HAMK is a multidisciplinary, workplace-orientated HEI offering 29 Bachelor’s and 13 Master’s degree programmes, professional teacher education and continuing education. Eleven of the degree programmes are taught in English. HAMK’s seven campuses are situated centrally in southern Finland.
HAMK’s roots stretch back to 1840, when agricultural education began at the Mustiala Campus. The Evo Campus is Finland’s oldest school of forestry (1862). At the end of the 19th century, Fredrika Wetterhoff founded in Hämeenlinna a handicrafts school. Horticulture education began in the manor surroundings of the Lepaa Campus in 1910. 1950s and the following decades, the technical, healthcare and commercial institutes in Forssa, Hämeenlinna, Riihimäki and Valkeakoski were established to meet the region’s educational needs. The School of Professional Teacher Education is rooted in the earlier tradition of teacher education in Hämeenlinna that started in 1959.
HAMK is the 8th largest university of applied sciences in Finland and the only higher education institution in the Kanta-Häme region. HAMK has a student population of around 8o00, and around 600 employees. The graduate employment rate is one of the highest in Finland as is also the rate of graduate who start their own business. HAMK’s research units carry out applied research, support teaching and promote regional impact.
HAMK operates as a limited liability company with six shareholder municipalities. HAMK also has two subsidiary companies Häme Vocational Institute, which offers vocational upper secondary education, and Häme Summer University, which offers open university-level education.
HAMK has an extensive partner network in Finland and abroad. HAMK is also a member of the RUN European University, which includes eight European higher education institutions.
HAMK’s aim is to be the most inspiring and the most workplace-oriented higher education institution in Finland. Our vision is: HAMK is an internationally and nationally networked higher education institution that is committed to its partnerships. HAMK graduates are desired experts in the labour market; they are global problem-solvers with a creative and progressive approach. Our applied research generates vitality, sustainability and wellbeing. HAMK effectively utilises the possibilities offered by technology in improving the quality and performance of education and research.