Kauno kolegija and TAMK strengthen cooperation: a double degree opportunity in Finland for Social Work students
Internationalisation today is an integral part of higher education. Cooperation with foreign partners expands study opportunities, strengthens academic quality, and enables students to gain international experience. One such opportunity is double degree studies, which allow students to study in different countries and obtain degrees from two institutions.
On 9–11 March 2026, representatives of the Faculty of Arts and Education of Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution visited Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) in Finland: Dean Albertas Juodeika, Vice Dean for Studies Renata Sedliorienė, Head of the Department of Social Work Virginija Kondratavičienė, and Chair of the Social Work Study Field Committee Assoc. Prof. Dr Salomėja Karasevičiūtė. The aim of the visit was to coordinate the implementation of a double degree in the Social Work study programme and to discuss the signing of a cooperation agreement.
TAMK is a strong partner in the UNINOVIS European University Alliance – a modern, open institution that places great emphasis on international cooperation, study quality, and innovation.
Preparation for this partnership had begun earlier. Prior to the visit, several remote meetings took place with colleagues from TAMK. During these meetings, the study content was aligned, and the preparation of the final thesis, recognition of ECTS credits, and compatibility of study subjects were discussed.
During the visit to Finland, meetings were attended by TAMK representatives: Head of Competence for the Social and Health Sector Vesa Swan, International Social Services Coordinator Eeva-Mari Miettinen, and Senior Lecturer and Programme Coordinator Petteri Väkiparta. During the meetings, the study programmes of both institutions were further aligned, and opportunities for student mobility and support, the duration of studies, and funding scholarships were discussed. Discussions were also initiated on the process of preparing the final thesis.
The greatest attention was given to coordinating and signing the double degree agreement. The main requirements for students seeking to obtain a double degree were discussed: academic preparedness, English language level (B2–C1), accumulated ECTS credits without academic debt, and motivation, which is assessed during a motivational interview.
During the visit, representatives of Kauno kolegija also familiarised themselves with TAMK’s study infrastructure. They visited the TAMK FieldLab‘s practical learning spaces, media laboratories, the library, and student self-study and leisure spaces.
Such meetings strengthen institutional partnerships and open up new opportunities for both students and lecturers. Students can study or undertake placements abroad, while lecturers can improve their qualifications in an international academic environment. Moreover, such partnerships promote scientific advancement and create conditions for joint international research, conferences, and projects.
Close cooperation with the UNINOVIS partner TAMK helps to better understand international labour market trends and ensures that social work specialists are trained in accordance with high international standards.
