The origins of the University in its forerunner, the Civic College founded in 1925 in Helsinki, have endowed it with a singularly clear and extensive mission to serve society. The University of Tampere is Finland's biggest provider of higher education in the field of social sciences and the accompanying administrative sciences. In its teaching and research the University takes a critical approach to phenomena in society. Its experts engage in the societal debate both through their publications and through the mass media; their opinions are sought after and their words carry weight in discussion and decision-making. The University offers a wide range of research and expert services to both private companies and public bodies.

Some 15,500 students are currently pursuing degrees at the University of Tampere. Every year approximately one thousand master's degrees and one hundred doctoral degrees are produced. The personnel number is about 2,000.

The research accomplished at the University of Tampere is scientifically of high quality. It is also nationally and internationally influential and interesting. A characteristic feature of the research is that the phenomena of society, health and well-being are approached from the perspective of numerous research areas.

The University of Tampere is renowned for its high-quality teaching. The University aims to strengthen its profile as an international research university with extensive co-operation networks in teaching and research throughout Europe and beyond. The main forms of internationalisation are mobility of students, researchers and teachers, likewise the master's programmes offered through the medium of English and associated research established in fields in which the University is especially strong.

Mission, profile and values:

The University of Tampere is a culturally-committed higher education institution with the social mission of educating visionaries who understand the world and change it
The profile of the University of Tampere accentuates the university’s multifaceted research and education on society and health.
The basic values of the University are academic freedom, creativity and social responsibility.