Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS) has established a Letter of Intent with the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, regarding future cooperation. Establishing extensive cooperation in the field of technical higher education and research through international collaboration is a significant opportunity for the economic life in Southwest Finland.

In accordance with the Letter of Intent, an investigation on the cooperation opportunities in terms of joint engineering degrees on Bachelor and Master level, staff and student exchange as well as research activities and doctoral degrees begins immediately. The intent is also to find out about other potential types of cooperation. The agreement on cooperation is an outcome of the joint visit by representatives of the City of Turku and TUAS to the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, in late November.

TUAS has previously cooperated in relation to Master of Science degrees in the field of technology especially with German higher education institutions.

– In terms of research and competence in the field of technology, the University of Strathclyde is one of the leading universities in Europe. In addition, the motto of the University of Strathclyde is ‘useful learning’, a learning approach emphasizing practical benefits, which suits the objectives of TUAS. The strategic collaboration we are about to begin with the University of Strathclyde in research as well as in education is an excellent and welcome opportunity for us, rejoices Juhani Soini, Vice Rector at TUAS.

The competence profile of the University of Strathclyde matches extremely well with the strategic emphasis areas of TUAS as well as to the needs of the Southwest Finland’s industries.

Juhani Soini

– Through this collaboration, it is possible to produce international expertise with an extensive coverage of technical fields in order to serve the industries of Southwest Finland, including education for Master of Science in technology and doctoral degrees. The competence profile of the University of Strathclyde matches extremely well with the strategic emphasis areas of TUAS as well as to the needs of the Southwest Finland’s industries, Juhani Soini continues.

The University of Strathclyde is a leading international technological university located in Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city. Their commitment to useful learning guides their research, learning and teaching as well as the way they work with businesses and organizations. The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde is the biggest in Scotland. It is also one of the largest, best equipped engineering faculties in the UK. Significant investments are made for developing the university. The university already has over 5 000 engineering students from 100 different countries as well as a portfolio of more than 40 undergraduate, postgraduate and professional development courses.

Our staff and students carry out research that makes a real impact, delivering solutions to many of the global challenges that are facing society today.

Atilla Incecik

– Our staff and students carry out research that makes a real impact, delivering solutions to many of the global challenges that are facing society today. Our multimillion-pound investment in engineering facilities gives students access to state-of-the-art equipment and work space in which to study. We offer a number of university-wide, faculty and departmental-funded scholarships. Multimillion-pound investments by the research councils, government and industry, including Rolls-Royce and British Energy, are testament to the quality and relevance of the faculty's growing research portfolio, says Atilla Incecik, Associative Principal and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.

The contents of the cooperation is already under planning. The planning work will continue during the visit to Turku by representatives of the University of Strathclyde in early spring.

During the same visit to the UK in November, negotiations were conducted on strengthening the cooperation of Machine Technology Center Turku Ltd. with two mechanical and welding engineering research and development institutions, namely the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), located in Coventry, and The Welding Institute (TWI), located in Cambridge, both of which are highly recognized, world’s leading operators in the field.