| Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences (COU) | |
|---|---|
| Keski-Pohjanmaan Ammattikorkeakoulu Mellersta Österbottens yrkeshögskola |
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| Established | Provisional 1991 (perm 1995) |
| Type | Ammattikorkeakoulu Osakeyhtiö |
| Endowment | approx € 85million |
| Rector | Marja-Liisa Tenhunen |
| Students | 3300 |
| Location | Kokkola, Ylivieska, and Jakobstad, Finland |
| Campus | Kokkola, Ylivieska, and Jakobstad |
| Colors | Scarlet |
| Website | www.cou.fi |
Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences (COU) [1] (Finnish: Keski-Pohjanmaan ammattikorkeakoulu, Swedish: Mellersta Österbottens yrkeshögskola) is a private-recognized higher education institution in Finland which came out in top 5 from a survey of Universities of applied Sciences conducted by Finland’s Talouselämä newspaper. 25 universities of applied sciences were compared using 10 different indicators collected from student feedback, recent statistics and from Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. The factors that put COU at the top group were funding versatility, student satisfaction and the low price of degrees.[2]
The University has three campuses: Kokkola,[3] Jakobstad [4] and Ylivieska.[5] Internationalisation is one of COU's values thus the University offers seven international degree programmes taught in English, namely DP in Business Management, DP in Chemistry and Technology, DP in Industrial Management, DP in Information Technology, DP in Nursing, DP in Tourism and DP in Clothing and Fur Design. COU is a multidisciplinary, dynamic and international institution, which offers students and staff an environment that is innovative, caring and multicultural.
The education is versatile with degree programmes ranging from Chemical Engineering, Information Technology and Business Management to Nursing, Music and Performing Arts. A strong focus on entrepreneurship and excellent connections with the working-life, provide a good basis for combining theoretical knowledge with career skills in a meaningful way. COU profiles as an international university of applied sciences that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.[6]
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The Ministry of Education and Culture issued the universities of applied sciences in annual contract negotiations on the basis of the performance of additional funding. The aim is to encourage colleges' efficiency and economic activities as well as improving the quality and effectiveness.
The Ministry of Education and Culture has granted the Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences performance funding in 2001 - 2010 as follows:[7]
Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences is owned by a limited liability company whose shareholders are the Central Ostrobothnia Education Group, Kalajoki Municipal Education and Training Consortium, Pietarsaari City, Raudaskylän Christian College Association and Central Ostrobothnia Conservatory Support Association. At present, the Rector of Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences is Dr.Marja-Liisa Tenhunen.[8]
Marja-Liisa Tenhunen has been working in Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences as the rector of the university since 1995. She is a Doctor of Economic Sciences. Marja-Liisa Tenhunen's name is the most important member of the Finnish Government for 2007-2011 set by the Research and Innovation Council. The Council is chaired by Prime Minister Mari Kiviniemi.[9]
COU is multidisciplinary institution located in Western Finland, Northern Europe and offers 21 degree programmes in the fields of:[10]
• Technology, Communications and Transport
• Social Sciences, Business and Administration
• Social Services, Health and Sports
• Culture
• Humanities and Education
• Tourism, Catering and Domestic Services
The extent of UAS degree studies is generally 210−240 study points (ECTS), which means 3.5 – 4 years of full-time study. This education is arranged as degree programmes. The entry requirement is a certificate from an upper secondary school or the matriculation certificate, a vocational qualification or corresponding foreign studies. The requirement for Master's studies in UASs is a Bachelors' level UAS degree and at least three years of work experience. The UAS Master's, which is 60-90 study points and takes 1.5–2 years, is equivalent to a university Master's in the labour market. Each student has a personal study plan, which facilitates student guidance and the monitoring of progress in studies. Students apply for UAS studies in a national application system. The UASs determine the admission criteria and arrange student selection and entrance examination at their discretion. Nearly 90% of applications are submitted electronically. UASs also arrange adult education and open education geared to maintain and upgrade competencies. The teaching arrangements in adult education are flexible and enable mature students to work alongside their studies. Some 20 percent of UAS students are mature students.[11]
Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences, Department of Fur Design offers a unique degree programme which combines professional studies in the leather and fur trade with business studies. The professional studies contain design, material knowledge, computer aided pattern making and the usage of different fur techniques when designing and manufacturing leather and fur garments. Equally important are the fields of business, marketing, languages and foreign trade.[12]
STUDY THE BEAUTIES OF FUR DESIGN
The town of Jakobstad on the west coast of Finland is home to the “Culture Factory Campus ” of the COU. Situated in the premises of a former lace factory it provides a very creative atmosphere, which inspires both students and tutors. The Ostrobothnian area has a long history of fur and leather industry and is one of the most renowned areas of fur production in the world.
In 1996 an exiting new degree came to Jakobstad in which the skill and knowledge of the fur trade joined with theory and design in a versatile combination of a four year degree programme. This unique degree combines professional studies in leather and fur techniques with business studies. Subjects covered include: technical aspects with the history of fur, basics of fur work, basic fur techniques and accessories. Practical aspects cover material knowledge, dressing processes and treatments, introduction to the fur trade, basics of fur design and industrial fur design. During their studies the students will design and make different articles using different materials and techniques and take part of design projects.[13]
DESIGN PROJECTS
The Department of Fur Design carries out different large-scale design projects that effectively combine the theoretical knowledge and the students’ practical skills and provide the student with useful contacts for their working life. The projects include co-operation with national and international companies and they have resulted in different collections including clothes, furniture and accessories. The collections have been shown nationally and also at international fashion fairs in Milan and Paris since 1999.
In COU there are around 3300 students in six fields and 21 degree programmes.
Annual intake is 622 students.[14]
CENTRIA is the unit of research, development and further education of the Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences. The main function of research and development is to create possibilities for the development of the region’s enterprises and communities. Annually CENTRIA participates in more than 100 separate r&d–projects.[15]
International co-operation is fundamental for maintaining a high standard in teaching and research and development and international interaction is an essential part of studies at a higher education institution. Internationalisation has therefore been declared as one of the top priorities of COU in its most recent strategy. At present the international co-operation involves interaction with around 130 partner institutions in 34 countries around the world. Scandinavia and Europe are the most important areas for us, but we also co-operate actively with universities and higher education institutions in North and South America. Moreover, we have also been a forerunner in co-operation with Chinese universities. [16]
COU promotes actively the mobility of students and teachers and we strive to ensure also non-mobile students with opportunities to learn more about different cultures and the different aspects of international relations through a strong emphasis on Internationalisation at Home. Moreover, we also participate actively in international networks and projects, including R&D projects carried out in co-operation with our international partners. COU participates actively in the Socrates programme and currently have approximately 90 bilateral Erasmus agreements. Through the NORDPLUS programme we collaborate with other Nordic institutions and we have also deepened the co-operation with North and South American institutions through the EU-USA and ALFA programmes. COU participates in the CREPUQ student exchange programme, which has enhanced the co-operation with Canadian institutions in Quebec. COU has also been active in collaboration with institutions in the Balkans through the TEMPUS programme.
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