The Language Centre is classified as an independent institute of the University of Tampere since 1975. It specializes in the teaching and research of Languages for Specific Purposes. Our main function is to provide teaching in the official languages of Finland (Finnish and Swedish) and in foreign languages as required in the degree programmes of the University.

The teaching for students of the university is either a compulsory part of their degree programmes or then an optional extra. During their studies students take at least three or four compulsory language courses intended to provide them with the language skills they need for their studies, and also later in working life. The compulsory courses are designed according to the wishes of the schools and teach the language of the special field of the students. They include tuition in writing skills, discussion skills, specialist terminology and current affairs of a culture and area in question.

Tampere University Language Centre offers some Intercultural Communication courses designed to complement language and communication skills courses, and thereby increase intercultural communication competence. The aim is to increase students' knowledge and awareness of culture, its influence on communication and their awareness of themselves as cultural beings. The program is open to students of all schools. The courses are taught mainly in English to encourage the participation of international students and promote interaction between them and Finnish students.

Priority on courses will be given to degree students of the University of Tampere. Two Finnish courses for exchange students will be offered, (Survival and Follow-up); exchange students will be included in other courses only if there is space and the minimal quota of degree students has been filled.

More information available at: http://www.uta.fi/kielikeskus/in_english.html.