Optional studies
By selecting a degree programme you are able to see the general content as well as the possible degree programme-specific content. You do not have to select a degree programme to see the Open University's instructions.
Search for degree programme
When you search for a degree programme by name or by part of the name the options in the list of degree programmes below the search field is narrowed down. After this you have to choose the degree programme from the list.
Bachelor's Programmes
Master's and Licentiate's Programmes
Doctoral Programmes
Specialist training programmes
Instructions
Optional Studies in Agriculture and Forestry
See the optional study modules, which can be taken by students other than those of the programme in question.
Optional studies in Biological and Environmental Sciences
See the optional study modules, which can be taken by students other than those of the programme in question.
Optional Studies in Humanities
A list of optional study modules in the Faculty of Arts offered to students from other degree programmes.
Optional studies in the Faculty of Educational Sciences
See the optional study modules, which can be taken by students other than those of the programme in question.
Optional studies in Law
See the optional study modules, which can be taken by students other than those of the programme in question.
Optional studies in Medicine
See the optional study modules, which can be taken by students other than those of the programme in question.
Optional Studies in Science
See the optional study modules, which can be taken by students other than those of the programme in question.
Optional studies in Social Sciences
See the optional study modules, which can be taken by students other than those of the programme in question.
Optional studies in Theology
See the optional study modules, which can be taken by students other than those of the programme in question.
Optional Studies in Humanities
A list of optional study modules in the Faculty of Arts offered to students from other degree programmes.
Russian, Eastern European and Eurasian studies
The Aleksanteri Institute organises multidisciplinary study programmes, special courses and training on different levels from undergraduate to PhD.
Flexible study right (JOO)
All Finnish universities are part of the Flexible Study Rights Agreement (JOO).
Helsinki Summer School
Helsinki Summer School (HSS) is perfect for you if you wish to earn 5–6 credits during August and attend an international intensive course.
Optional studies at the Open University
The Open University offers courses and study modules that conform to the University of Helsinki degree programmes in almost all of the disciplines represented at the University. The studies are available to all, regardless of age or educational background.
Courses at the Library
Do you want to become more effective in finding books and articles for your seminar thesis? Are you familiar enough with various databases and their search functions? Are you planning on using the RefWorks application to save and organise your references?
Would you like to become a subject teacher?
The Subject Teacher Education Programme in is a one-year (60 ECTS) programme for students willing to qualify as subject teachers.
Language education at the Language Centre
Language skills are an asset on the job market. At the Language Centre, you can study in a flexible way to attain good, diverse language skills.
Finnish for International Students
The Finnish courses by the Languages and Literatures of Finland are for exchange, visiting and international degree students.
Flexible ways for language learning
The Language Centre provides flexibility in language studying by offering courses that can be completed fully or partly independently. In addition, valuable tips for autonomous and flexible language learning can be found on this page.
Language Centre courses suitable for non-Finnish speakers 2021-2022
Below we have listed the Language Centre courses suitable for non-Finnish speakers.
Language Centre Course Assistant Programme for international students
There are course assistants in most of the Language Centre courses.
Language Centre Programmes in Languages as optional studies
You can acquire diverse and profound language proficiency by completing a Language Centre Programme in Language.
ALICE - Academic Language and Intercultural Exchange
The idea of ALICE courses is to provide language learners the opportunity to learn about each other’s language and culture.
Studying after graduation
After graduating from a Bachelor’s programme, you can proceed to one of the assigned Master’s programmes.
Non-degree studies
Most faculties can grant the right to pursue non-degree studies to applicants who are not enrolled as degree students at the University of Helsinki.