Software Engineering
Future career in a digitalised world
The demand for software specialists is constantly increasing and the ICT professionals play a key role in the digitalised world. The Degree Programme in Software Engineering focuses on the most important technologies and the latest methods of modern software engineering.
Your studies will progress from basics to programming languages, web development, user interfaces, usability and software regulations, and big data systems and analysis. The degree programme will give you the ability to work as a professional in the international field of software engineering.
After graduation, you will have competence to work as software engineer, software developer, software architect, software consultant, data engineer, web application developer, web programmer or mobile application developer – to give just a few examples.
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Type
Degree earned
Planned duration
Extent of studies
City
Form of learning
Tuition fee for non-EU/EEA citizens
Link to scholarship programme
Information and communication technology (ICT) is utilised almost everywhere. It is necessary for everyday life, society, business and industry. Digitalisation is the engine of the future growth and ICT professionals play a key role in it. The lack of software specialists is a constantly growing problem in the industry. It is good news for the applicants who are interested in this programme.
Software Engineering degree programme educates the students to become internationally oriented professionals who have the competence of software engineer, software developer or web application developer. The graduates from this programme understand the most important technologies and use the latest methods of modern software engineering. Learning to apply such things in practice is the core of the studies.
The language of the degree programme is English. For students who wish to stay and work in Finland, Finns and non-Finns alike, good communication skills in Finnish are essential. A lot of Finnish language studies at different levels are offered in the curriculum.
Software Engineering degree programme is closely connected to the working life and provides the graduate with the best of competence and confidence to start his/her career in software industry or, if the graduate so wishes, to proceed to Master's studies in Tampere Universities or elsewhere. The studies focus in the most important technologies and methods used in modern software development. The important hot topics, like Internet of Things and Big Data, are included and the programme covers the needed general competences, like project management, as well.
Part of the studies are in various kinds of projects to build-up competence in practice for the future work. The students form project teams and the work is coached by experienced teaching staff. The education adheres to national (NQF) and European (EQF) frameworks.
Study topics contain for example
- Programming Languages (C++, Java, Javascript, etc.)
- Web Development (Frontend, Backend, APIs, etc.)
- User Interfaces, Usability and UX
- Software Architectures and Engineering
- Data Analytics and Machine Learning
- Software Projects
See the whole curriculum here.
The duration of the programme is four years. Each school year starts at the end of August or beginning of September and ends in May. The 3-4 month summer break is the time to do the practical training.
The build-up of your skills and competences is around the following annual themes:
During the first academic year, you will build a strong basis for your engineering skills and knowledge by studying mathematics, physics and basics of ICT and programming languages. According to the study plan, you will complete the first practical training after the first academic year.
During the second academic year, you will deepen your engineering skills and knowledge. You will study topics of modern ICT and software engineering. The topics contain, for example, object oriented programming and web technologies. You will also increase your basic engineering knowledge and language skills. According to the study plan, you will complete the second practical training after this academic year.
During the third academic year, you will continue deepening your software engineering skills and knowledge, mostly by studying professional topics and methods of modern software engineering. The topics contain, for example, full-stack development, native development and data analytics. According to the study plan, you will complete the third practical training after this academic year.
During the fourth academic year, you will study professional topics of modern software engineering. You will highly increase your professional software engineering skills and knowledge and gain versatile competence to understand the latest technologies, applications and methods of modern software engineering by making practical professional software projects using the latest DevOps practices. During the fourth academic year, you will compile a Bachelor's thesis to present your competences in the field of software engineering.
Field of specialisation is Software Engineering.
The degree carries a tuition fee of EUR 9 800 / academic year for non-EU/EEA students. Applicants must submit relevant documentation together with their application. If you are unsure about whether you'd be subject to tuition fees, check the 'Am I required to pay tuition fees?' section on the Studyinfo.fi application site.
Scholarships
- 50% Early Bird -scholarship waiver for the first year, if acceptance of offered study place and 50% payment of first year tuition fee is done within 7 days of receiving a Conditional Offer Letter.
- Academic Award -scholarship waivers of 25% and 50% in the following years based on credits gained and Finnish language skills test results.
At the time of graduation, students may be eligible for significant Academic Excellence scholarships. These scholarships are governed by the TAMK's R&D Fund. They can be based on final thesis quality, excellence in project work, exceptional practical training success or other grounds set by the Fund.
The in-class sessions of the courses are mainly during the daytime. The adopted approach is blended learning meaning that there are varying in-class lectures, practical sessions and the students studying on their own outside the classroom. Part of the studies are in different kind of projects in teams with the teaching staff acting as coaches.
The extent of the degree programme is 240 ECTS credits and it takes four years to complete the programme. The study plan of software engineering includes following studies:
- basic studies of engineering mathematics and science
- project and entrepreneur studies
- communication and language skills
- basic studies of ICT engineering
- advanced professional studies of software engineering
- practical training (30 ECTS)
- free-choice studies (15 ECTS)
- Bachelor's thesis (15 ECTS)
See the whole curriculum here.
The aim of the Bachelor's thesis (15 ECTS) is to develop and demonstrate your ability to apply your knowledge and expertise to a task pertaining to your professional studies. The task undertaken has to conform to the needs of working life, and develop professional practices, knowledge and skills.
The growing demand of software engineering specialists opens a vast variety of job opportunities. After graduation, you have the competence to work, for example, as Software Engineer, Software Developer, Software Architect, Software Consultant, Data Engineer, Web Application Developer, Web Programmer and Mobile Application Developer.
As a TAMK student you have the opportunity to complete part of your degree abroad in one of TAMK's partner universities, of which we have over 300 in more than 50 countries. Practical training can also be done anywhere in the world; you are free to arrange your training placements to suit your own international career plans.
As a degree student of TAMK, you have the possibility, when enrolled as present, to select studies also from the curriculum of Tampere University to include in your degree within the framework of your study plan. With these cross-institutional studies and shared projects you can create a personalised study portfolio with extended knowledge and skills. As a student of TAMK, a national study portal provided by the Finnish universities of applied sciences is also open for you.
This Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering) degree gives you general global eligibility for Master's degree programmes in universities offering programmes in ICT engineering.
Hanna Kinnari-Korpela
Below you can find the applications this degree programme is in. Carefully read through the admission criteria in the application that suits you best.
For additional questions on applying, application documents and application process, please contact our Admissions office. For questions regarding the content of the programme, please contact Ms. Hanna Kinnari-Korpela, hanna.kinnari-korpela(at)tuni.fi.
Apply in joint application to higher education
Joint application to Higher Education (Spring 2021)
Application period 7 January - 20 January 2021 3 p.m. (GMT +2)
Admission is made based on entrance examination or SAT or Matriculation Examination. Click to see the admission criteria.
For further information see the website University of Applied Sciences (UAS) Bachelor’s degree > Who can apply?
Language skill requirements
Sufficient English language skills are also required for degree programmes conducted in English. English language skills will be evaluated as part of the admission process.
The 2021 intake for Bachelor of Engineering, Software Engineering is 60.
Please notice, that this admission criteria may still change before the application period begins if the on-site entrance examinations cannot be organised due to the COVID-19 situation.
Intake
| Joint Application: Bachelor of Engineering, Software Engineering | Study places |
|
5 |
|
3 |
|
12 |
|
40 |
| Total intake | 60 |
Applicants are ranked and admitted based on the points of Matriculation Examination, SAT score or entrance examinations.
Paper-based selection by Matriculation Examination
Five subjects are scored in the paper selection based on the Matriculation Examination completed in Finland/IB-/EB-/RP-/DIA diploma. The student’s mother tongue, mathematics and the best-scoring language are all considered for all who has passed the subjects. In addition, the two subjects with the best score (general subjects/language) are considered. For general subjects, only those completed in and after 2006 are considered.
Please note: the applicants who are completing their matriculation examination during the application semester, cannot be selected by this selection method.
Please look for more information about the scoring of Matriculation Examination under the sections Scoring.
Paper-based selection by SAT score
TAMK requires you to take the SAT which includes Reading test, Writing and Language test and Math test. Essay is not required. Please note that SAT Subject Tests are not accepted. Only new SAT tests taken after 1 March 2016 are accepted.
An applicant applying with SAT scores must have both of the following SAT test sections with the following minimum points completed:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing minimum 550 points
- Reading Test
- Writing and Language Test
- Mathematics minimum 550 points
The lowest accepted SAT Test result total is 1100 points. Students are selected in order of points.
Applicants must deliver the SAT score by 10 February 2021. Therefore the SAT should be taken no later than on the December 2020 test date. Registration deadlines can be found from SAT website. The registration closes approximately one month before the test dates: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/dates-deadlines
The SAT score must arrive to TAMK Admissions Office directly from the College Board. Fill in the institution code 6960 when registering for SAT test. It is possible to order score reports at any time after the test through online account. More information can be found on https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/scores/sending-scores
Entrance examinations
The applicants are invited to the examination. Invitations to the examination are sent to the e-mail address given on the application form. Applicant may participate in more than one exam.
Please look for more information about the entrance exams under the sections Entrance Examinations.
Selection between applicants with equal points
If the admission points are still at a tie after ranking applicants based on the mentioned criteria, the application system will automatically draw the order.
Paper-based selection by Matriculation Examination
Five subjects are scored in the paper selection based on the Matriculation Examination completed in Finland. The student’s mother tongue, mathematics and the best-scoring language are all considered for all who has passed the subjects. In addition, the two subjects with the best score (general subjects/language) are considered (Table 1). For general subjects, only those completed in and after 2006 are considered.
Please note: the applicants who are completing their matriculation examination during the application semester, cannot be selected by this selection method.
Table 1. Scoring of the Matriculation Examination
Maximum score 198 points.
|
SUBJECT |
SUBJECT / LEVEL |
L |
E |
M |
C |
B |
A |
|
Mother tongue 1) |
|
46 |
41 |
34 |
26 |
18 |
10 |
|
Mathematics |
advanced |
46 |
43 |
40 |
35 |
27 |
19 |
|
basic |
40 |
35 |
27 |
19 |
13 |
6 |
|
|
Language 2) |
advanced |
46 |
41 |
34 |
26 |
18 |
10 |
|
intermediate |
38 |
34 |
26 |
18 |
12 |
5 |
|
|
basic |
30 |
27 |
21 |
15 |
9 |
3 |
|
|
Best of general subject tests/Language 3) |
Physics |
30 |
27 |
21 |
15 |
9 |
3 |
|
Chemistry |
30 |
27 |
21 |
15 |
9 |
3 |
|
|
Biology |
30 |
27 |
21 |
15 |
9 |
3 |
|
|
Geography |
30 |
27 |
21 |
15 |
9 |
3 |
|
|
Health education |
30 |
27 |
21 |
15 |
9 |
3 |
|
|
Psychology |
30 |
27 |
21 |
15 |
9 |
3 |
|
|
Philosophy |
30 |
27 |
21 |
15 |
9 |
3 |
|
|
History |
30 |
27 |
21 |
15 |
9 |
3 |
|
|
Social studies |
30 |
27 |
21 |
15 |
9 |
3 |
|
|
Religion / ethics |
30 |
27 |
21 |
15 |
9 |
3 |
|
|
Language |
30 |
27 |
21 |
15 |
9 |
3 |
1 The mother tongue considered include Finnish, Swedish, Sami, Finnish as the second language and Swedish as the second language
2 The grade providing the highest score is considered
3 Two grades providing the highest score are considered
L = laudatur, E = eximia cum laude approbatur, M = Magna cum laude approbatur, C = Cum laude approbatur, B = Lubenter approbatur, A = approbatur
The scoring tables of the International matriculation examinations: International Baccalaureate (IB), European Baccalaureate (EB) and Reifeprüfung/Deutsche Internationale Abitur Diploma completed in Finland (RP/DIA). The Reifeprüfung/Deutsche Internationale Abitur Diploma completed outside of Finland cannot be taken into consideration via paper-based selection.
Rules on identical scores
Where the total score of five substances is the same for two or several applicants, the ranking of the applicants shall be determined in accordance with the following rules on identical scores:
- Matriculation Examination grades:
I. Mother tongue
II. Mathematics
III. Language
For instance, if two applicants have received 100 points and both have the same order of preference, the applicant whose mother tongue grade is better will be selected. If both applicants have the same grade for their mother tongue, the next subject determined on the list will be examined.
Subject requirements
A degree programme may decide a requirement for a specific subject and/or grade which the applicant must meet in order to be selected in the paper-based selection.
TAMK’s subject reguirements
- Environmental Engineering programme requires all applicants who will be admitted by paper-based selection, to have a passing grade in English and Mathematics (all level syllabuses).
- Nursing programme requires all applicants who will be admitted by paper-based selection, to have a passing grade in English and Finnish (all level syllabuses).
- Software Engineering programme requires all applicants who will be admitted by paper-based selection, to have a passing grade in English and Mathematics (all level syllabuses).
Online entrance examination
All applicants will be invited to participate in the entrance examination. The invitations to the online exam are sent to the email address given on the application form by the beginning of February. Best-performing applicants will be invited to the online interviews.
The exam will consist of two phases 1) online exam and 2) online interview.
- The online exam (mathematics, physics/chemistry + motivation)
- The online exam is held on 3 February 2021.
- Points awarded max 70 p, minimum requirement 20 p.
- Best applicants will be invited to an online interview based on the points from the online exam.
- The online interview
- Online interviews are held on 15-19 March 2021.
- Points awarded max 30 p, minimum requirement 10 p.
For the online exam you will need a computer with a camera and an internet connection.
FINNIPS online entrance examination
Entrance examinations outside of Finland have been organised via FINNIPS network. However the network has decided to change the on-site entrance exams outside of Finland to online entrance examination in 2021.
All applicants will be invited to participate in the entrance examination. The invitations to the written part of the exam are sent to the email address given on the application form at the beginning of February. Applicants passing the written part will be invited to the group discussions.
Structure
- Part 1: Written part
- The written part of the online exam is held on 10 February 2021.
- Mathematics, logical deduction, Physics, Chemistry and learning prerequisites (minimum 10 out of 40 points is required). Of Physics and Chemistry, you can choose which questions to answer.
- Part 2: Spoken part
- Group discussion after the written exam during the weeks 9-10 in 2021 (min. 5/ max. 10 points).
- Only applicants that have reached the minimum points in written part 1 will be invited to the group discussion part of the exam.
- The applicants must pass both parts of the examination in order to be selected for admission.
- Applicants must score at least 15 points in the entrance examination (max. 50 points).
For the online exam you will need a computer with a camera and an internet connection.
Entrance examination cooperation
Universities of applied sciences organise entrance exams in cooperation. Degree programmes belonging to the same entrance exam group accept entrance exams completed in the other universities of applied sciences. TAMK's Software Engineering participates in national entrance examination cooperations (all except exam held in Finland). Lists of universities of applied sciences involved in the cooperations for entrance examinations can be found from here.
If you have special needs which should be considered when arranging your online interview/entrance exam, please fill out the application form and deliver it with the other required enclosures to TAMK Admissions Office by 27 January 2021 (3 pm Finnish time).
You need to describe your special needs and the grounds for special arrangements in the application. Please enclose any relevant copies (e.g. medical certificate).
Application form (opens in December)
If you do not deliver the application in time, TAMK has no obligation to make any special arrangements. If the need for special arrangements arises or is discovered between the end of the application period (20 January 2021) and the online interview/entrance exam, you must deliver the special arrangement application without a delay to TAMK Admissions Office.
The special arrangement decision only applies to one application round.
Application step-by-step
- Check your eligibility for the degree programme of your choice.
- Apply via Studyinfo.fi portal during 7 - 20 January 2021 (3 pm Finnish time).
- Upload the requested attachments to your application form
- Take part in the entrance exam.
- Accept the offered study place.
- Join the TAMK community!
Online application
The electronic application form is available during the application period 7 - 20 January 2021 (3 pm Finnish time) in the Finnish national application portal Studyinfo.fi.
Note that your e-mail address is only valid for filling out one application. You cannot fill out additional applications with one e-mail address.
Scholarships
Non-EU/EEA citizens: If you wish to qualify for the Early Bird -scholarship at TAMK, you must accept the offered study place within 7 days from the time that student selection result is published. Please see more about tuition fees and scholarships.
One study place
Please notice, that you can only accept one study place among Bachelor's/Master's degrees in Finland starting during the same academic semester (1 Aug-31 Dec/1 Jan-31 Jul). Even if you register as absent or quit your studies, you cannot accept another study place during the same academic semester.
The confirmation of study place is binding and it cannot be changed afterwards.
Application documents
A degree completed outside of Finland
You have to upload the required certificate copies on your application form by 27 January 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time at the latest. If your original degree certificate is in a language other than Finnish, Swedish or English, you also have to upload a copy of its authorised translation. The authorised translation has to be in Finnish, Swedish or English and it has to include the translator’s signature and stamp.
International matriculation examination (IB, EB, RP/DIA)
You have to upload the diploma and the official translation (RP/DIA) copies on your application form by 27 January 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time at the latest.
Finnish matriculation examination prior to 1990
You have to upload the matriculation examination certificate on your application form by 27 January 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time at the latest.
Graduates of spring 2021
You have to upload a stamped and signed document from your school stating that you are graduating by the end of the academic year on your application form by 27 January 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time at the latest. If you are applying with IB/EB/DIA diploma and graduating during the academic year 2020-2021, submit a Predicted Grades or equivalent by 7 April 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time at the latest to the highest study option's UAS' Admissions Office. If your original document is in a language other than Finnish, Swedish or English, you also have to send a copy of its certified translation. The translation has to be in Finnish, Swedish or English and it has to include the translator’s signature and stamp.
If you are applying with other than above-mentioned degree, you don’t have to send certificate copies during the application period.
The certificate copies are checked from those who are accepted as students and the final certificate copies (Transcript of Grades for those completing IB diploma) have to be sent by 16 July 2021.
Document proving exemption of tuition fee
Applicants must upload a copy of one of the following documents to establish their citizenship and/or residence status on their application form (excl. Finnish citizens). This pertains to the legislation on tuition fees for those accepted students who are not citizens of countries of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland or holders of certain residence status in Finland. In case you hold a residence permit, upload that copy instead of passport copy, as it will also exempt you from payment of tuition fees.
You must upload the copy on your application form by 27 January 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time at the latest.
All submitted documents must be ones carrying a photograph, so they can also be used to establish identity. The copy must be fully legible and the photo must be identifiable.
Indicate which document you are referring to:
- Passport ID page or ID card of EU/EEA/Switzerland which states citizenship
- Passport ID page (all other citizenships)
- EU Blue Card
- EU Family Member's Residence Card in Finland
- Type A permit (continuous residence permit in Finland)
- Type P permit (permanent residence permit in Finland)
- Type P-EU permit (EU residence permit for third-country citizens with long-term residence in Finland)
The Finnish citizenship can be checked from the register.
SAT score report
If you are applying with the SAT score, your SAT score must be delivered to TAMK Admissions Office by 10 Febuary 2021. Therefore the SAT should be taken no later than on the December 2020 test date.
The SAT score must be sent to TAMK UAS Admissions Office directly from the College Board. Please fill in the institution code 6960 when you register for the SAT.
You can also order score reports at any time after your test through your online account. More information can be found on https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/scores/sending-scores
TAMK's Bachelor degree: school certificate copies of admitted applicants
All admitted applicants (regardless of the country of the educational background) have to upload the school certificate copies on the application form by 16 July 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time at the latest.
This does not concern academic year 2020-2021 graduates, whose final diploma cannot be submitted by the given deadline. These applicants can be given another deadline by request. However, academic year 2020-2021 graduates have to submit a document from the educational institution/instant in question stating that the applicant has graduated/passed the final exams by 16 July 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time at the latest. Student selection is conditional until TAMK has checked the admitted students’ original final school certificates. TAMK may withdraw the admission if you do not deliver the certificates by the deadline or if you have given false information.
If your original degree certificate is in a language other than Finnish, Swedish or English, you also have to send a copy of its certified translation. The translation has to be in Finnish, Swedish or English and it has to include the translator’s signature and stamp.
Results
Results for the August 2021 intake will be published in March 2021 at the earliest and on 4 June 2021 at the latest.
All applicants
- See their results by logging into Studyinfo.fi portal
- Receive an e-mail/a letter stating their result and points
- Admitted applicants receive also a notice of admittance by e-mail
Confirm the offered study place in time
Admitted applicants must confirm their study place by 16 July 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time at the latest by logging into Studyinfo.fi portal. If the confirmation has not been done by the set date and time, the applicant will lose the offered study place.
Non-EU/EEA students: To qualify for the Early Bird -scholarship you must accept the offered study place within 7 days!
Confirmation of the study place is binding and cannot be altered or cancelled.
If you are admitted later from the waiting list, you have 10 days to confirm your study place. Please read your e-mail regularly in order to receive the possible admittance e-mail in time. The final day of admittance of new students is 2 August 2021.
Original certificates
The original certificates will be checked at the beginning of the studies. Student admission is conditional until TAMK has checked the admitted students' original school certificates at the beginning of the studies.
Original certificate delivery instructions are given in the admission letter. TAMK may withdraw the admission if you do not deliver the original certificates by the set date or if you have given false information.
One study place
You can only accept one study place among Bachelor's/Master's degrees in Finland starting during the same academic semester (1 Aug-31 Dec/1 Jan-31 Jul). Even if you register as absent or quit your studies, you cannot accept another study place during the same academic semester.
Enroll for studies
When accepting the study place, you also have to register as present or absent for your studies at TAMK on the Studyinfo.fi portal.
According to Finnish legislation, first-year student may register as absent for the first academic year for the following reasons only:
- Finnish military service under the Conscription Act (1438/2007), Non-Military Service Act (1446/2007), or Act on Women's Voluntary Military Service (194/1995);
- maternity, paternity or parental leave;
- the student cannot begin studies due to being incapacitated by personal illness or injury.
If you register as absent, you must prove the legal grounds for your absence. TAMK requires you to present these documents by 16 July 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time. Documents must be delivered to TAMK Admissions Office.
If you register as absent in your first academic year, but fail to deliver sufficient clarification regarding the grounds for your absence within the deadline, you will lose your right to study.
Appeals
If you believe that there has been a mistake in the student selection or the set admission criteria have not been applied correctly, you can submit a written request for rectification of the student selection decision addressed to TAMK Board of Examiners within 14 days after the student selection results have been published.
Always check the admission criteria of the programme first and contact TAMK Admissions Office before writing the request. If the issue cannot be solved by the admissions officials, you are advised to submit a written request for rectification.
Form and content of request for an administrative review:
The document requesting an administrative review shall indicate the particular decision for which the review is requested, the amendment that is being sought in the review requested and the grounds for requesting the review. (Administrative Procedure Act, Section 49d)