University of applied sciences education
Most universities of applied sciences are multidisciplinary regional institutions of higher education, which are geared towards the needs of working life and regional development. Bachelor’s degrees are higher education degrees with an emphasis on practical competence.
The task of the universities of applied sciences is to offer higher education for expert tasks in different professional fields. The degree programmes have significant research and artistic content.
The research, development and innovation work carried out in the universities of applied sciences serves educational needs and is also is of importance to regional development, economy and working life.
Universities of applied sciences provide and develop adult education, which helps students to maintain and develop the skills they need in working life. Universities of applied sciences also provide vocational teacher training.
The system of higher education comprising the universities and universities of applied sciences is developed with the aim of keeping it internationally competitive and ensuring that the system can flexibly meet regional needs. There is cooperation between universities of applied sciences and universities in a number of fields. For example, they have joined forces in order to ensure that regional institutions of higher education can meet regional educational challenges.
The development objectives are based on a Government-approved education and research development plan. According to the plan, which covers the years 2003-2008, the priorities of university of applied sciences education include the following:
- Developing universities of applied sciences as an innovative network (as part of the structural development of the higher education system)
- Development of study processes and Master’s degrees
- Strengthening the cooperation between universities of applied sciences and working life
- Monitoring the upgrading of the funding system
- Promoting the international content of the education
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