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 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 the Faculty of 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 Law
See the optional study modules, which can be taken by students other than those of the programme in question.
Optional studies in the Faculty of 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.
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.
Ukraine, Eastern Europe, Eurasia and Russia
The Aleksanteri Institute organises and coordinates multidisciplinary teaching on Ukraine, Eastern Europe, Eurasia and Russia. You gain valuable insights into the region's history, culture, politics and societies.
The following studies are coordinated by the Aleksanteri Institute:
Flexible study right (JOO)
All Finnish universities are part of the Flexible Study Rights Agreement (JOO). On this page you will find information on the supporting criteria and the application to JOO 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. The studies are available to all, regardless of age or educational background.
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 in is a one-year (60 ECTS) programme for students aiming to qualify as subject teachers.
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.
Languages and courses at the Language Centre
At the Language Centre, you can study in a flexible way to attain good, diverse language skills. This page provides you information on the languages and courses at the Language Centre.
Finnish for International Students
The Finnish courses offered by the Department of Finno-Ugrian and Scandinavian Studies are for international degree, exchange and visiting students. On this page you will find information on Finnish for international students as well as frequently asked questions.
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 2023-2024
On this page you can find the Language Centre courses suitable for non-Finnish speakers.
Language Centre Course Assistant Programme for international students
The idea of the Course Assistant Programme is to invite students to support fellow students in language learning. This page explains who can apply and what it means in practice to take part in the programme.
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.
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. Read more about the courses on this page.
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. On this page you will find links to help you apply for the right to pursue non-degree studies.