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Circular economy as a societal change, MOOC, autumn 2026

Open university
Credits:
3 ECTS credits
Location:
-
Continuous learning category:
Law and society, Environmental and natural sciences
Teaching format:
Independent learning, Online teaching
Price:
60 € (VAT 0%)
Jatkuva oppiminen verkkosivut

Course content: The course studies circular economy as a societal change, that touches many aspects of life. Both social, political and judicial preconditions of the circular economy are examined. The course is multidisciplinary and provides perspectives to circular economy through environmental policy, environmental law and geography. The different sections of the course examine of the objectives related to circular economy from the perspective of different actors, industries, social responsibility and legislation.

The main themes discussed on the course include inter alia:

  • Circular economy solutions to the challenge of natural resources overconsumption
  • The societal change required by circular economy and steering of the change
  • The social and cultural dimensions of circular economy
  • Circular economy as a regional phenomenon
  • Circular economy through topical example sectors

Learning outcomes: After completing the course, the student

  • can analyze circular economy from a social scientific perspective
  • can apply the concepts and theories used in social scientific research into circular economy
  • understands the premises of circular economy and the different dimensions and actors of the societal transition related to circular economy

After completing the MOOC-course students have an opportunity to add to their knowledge with an essay, 2 ECTS credits.

Target group: Anyone interested in circular economy or environmental policy. The course is open to all students, regardless of previous studies or background.

Modes of study: The course is an online course. Completing the course requires passing the assignments given during the course. The assignments are related to the different sections of the course and are completed independently. The course materials include the online course materials and other materials given at the course platform.

Teaching methods: Online studies on DigiCampus

Teacher: Jukka Sihvonen, Rauno Sairinen

The time to study this course is limited, from Sep 28th to Nov 22nd, 2026. The course proceeds according to schedule and students must return assignments at regular intervals. Students must register to the DigiCampus online platform no later than the first week of the course. More information, the description and timelines of the course can be found from the Peppi study guide. In their studies, open university students must adhere to the same schedules and study modes as degree students.

#AYmaantiede-ympäristöpolitiikka

Study units cost 20 € / ECTS credit. This price holds for the academic year 2026-2027.
For more information on study fees and payment and cancellation terms, please see: Registration, study fees and right to study | University of Eastern Finland (uef.fi).

Right to study will cover the lessons and exams.

Fees for purchasing/lending literature are not included in the study fee. 

If you cannot identify yourself via the Suomi.fi service but are able to pay using one of the following methods: Google Pay or Apple Pay, Visa or MasterCard, please register in the online service (choose ‘Skip identification’). Otherwise, contact the student affairs secretary (contact details below). Be prepared to verify your identity with an official ID after registration. 

If your employer is paying the course fee and you do not have access to a company credit card, contact the student affairs secretary before registering. You can find the contact details at the bottom of the page. 

Irrespective of time
2 kuukautta
Finnish
English

Register for studies

The registration is binding. Please read the Open University payment and cancellation terms before registering.

If you cannot identify yourself via the Suomi.fi service but are able to pay using one of the following methods: Google Pay or Apple Pay, Visa or MasterCard, please register in the online service (choose ‘Skip identification’). Otherwise, contact the student affairs secretary (contact details below). Be prepared to verify your identity with an official ID after registration. 

Registration online:

  1. Go to the registration service using the button on this page. You will see information about the course, which you can review before registering. Add the course to your study cart. You can also add other courses to the cart before proceeding. 
  2. Log in via the Suomi.fi service (without Finnish identification methods, choose 'skip identification'), fill in your personal details on the registration form, and confirm your registration. Pay for the studies at the time of registration.
  3. Processing the registration usually takes 2–5 business days, and at most 10 business days. After processing, you will receive an email with a link to the instructions for starting your studies. The message will include a link to our beginning instructions page where you can find all instructions on how to get started. Please read the beginning instructions carefully.

UEF username 

  • If you are studying at the University of Eastern Finland for the first time, you will receive separate instructions on how to activate your UEF username. 
  • If you already have a UEF username, change your password. 

Your username will receive the necessary access rights once your study right begins. 

Didn’t receive the message? Check your email’s spam folder. If the message is not there, contact the Open University: [email protected].

 

If your employer is paying the course fee and you do not have access to a company credit card, contact the student affairs secretary before registering. You can find the contact details at the bottom of the page. 

Registration starts:
2026-08-06 09:00
Registration ends:
2026-09-23 23:59