1.1 Pirkanmaan ammattikorkeakoulu, Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences (PIRAMK)
1.2 Degrees and degree programmes
1.3 Professional specialisation studies, open higher education studies and regional higher education network
1.4 Quality assurance and feedback system
1.1 Pirkanmaan ammattikorkeakoulu, Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences (PIRAMK)
Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences Ltd is the maintaining organisation of Pirkanmaa University of Ap-plied Sciences.
The educational mission of Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences is in accordance with Polytechnics Act (351/2003) and Government Decree on Polytechnics (352/2003). The operating licence was granted on 5 February 1999.
Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences is located in Tampere, Ikaalinen, Mänttä and Virrat.
Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences´ fields of study are Culture, Natural Sciences, Tourism, Catering and Domestic Services, Social Services, Health and Sports, Technology, Communication and Transport as well as Social Sciences, Business and Administration.
In Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences, the language of instruction is Finnish but education can also be provided in other languages in accordance with the curricula.
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1.2 Degrees and degree programmes
It is possible to complete bachelor´s and master´s degrees in Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences.
Degree-awarding education is organised as degree programmes, which can also have options. Ministry of Education decides on the organised degree programmes on the proposal of Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences.
Degree-awarding education is implemented as courses. Their extents, objectives, contents, teaching meth-ods and other related information are available in the study guide of Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences.
The degree programme curricula are accepted by the board of Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences. The requirements related to development of the European higher education area have been considered in them. Curriculum descriptions and the credit system follow the common principles, which also help interna-tional comparison of degree programmes.
The credit system complies with the ECTS system, which defines that one academic year is equal to 60 credits. The credit means on average 27 hours of student work used for completion of the course. It includes all needed work, such as contact teaching and independent study.
Bachelor´s degrees
The extent of bachelor´s degrees in universities of applied sciences is 210, 240 or 270 credits. The studies consist of core studies, professional studies, elective studies, practical training to enhance professional skills and bachelor´s thesis.
Master´s degrees
Eligibility for master´s degrees in universities of applied sciences is given by a relevant bachelor´s degree in a university of applied sciences and at least three years of relevant work experience. Two years of the de-manded three-year work experience can have been completed before the bachelor´s degree if the person had earlier completed a vocational college diploma or higher education degree.
The extent of master´s degrees in universities of applied sciences is 60 or 90 credits. The studies consist of advanced professional studies, elective studies and master´s thesis.
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1.3 Professional specialisation studies, open higher education studies and regional higher education network
Professional specialisation studies
Professional specialisation studies are extensive continuing education programmes complementing professional degrees and aimed at people who have completed a bachelor´s degree in a university of applied sciences, vocational college diploma or other applicable higher education degree. Specialisation studies are not degree-awarding. The extent of specialisation studies is 30-60 credits.
Open higher education studies
Open higher education studies fulfil the degree requirements of the university of applied sciences. The educational supply consists of degree-awarding study modules or parts of them. Open higher education studies are chargeable for students in degree-awarding education.
Regional higher education network
Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences, TAMK University of Applied Sciences, Tampere University of Technology and University of Tampere form a regional higher education network, which is a part of the higher education institutions´ common regional strategy. The network aims at taking the higher education in-stitutions´ know-how, education, research and development from Tampere to the Tampere Region. Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences coordinates the network.
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1.4 Quality assurance and feedback system
Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council has audited Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences´ quality assurance system. It includes a quality manual in intranet. The quality manual contains e.g. instructions, forms and evaluation documents for students and personnel.
Student feedbacks form a part of the quality assurance system. The annually collected student feedbacks map students´ study experiences from the preceding year and their views on Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences as learning environment. Students can give feedback on course implementations directly to the teacher in charge with an electronic course feedback form. Student feedbacks are discussed annually in the performance analysis of degree programmes. Thus, they form an important channel in affecting the development of teaching and curricula.
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