National Defence University

The National Defence University (NDU; Finnish: Maanpuolustuskorkeakoulu, MPKK) is a military tertiary education institution that forms part of the Finnish Defence Forces. Its main campus is located on Santahamina island in Helsinki, Finland. The university's mission is to produce highly educated officers for the Defence Forces and the Border Guard, combining academic and vocational education. Research is a top priority; teaching draws upon the latest research in military science. The NDU is divided into departments including the Department of Warfare, Department of Military Technology, and Department of Leadership and Military Pedagogy. Degree programmes include the Bachelor of Military Sciences (180 ECTS + 30 ECTS professional studies, 3 years), Master of Military Sciences (120 ECTS, 2 years), and Doctor of Military Sciences. The university also provides continuing education and hosts the Finnish Defence Forces International Centre (FINCENT) for crisis management training. The NDU passed the Higher Education Assessment Council audit in June 2023, valid for six years.