Education at Tampere: Advancing teacher’s careers

An undergraduate teaching degree is certainly useful but, in many countries, a Master’s is a prerequisite to advancing your career in education. For many, it’s a necessary stepping stone to becoming a principal or head teacher, or any other higher position.

Finland is renowned for its exceptional higher education system. It boasts fantastic international connections, academic freedom, and a welcoming, inclusive environment. International students appreciate the Finnish higher education process; the esteemed teaching and student-centred support services are just some of many perks.

Finnish Universities often score highly in student satisfaction among international students. In the StudyPortals student satisfaction survey 2016, eleven Finnish universities received sought-after awards. Among the eleven was the University of Tampere – an institution that was awarded the highest score of all: 9.5+ points and an ‘outstanding’ rating.

The University of Tampere is not among Finland’s largest, but it certainly represents one of most desired universities, educating students who “understand the world and change it”. Working with an up-to-date knowledge of current affairs, the university strives to keep education fresh and relevant.

The research community at the Faculty of Education is well-established. This centre is bursting with critical, accomplished professionals who are socially- and culturally-aware. The Faculty is dedicated to exploring and analysing changes in academic environments and society at large.

The Tampere community covers a range of disciplines including; early childhood education, basic education, vocational education, adult education, higher education, lifelong learning, and voice and speech training.

There are many revered Master’s Degree courses offered at the University of Tampere. Here are two of their best:

MDP in Teacher Education

Teacher Education in Finland is ranked among the best worldwide. If you’ve already qualified as a teacher and wish to develop your knowledge in education theory and practice to further your prospects, Teacher Education ticks every box.

MPD in Teacher Education is specifically-designed for teachers with a Bachelor’s Degree in any field of education who wish to advance their chosen career. The admissions criteria honour prior teaching qualifications from the applicant’s home country.

Globally-facing contemporary research lies at the heart of this education programme. The MDP works for all; teachers from primary schools all the way up to those working in higher education institutes. Here, studies educate teachers to think analytically and critically, solve problems, and work as teacher-researchers.

The MDP builds on knowledge gained through your BA teaching degree and through on-the-job learning in class. It provides research-based professional skills for teachers to advance their careers.

The instructional focus of the programme is on school community efficacy, as well as enhancing students’ abilities to develop a modern theoretical approach to teaching and student learning.

The programme blends modern learning with the best of renowned traditional Finnish and Nordic education. It aims to mix a plethora of “essential research in curriculum studies, educational psychology, inclusive education, and pedagogical leadership to provide tools for the development of school education.”

The MDP’s next intake will fall in December 2017 and January 2018, with the course kick-starting in August.

MDP in Media Education

Finland places strong educational importance on multi-literacy skills and media education in schools – a fact that certainly accounts for the nation’s leading literacy score, according to PISA.

Media education is a relatively new discipline that’s constantly increasing in popularity and relevance. As the media world develops, so does the need for its inclusion in education. The MDP course at Tampere recognises this. Teachers at various stages of schooling must expand their expertise in media in order to teach effectively through multiple platforms.

Combining current media and education studies instils teachers with current knowledge of the education world. The Media Education Master’s Programme looks at the discipline through many different lenses. Students study media literacies, learning environments, technology in education and intercultural education.

The MDP in Media Education builds expertise in the new discipline of media education. This includes bringing multi-literacies together with media and information literacies. It provides educational perspectives in the utilisation of digital media and user-generated production in the information age.

Professor Sirkku Kotilainen and Reijo Kupiainen, teachers of the programme, are internationally-renowned experts in the field of media education.

The programme is divided into three crucial categories; research on media education, teaching and learning in mediated environments, and developing media education policies and activities.

The MDP can be applied in various contexts; from media organisations in schools to public administration in universities. Graduates can also get involved in the development of curriculums for students of all ages. There are many paths MDP holders can pursue, including youth work, childcare, administration, and multiple institutions including media and IT.

A maximum on 30 students will be enrolled on MDP in Media Education. Students will be split 50/50 between the Faculty of Education and Faculty of Communication Sciences, depending on the area in which they choose to specialise.

The programme’s next intake will be in December 2018 and January 2019, with the course then launching in August 2019. The extra time will provide ample opportunity to prepare for the intake. This may involve preparatory studies, or acquiring the necessary language documents and skills. 

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