere University is recognized for research in several areas that have connections to Nobel Prize-winning disciplines:

  1. Medicine and Health Sciences:

    • The university is renowned for its research in biomedical technology, public health, and clinical medicine, areas closely related to Nobel Prize fields such as Physiology or Medicine. Collaborations in health sciences could position the university to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in the future.
  2. Engineering and Physics:

    • In fields like engineering, robotics, telecommunications, and optics, Tampere University has made advancements that are often associated with Nobel Prize categories such as Physics and Chemistry.
  3. Peace and Society:

    • Tampere University has a strong focus on social sciences, political science, and conflict resolution, contributing to research on peace studies, social justice, and global governance, which are relevant to the Nobel Peace Prize.

Collaborative Nobel-Related Work

Although Tampere University itself hasn’t produced a Nobel laureate, it collaborates with universities and institutions worldwide that are involved in Nobel-worthy research. These global partnerships expand the potential for its researchers to contribute to work recognized at this prestigious level.