Accessibility and Diversity in Digital Services – Tampere University’s Pioneering International Master's Programme Launched
To our best knowledge, this is the first master's programme focusing on accessibility in Europe.
Markku Turunen
This program is one of the three specialization options under "Sustainable Societies and Digitalization" Master's Degree programme. Accessibility and Diversity in Digital Services studies is crucial due to the lack of expertise and understanding in this area. The modern world is becoming increasingly digital, and accessibility is critical in ensuring that everyone can participate in society equally. The need for accessibility experts is growing exponentially, and this degree program will address this gap in expertise.
The application process for the newly launched Master’s programme began in December 2023, and the number of applicants exceeded expectations.
– 181 people applied to the program, which is an impressive number for a completely new program!" rejoices Professor of Interactive Technology, Markku Turunen.
– Initially, the programme was designed for 10 students. However, due to its popularity, the number of places was increased, and we accepted 20 new students. The group is international, with most students coming from outside the EU/EEA, including China, the United States, Pakistan, Australia, Germany, and Turkey, explains University Instructor Pauliina Baltzar.
Our goal is to create a truly accessible Master's programme, which practically means that students in different life situations can participate. For this reason, the teaching is also organized to be accessible.
– Our Master’s programme is strongly project-based. In practice, this means that students work on a project related to accessibility throughout their studies, and this project will eventually form their thesis. The project topics have been developed in collaboration with our partners, and we are excited that we have even more eager partners than we have students! Accessibility is clearly attracting a lot of interest now."
– The next application period for the Master's programme begins in December 2024, reminds Turunen
The application period for master’s programmes conducted in English for studies starting in autumn 2025 begins on 11 December 2024 at 8.00 (UTC+2) and ends 3 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC+2).
For more information on the Master's Degree Programme in Accessibility and Diversity in Digital Services, please visit the website.
After completing the Master’s Degree Programme in Accessibility and Diversity in Digital Services students:
Understand what accessibility is and how diverse it is
Have familiarized themselves with people with disabilities
Are aware of different biases concerning disabilities and accessibility
Are able to recognize how to make services and digital society accessible and inclusive
Are able to identify the accessibility needs and problems in different digital services
Are able to communicate inclusively
Are able to use critical and constructive thinking to design, facilitate, and evaluate accessible information, communication, and media services for digital society
Are able to conduct accessibility testing and evaluation
Are able to collaborate with stakeholders
Are able to contribute to the development of new and emerging trends in accessibility
