Introduction

Relationships between society and the individual are at the centre of study and research in the School of Social Science and Humanities. The School, founded at the beginning of 2011, combines the University’s strong research tradition in Social Sciences with Humanities.

The School offers degrees (Bachelor, Master, Licentiate, Doctor) in Social Sciences, Humanities and Psychology. After a multidisciplinary education, students graduate to work in various positions both in the public and private sectors. Master’s degrees in Psychology, Social Work and Logopedics give graduates the professional qualification required by Finnish law.

There are currently 5 degree programmes in the School: Logopedics, History, Philosophy, Social Sciences and Social Work. These are taught in Finnish and include both the Bachelor's and Master's degees. The degree programme in Social Sciences includes five specialisation options, Sociology, Social Anthropology, Social Policy, Social Psychology, Gender Studies and Music Studies. In addition, there are several Master’s programmes and independent study modules. The School also includes a unit in Pori, where it is possible to study for a degree in Social Sciences (Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work). In addition to the Finnish language programmes, the School also offers Master's degree programmes and some study modules taught in English.

The School of Social Sciences conducts research in Society and Culture on an international level. Research is carried out in the disciplines and in the nationally and internationally recognised research centres: Human Information Processing Laboratory (HIP-Lab), Tampere Peace Research Institute (TAPRI), Unit for Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (TaSTI), Work Research Centre (WRC) and Centre for Social Research (SOCRU).

The School of Social Sciences and Humanities is a community of approximately 2700 students and 300 researchers and teachers. The School is led by a director and the board, both elected for three years at a time. The board makes strategic decisions on the central aims and activities of the School, its economy, budget, and personnel policy.

The dean of the School (1.1.2011 – 31.12.2013) is professor Risto Kunelius. The dean acts as the chair of the School board, develops the School’s activities according to the University of Tampere strategy, and is responsible for the achievement of the School’s objectives and the quality of its activities. Vice director of the School is professor Kirsi Juhila.