New bachelor’s programme on Socially Sustainable Societies educates new pathfinders in wellbeing, equality and a better world

Programme participants will have the opportunity to examine the building blocks of socially sustainable societies with emphasis on resilience, equality and inclusion. A key focus of the programme is to introduce the Nordic perspective to social sustainability, welfare states and intersectoral action.

“Much of the research and discussion around sustainability focuses on environmental aspects and the climate change. This programme has a stronger emphasis on the social side of sustainability, although these aspects are also closely intertwined – together with economic considerations,” says Vice Dean for Education, University Lecturer Marko Salonen.

The programme provides good grounds for employment in policy making as well as designing, building and studying systems that support wellbeing. Coordinator or management positions are typically found in national, municipal and third-sector organisations.

How to make the world a better place

Studies in Socially Sustainable Societies aim at nothing less than making the world a better place – gradually and for as many people as possible. Students will look into themes such as sustainability, accessibility, wellbeing and equality.

“The studies will examine various social systems and cultures and seek possible measures to support socially sustainable societies. Students will gain understanding and analytical skills as to which factors make up socially sustainable societies,” Salonen says.

Finland offers an attractive location for social studies, as the country has one of the world’s most equal and organised social structures. Tampere, in turn, has long traditions in social sciences and Finland’s highest intake in the study area. Local expertise in the field was recently further strengthened by the founding of WHO Collaborating Centre on Health in Tampere.

“We have solid structures here in the Nordic countries and also invest a lot of tax money to maintain them. In societies of more limited means, the system is often more local community-based,” Salonen notes.

As for the programme’s practical arrangements, a vast majority of the studies will be organised face-to-face in classroom. Group sizes will also be kept reasonably small to build and maintain good student-instructor relations.

“Students will have access to the expertise of our highly competent staff. All our instructors have solid practical or research backgrounds either in social studies or health sciences, or both. Many have also worked in different countries and with different types of social and health phenomena, which adds great versatility to the programme.”