HAMK’s new education model in Forssa places cross-disciplinary collaboration at its core – the offering of daytime studies will expand significantly
At Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), a completely new way of delivering higher education studies will be introduced at the Forssa campus in autumn 2027. The new multidisciplinary education model will expand and diversify the higher education offering in the Forssa region. At its core are collaboration, cooperation with companies, and entrepreneurship.
This new way of studying means that students choose their primary degree from a wide range of HAMK programs, but also study as part of a multidisciplinary group. In Forssa, students will have strong opportunities to develop their own business ideas into startups or to complete part of their studies in partner companies in the region. The activities will be led by HAMK Design Factory, whose innovative, cross-disciplinary approach and extensive international network will continue to bring new opportunities to the Forssa campus.
In the future, it will be possible to study a degree at the Forssa campus through daytime studies in the following fields:
- Bachelor of Engineering (UAS), Electrical and Automation Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (UAS), Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (UAS), Information and Communication Technology, Circular Economy
- Bachelor of Engineering (UAS), Bio and Food Engineering
- Bachelor of Business Administration (UAS), Business Administration
Approximately 10–15 students will be admitted to each program. In addition to the new daytime study options, the Forssa campus will continue to offer blended learning programs with a strong online component in sustainable development, social and health care, equine business, and circular economy-focused information and communication technology, which are particularly suited for those studying alongside work.
More detailed descriptions of the new education model’s content and implementation will be published in the autumn. Applications for study places will take place through the joint application process in March 2027, and studies will begin in August 2027.
Pathway studies will be offered to upper secondary students in the Forssa region, providing them with the opportunity to continue their studies at their local higher education institution, HAMK’s Forssa campus, upon successful completion.
Design Factory to lead the education model
The new education model will be led by HAMK Design Factory, which specializes in interdisciplinary product and service development. From the very beginning of their studies, students will work on real challenges and development assignments from companies in the region. At the same time, students become familiar with business operations and learn to collaborate with experts from different fields.
“The Forssa education model is unique. None of the members of the Design Factory Global Network has its own education model that brings together students from different fields under a common umbrella throughout their studies. Students contribute their discipline-specific expertise to company projects, where they work throughout their entire course of study,” says Jari Jussila, Director of HAMK Design Factory.
Students will develop expertise in their own field within small groups while also participating in company projects as part of a broader multidisciplinary team. The teaching team of the education model provides instruction and guidance to students on the Forssa campus. In addition, studies may include laboratory visits and collaborative projects at other HAMK campuses.
Students have the opportunity to develop their own business ideas and companies as part of their studies, all the way to their thesis. HAMK offers a wide range of entrepreneurship studies as well as startup guidance and coaching. In addition, students are supported by a network of regional business and entrepreneurship actors in the Forssa area.
The global Design Factory network, together with the RUN-EU European University, will provide students in the education model with excellent opportunities to build international expertise and careers.
The education model has been developed in collaboration with regional stakeholders
The education model has been developed in collaboration with regional businesses, as well as experts and students from HAMK and the Southwest Häme Municipal Education and Training Consortium.
The aim of the education model is to attract young people pursuing their first higher education degree, support collaboration with companies and stakeholders, and strengthen the positive image of the Forssa region as a place to study.
We encourage companies in the Forssa region to apply to become partner companies in the new education model and to build future collaboration with students. Interested companies can contact the model’s representatives directly.
More information:
Anne-Mari Järvenpää
Principal Research Scientist, tenure track
