Continuous learning and open university teaching

Belongs to themes:

By selecting a degree programme you are able to see the general content as well as the possible degree programme-specific content.

Open university studies offer all learners opportunities to reskill and upskill. Most of the continuous learning options available consist of open university studies (see Continuous learning).   

University of Helsinki strategic objectives: 

  • Knowledge and learning shall be for everyone.
  • The University shall meet changes in professional skills needs in ways other than just degree education.
  • Open university courses shall support degree students in attaining their degrees. Courses shall be available both during the academic year and in the summer. 

Read more about the University of Helsinki’s strategic choices (helsinki.fi). 

Open university courses
How are open university courses organised?
Services for Digital Education and Continuous Learning supports teachers in offering online courses, providing remote teaching and opening up teaching

Open university courses

Open university courses are based on University of Helsinki curricula. Further information can be found at Curricula. Open university courses are subject to the same requirements and assessment criteria as degree studies. There are no age limits, but some restrictions or prerequisites may apply. A fee of €15 per credit is charged for most courses. Students pay this fee when registering. 

As the aim is that students can study flexibly while working, many courses are organised online. This benefits both degree and open university students. In addition, degree programmes offer courses with quotas for open university students.  The open university provision includes studies from all faculties and dozens of degree programmes. Explore the courses on the helsinki.fi website. 

How are open university courses organised?

Faculties and degree programmes are responsible for the provision of open university studies and the allocation of the required resources. The studies are part of the teaching offered by degree programmes and included in their teaching programme design. Read more at Teaching programmes. 

 Studies can be organised, for example, as follows: 

  1. A separate open university course alongside a course for degree students 
  2. A separate open university course with places for degree students free of charge 
  3. A degree course with places for open university students 
  4. A massive open online course (MOOC)  

Why choose option 1: A separate open university course alongside a course for degree students  

  • The demand for open university studies and the planned open university student numbers are so high that a single course cannot accommodate both open university and degree students. 
  • Degree students are offered more flexible course completion options (at their own expense). 
  • Degree and open university students have different needs in terms of course pace and scheduling.  

Why choose option 2: A separate open university course with places for degree students  

  • The teaching programme period includes summer courses (free of charge for degree students). 
  • Bottleneck courses are avoided in degree education. 
  • Some degree students cannot be admitted to a course aimed at them (e.g., because of model schedules changing at the turn of curriculum periods). 
  • Some new degree students have previously completed basic studies and their model schedules require individual solutions. 
  • Degree students can receive quotas free of charge. 

Why choose option 3: Quota for open university students in a degree-programme course  

  • Open university education can be expanded and diversified. 
  • If it is inexpedient to organise a separate open university course (e.g., demand is lower), shared courses enable the provision of the necessary or desired open university studies. 
  • If few degree students are taking a course (e.g., some optional courses), the number of participants required can be ensured by offering places to open university students.   
  • Teachers have given positive feedback on heterogeneous student groups and the benefits of continuous learners’ experience and insights regarding employment and professional needs.   

Read more about practical considerations when opening positions for your own course from a checklist PDF file.

Why choose option 4: A massive open online course (MOOC)

Services for Digital Education and Continuous Learning supports teachers in offering online courses, providing remote teaching and opening up teaching

Services for Digital Education and Continuous Learning supports you in 

  • Seeking and implementing flexible learning solutions 
  • Finding practical solutions for web-based learning (introductory courses, MOOCs, Moodle) ​ 
  • Resolving issues in opening up courses offered by degree programmes

Open university studies are coordinated by education specialists in close collaboration with degree programmes and education planning officers. Contact form.

Further information on remote teaching can also be found at Constructive alignment of teaching and the 10 steps of course design.