Turun yliopisto - University of Turku

Research Unit for the Sociology of Education (RUSE) at the University of Turku, Finland is one of the departments of the Faculty of Social Sciences specialised in research and postgraduate education. Research areas include higher education, adult education, educational policy and comparisons of educational systems. Interrelations between education and work, competences and knowing how as well as pragmatism in social sciences are also central research topics. Research at RUSE is characterized by multidisciplinarity and it has often been organized through local, national and international cooperation. One of RUSE's latest interests is the knowledge creation in various networks and the developing of new learning methods.

Quantitative research at RUSE is often based on large register databases and social surveys. RUSE has a unique, large longitudinal database and access to a large European survey database on graduates' careers. For instance, research on equality of educational opportunities based on statistical data covering three decades has been a constant research interest. Qualitative research is also conducted at RUSE, leaning on historical data and document analyses.

RUSE has been active in developing innovative approaches to computational methods such as simulations in order to cross new methodological frontiers and to better meet the needs of evaluation and strategic planning. These experimental approaches support the mutual development of basic and applied research.

RUSE works in close cooperation with the Institutions and Social Mechanisms (IASM) consortium, Master's Degree Programme and IASM Graduate School that has been established at the Faculty of Social Sciences.