University Education
In Finland, the traditional university sector consists of multi-faculty universities, universities of
technology, business schools and art academies, all of which carry out research, provide under- and
postgraduate education based on research and award degrees up to doctorates. In addition, university
level education is provided at one military academy, the National Defence College, which is run by the
Defence Staff.
According to legislation governing universities, the purpose of universities is to promote independent
research and scientific knowledge and to provide the highest education based on this research and
knowledge in their particular fields of study. In their activities, universities must also aim to prepare
students to be of service to their native country and all humankind.
Field-specific educational responsibilities are defined by a national decree. Joint educational objectives
and university-specific performance targets are determined in the performance negotiations between
universities and the Ministry of Education. Quantitative targets are set for Master’s and doctoral
degrees as well as adult education, for example. On the basis of these negotiations, universities
decide on student intake in their fields of study and select their own students. They also draw up their
own curricula and design their instruction within the framework of national statutes.
Universities also organise open university instruction according to their own degree requirements. There are no age
limits or requirements concerning previous education. Degrees cannot be completed in this way, but
students may apply for the right to study at the respective university after completing at least one third
of the degree. Open university instruction is often organized by universities’ continuing education
centres or open universities which often operate as distinct departments in several universities. For
more information. The equal access to higher educatin. On is ensured by the wide institutional network, the free education,
student financial aid as well as the flexible pathways to higher education. In addition the student
selection is being developed so that a joint application system will be introduced in 2008.
According to the Law on Universities (1997/645) universities must operate in interaction with the rest of
the society and promote the effectiveness of research activities. In the Development programme for
education and research 2007-2012 universities and polytechnics are further urged to take part in the
development of regional innovation systems utilising the possibilities provided by competence centre
programmes and structural funds.
Connecting research and societal development as well as the utilisation of research results in
university education can also be included as the criteria in the quality assurance systems of
universities.
Professionally Oriented Higher Education
The objective of the studies leading to a polytechnic degree is to provide the necessary knowledge and
skills for professional expert functions on the basis of the requirements of working life and its
development needs.
Polytechnics carry out research and development, which serve polytechnic education and support
working life. They play an important role in regional development as providers of high-quality education
and developers of the economic life of the regions, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises. In
the Development programme for education and research 2007-2012 universities and polytechnics are
further urged to take part in the development of regional innovation. The role of polytechnics
in research and development supporting regions and working life will be strengthened in 2007-2012.
As a result, the R&D funding of polytechnics will be increased so that they will have better
requirements to develop their R&D operations.
Equal access to higher education, irrespective for example of the students’ domicile and economic
status, is ensured in many different ways.
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