History
The Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, in operation for 16 years now, has historical roots of almost 140 years. One of the institutions behind Diak, the Helsinki Deaconess Institute, started deaconess education as early as 1867. In fact, we can consider education in the social sector in Finland to have begun at that point of time.
Education
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak) offers high quality, innovative degree programmes of education and training in diaconia, nursing, sign language interpretation, community interpreting, social services and youth work. Diak emphasises a close relationship to practise and working life. It has five campuses located in different regions of Finland.Diak also offers postgraduate studies in diaconia, health promotion and social services, and carries out research and development work. All Diak units are actively engaged in the specific social and health issues of their own regions.
Research
In the field of international affairs, Diak works in close cooperation with numerous long-term partners in Europe, Asia and Africa. In addition to student and staff exchange and practical placements for students, Diak is actively involved in international research and development projects and in curriculum development cooperation at European level.
Student services
Diak offers the exchange students opportunities for work placements in the fields of nursing and social work. Work placements can be arranged for example in hospitals, health care centers, children’s day care centers and in communal social services. Work placements can be located in any towns in which Diak is represented (Oulu, Pori, Pieksämäki, Järvenpää, Helsinki, Turku) depending on the trainee’s study field and available placements.
Library services
Diak’s information and library service offers up-to-date information on a range of subjects for students, teachers and researchers. We serve customers at campus libraries and online. You don’t have to be a student at Diak to access our services.
Campus life
Diak has campuses around Finland: in Helsinki, Oulu, Pieksämäki, Pori and Turku. Our versatile facilities enable us to deliver blended learning in a flexible manner.