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.
Open University programmes
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 Educational Sciences
On this page you will find the optional study modules in the Faculty of Educational Sciences, which can be taken by students other than those of the programme in question.
Optional Studies in Humanities
On this page you will find a list of optional study modules in the Faculty of Arts offered to students from other degree programmes.
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
On this page you will see the optional study modules in Social Sciences, 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.
Studies at the Aleksanteri Institute: Ukraine, Eastern Europe, Eurasia and Russia
The Aleksanteri Institute organises and coordinates multidisciplinary teaching on Ukraine, Eastern Europe, Eurasia and Russia. On this page you will find studies coordinated by the Aleksanteri Institute.
Flexible study right (JOO)
The universities will withdraw from the national Flexible Study Right (JOO) agreement starting from January 1, 2026.
Cross-institutional studies between higher education institutions
You can complete studies at another higher education institution that are offered to students in your degree programme based on a study cooperation agreement. On this page you will find information on cross-institutional studies.
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. On this page you will find information on studies at the Open University as well as registration and course fees.
Courses at the Library
The Helsinki University Library offers courses that help you to develop information seeking and management skills for the requirements of learning and research. On this page you can find information on courses that instruct mainly in English.
Subject Teacher Education Programme in English (STEP)
The Subject Teacher Education Programme (STEP) is a 60 ECTS program designed for students aiming to become qualified subject teachers in Finland. This page provides detailed information about the programme.
Studies in the teaching subject for Subject teachers
Studies in the teaching subject are part of the studies that provide students with the qualification of a subject teacher. On this page you will find a list of studies in teaching subjects offered by the degree programmes of the University of Helsinki by school subject.
Language Centre Programmes in Languages as optional studies
You can acquire diverse and profound language proficiency by completing a Language Centre Programme in Language. On this page you will find information on Language Centre Programmes and their completion.
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. On this page you will find links to help you apply for the right to pursue non-degree studies.