Vaasa University of Applied Sciences
 | |
| Established | 1996 |
|---|---|
| President | Hannu Vahtera |
Administrative staff | 200 |
| Students | 4,000 |
| Location | , |
| Website | https://www.vamk.fi/en/ |
| [1][2] | |
Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK)[3] (Finnish: Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu) is a career-oriented university of applied sciences (UAS) that trains experts in technology, business, and health care & social services. VAMK is located amidst global companies in the entrepreneurial Ostrobothnia region, home to the largest energy cluster in the Nordic countries.
VAMK has approximately 4,000 students and 200 staff members. The President and CEO of the university is Hannu Vahtera.
VAMK builds expertise to address societal challenges and contribute to a well-being economy. It combines skills in technology, business, social services, health care, and design. Key focus areas include energy transition, smart digitalisation, clean transition, international business expertise, logistics, and solutions for advancing well-being.
Study Programmes
[edit]At VAMK, students can pursue both bachelor's (UAS bachelor´s degree) and master's level (UAS master’s degree) studies. Education is offered in Finnish and English. In 2024, 3 bachlor´s degree programmes and 3 master´s degree programmes are conducted fully in English.[4]
Graduates from VAMK become international and skilled professionals such as engineers, business economists, nurses, public health nurses, and social workers.
Workplace-oriented studies and the vibrant Vaasa region ensure excellent employment opportunities for students. Education at VAMK equips students with international experience and knowledge that they can apply in their future careers. This is achieved through international elements in teaching, student exchanges, and joint international study modules. The goal is to train global professionals for the region's workforce.
VAMK supports lifelong learning by offering a wide range of continuous learning course that promote career development for professionals and strengthen organizational competence. Various training programs help individuals stay up-to-date in an evolving work environment and enhance skills through open UAS education, specialisation courses, continuing education, and preparatory courses for immigrants (in Finnish).
Palosaari Campus
[edit]VAMK is located on the seaside Palosaari campus, where 10,000 students from different higher education institutions study. In Vaasa, every fifth person encountered is a higher education student, making it one of Finland's largest student cities relative to population size.
On the Palosaari campus, students have access to multiple modern learning environments within walking distance. For technology students, the campus features a state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratory, Technobothnia, shared with the University of Vaasa and Novia University of Applied Sciences. Health care & social services students benefit from modern study and simulation facilities at Alere (website in Finnish), also in collaboration with Novia. The Tritonia academic library and learning centre serves research, education, and students across all Vaasa-based higher education institutions.
Thanks to its English-language programs and international students, the campus atmosphere is genuinely international. The campus is located less than 2 km from Vaasa city centre, where short distances and an international urban culture meet the beautiful nature of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Regional Activities
[edit]VAMK collaborates with regional employers in project work, the development of study programs, and the provision of internships and thesis topics.
Histroy
[edit]Vaasa has a long tradition of technical education, dating back to 1849 when the Technical School (Teknillinen reaalikoulu), one of the first in Finland was established.[5] Over the decades, this institution evolved into the Industrial School, aligning better with the developmental needs of technical education. The curriculum became more theoretical, incorporating management training to enhance organizational roles. Practical work experience was emphasised, and adult education became an integral part of the program—concepts that remain central to the operations of universities of applied sciences today.
Health care & social services education has been provided in Vaasa for over 40 years. In 1983, the School of Nursing was established.
Business education in Vaasa traces its roots to the early 1900s, with the establishment of the Business School in 1903.
In 1996, Vaasa's temporary university of applied sciences was formed by merging five institutions: Vaasa Technical College, Vaasa Commercial College, Vaasa Hotel and Restaurant College, Vaasa Health Care College, and Vaasa Home Economics and Social Services College. In 1999, the Finnish government granted Vaasa University of Applied Sciences an official operating license.[6]
Organization
[edit]Oy Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu – Vasa yrkeshögskola Ab is owned by the City of Vaasa, the University of Vaasa, and the Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce. The highest decision-making authority is held by the shareholders’ meeting, where voting power is based on ownership shares. The company’s board, in accordance with the Companies Act, manages administration and ensures proper organisation of activities. The rector of VAMK also serves as the CEO, supported by the management team.[7]
Student Activities
[edit]Student life and advocacy are supported by the student union, VAMOK.
References
[edit]- ^ "About VAMK, University of Applied Sciences!". Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- ^ "VAMK official Facebook page". Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- ^ "Vaasa University of Applied Sciences". Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
- ^ Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. "Degree Programme". Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
- ^ Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (21 November 2024). "Technical education in Vaasa celebrates 175 years". Vaasa University of Applied Sciences.
- ^ Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (12 December 2024). "Organization". University of Applied Sciences.
- ^ Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. "Organization". Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
