A shared vision – a new university

The University of Tampere has a unique opportunity to renew itself. The key to achieving the common objectives is a working culture based on openness, interactivity, trust and courage. The university will renew itself through joint efforts and initiatives backed by independent decisions and supportive leadership.

Through this strategy, the university positions itself in Finnish society and in the changing world of international science* and education. To the students and staff, this strategy will point the way towards building a new, independent university.

By 2012, the University of Tampere will have completed the reforms of its administrative structures, degree programmes and doctoral training. In addition, it will offer improved opportunities for research and internationalization.

Operating environment

The higher education reform and the new Universities Act grant the universities greater freedom in their decision-making. At the same time, however, the universities will have to assume more responsibility for financing and resourcing their activities and for defining their terms of operation and quality standards. For the University of Tampere, renewal implies defining its profile and discovering its true potential and development needs. 

The internationalization and technologization of our societies have led to increasing demands for services and knowledge. In this development, our university has an excellent opportunity to benefit from its strengths in the interface of the private and the public sectors.

A University with a difference

The University of Tampere takes an active part in debates about societal development. Well aware of its heritage, the university provides an open academic environment for students and staff alike. In a university renowned for its social sciences, the focus of its activities lies on multifaceted research and education in society and health. The University fulfils its demanding mission by collaborating with central and local government, with private enterprises and non-governmental organizations.

Values and responsibility

The University of Tampere is committed to promoting justice and equality in society, to enhancing the well-being of citizens at home and abroad, and to advancing multiculturalism and sustainable development.

The basic values of the University are academic freedom, creativity and social responsibility. This means that everyone has an equal right to learn, to acquire knowledge, to participate and to make an impact on society.

Vision and mission

The University of Tampere is a culturally-committed higher education institution with the social mission of educating visionaries who understand the world and change it. By providing critical knowledge and education, the university helps people and societies to improve their health and their cultural, social and economic well-being.

The aim of the University of Tampere in 2015 is to be an internationally attractive and increasingly respected environment for studying, teaching and conducting research.

*Science is in this document used to cover all academic disciplines including arts and humanities