Based
in western Finland on the coast of the Gulf
of Bothnia in northern Scandinavia, the
Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied
Sciences is a modern, dynamic and innovative
higher education institution. The old bilingual
coastal towns of Kokkola and Pietarsaari
with longstanding traditions of sea fare,
international trade and shipbuilding and
the growing modern towns of Ylivieska and
Haapajärvi in the picturesque river
valleys of Ostrobothnia form a region well-known
for its entrepreneurial spirit, SMEs, the
metal, electronics, chemical, pulp and paper
industries and for its rich cultural life,
and provide an excellent setting for a dynamic,
international and multi-disciplinary higher
education institution. Moreover, the character
of the city of Kokkola and the region continues
to bear the traces of the work of Anders
Chydenius, a clergyman and member of parliament
who gained international recognition for
his groundbreaking work for freedom of speech,
freedom of religion and freedom of trade
in 18th century Sweden-Finland. The legacy
of his life-work is something that we cherish
and which is also reflected in the field
of education.
Our mission is to improve the educational
level and skills of the region’s population
and to enhance the individual’s abilities
to succeed in a changing, multicultural
environment as well as his or her readiness
for continuing learning. Today we offer
27 Degree Programmes in the fields of Technology,
Communication and Transport, Social sciences,
Business and Administration; Social Services,
Health and Sports; Natural sciences; Culture,
Humanities and Education, and Tourism, Catering
and Domestic Services. Furthermore, we also
offer two post-graduate programmes, one
in Business administration and the other
one in Technology. The language of instruction
is Finnish in most degree programmes, but
we also offer degree programmes taught in
Swedish and five international degree programmes
taught in English, namely the Degree Programme
in Business Management, the Degree Programme
in Chemistry and Technology, the Degree
Programme in Information technology, the
Degree Programme in Industrial management
and the Degree Programme in Nursing.
At the COU we believe in the internationalisation
of education and international co-operation.
The importance of internationalisation is
emphasised throughout all of the three main
functions of the University of Applied Sciences,
namely education, research and development
and regional impact. All units and departments
have the explicit mission to educate professionals,
who are internationally oriented, tolerant
and well prepared for functioning in a multicultural
environment and for meeting the challenges
of the internationalised labour market through
a lively mobility of students and staff
and Internationalisation at Home (IaH).
Moreover, the COU also strives to support
and promote the internationalisation of
the region, through international R&D-projects
in co-operation with enterprises and institutions.
The region’s open-minded, bilingual
culture, with its positive attitudes towards
internationalisation and entrepreneurship
provides a solid basis for our international
activities. The Central Ostrobothnia University
of Applied Sciences is today recognised
by international as well as national partners
as an institution which is wholeheartedly
committed to international co-operation.
At present the international co-operation
involves interaction with around 130 partner
institutions in 34 countries in all parts
of the world.
You are most welcome to study, teach or
work with us!
Marja-Liisa Tenhunen
Rector |
