The first double degree students graduate in summer 2024 from the Brno University of Technology (BUT) – Tampere University cooperation programme
All the graduates are students from Brno University of Technology who have studied in Tampere. They had the option to choose courses from the Advanced Studies in Communications and Networking curriculum.
Mikko Valkama, Head of the Electrical Engineering Unit, highlighted the high motivation levels of students in the programme.
– The students who have come through this program have been highly motivated. No major issues have arisen, but we aim to streamline the processes further. We also need to improve the visibility and marketing of this opportunity so that students in Tampere will notice the chance to study in Brno. This pioneering program offers students a unique opportunity to study and complete courses at two different universities, which will benefit their academic and professional lives.
Also Professor Sergey Andreev is pleased with the results of the twin-degree cooperation.
– Their feedback made me believe that they will benefit from personalised courses at both BUT and TAU, whose curricula complement each other.
- It was also great to see that some of DD's dissertations also attracted the attention of companies as commissioned work.
Student Experiences
We asked the graduates for comments about their studies. The students have been satisfied with the double degree program. The DD programme has significantly contributed to students' professional and personal growth.
The main reasons given by students for applying to the programme were the teaching in English, the suitability of the programme to their academic interests and the opportunity to study abroad and experience new cultures. The competitive advantage offered by a double degree in the labour market was also a major motivating factor.
– My experience with the double degree programme has been very positive. Initially, I was slightly nervous about the transition, but now, nearing the end of my studies, I can confidently say that it was an excellent decision. I'm very glad I enrolled in the programme, as it gave me the opportunity to study at two different universities and experience diverse educational environments.
– It was a very pleasing experience, particularly traveling to a different country and experiencing a new school system together with culture. Also learning fully in English was valuable experience.
– I would definitely describe my experience as positive overall, even though at the beginning I was a little uncertain as to what I should expect.
I wanted to study the master’s programme in English and visit another country for my studies. Also another reason was to obtain 2 diplomas, which is very good for my future job I believe.
According to students, the dual degree programme has improved their problem-solving and communication skills and provided valuable experience in an international environment. They have learned how to manage migration and financial support, which has been invaluable.
Through this double degree programme, I have significantly improved my problem-solving and communication skills. The necessity to communicate and coordinate with two universities put me in situations requiring timely and effective problem resolution. Additionally, managing the logistics of relocating and securing financial support, such as through Erasmus, has been invaluable.”
“Through this double degree programme, I have significantly improved my problem-solving and communication skills. The necessity to communicate and coordinate with two universities put me in situations requiring timely and effective problem resolution. Additionally, managing the logistics of relocating and securing financial support, such as through Erasmus, has been invaluable.”
Students have been quite satisfied with their studies at Tampere Univeristy. They have appreciated the organisation of courses, the quality of teaching and the support of professors. The leisure facilities offered by the city and the new teaching methods have also made studying enjoyable.
– Studying at Tampere University has been an outstanding experience. The organization of courses, quality of teaching, and supportiveness of professors made my time enjoyable and engaging. Exploring the city of Tampere was a passion of mine, contributing significantly to the memorable experience.
– It was a great experience. I’ve seen beautiful nature, met new people, and encountered new teaching approaches with which I was extremely satisfied with.
– I would say that my study time in Tampere was amazing, once I got used to a different environment.
Challenges
However, some challenges were noted, particularly due to the programme's relative newness. Students mentioned difficulties in selecting appropriate subjects and inconsistencies in curriculum scheduling between BUT and TAU. Despite these hurdles, students remained optimistic about the programme's future improvements.
– It was quite confusing for a while to select appropriate subjects that were supposed to be acknowledged at BUT.
– There were quite a number of inconsistencies in the curriculum scheduling on the Tampere side and the BUT side. I think that this is definitely something to work on.
Advice for Future Students
Don't hesitate; you won't regret the decision. The double degree programme offers a totally different life experience in another country and is highly rewarding both academically and personally," advised one student.
Students strongly recommend applying for a double degree programme. They urge prospective students to be open to studying abroad, to find out how things work at both universities and to be open to communicating a lot.
More information:
Academic Officer Anna-Mari Viitala, Tampere University
Education Specialist Teija Tatti, Tampere University
Professor Mikko Valkama,
Head of Electrical Engineering Unit, Tampere University
Professor Sergey Andreev,
Electrical Engineering Unit, Tampere University
Professor Evgeny Kucheryavy,
Electrical Engineering Unit, Tampere University
