Circular economy as a societal change, MOOC, autumn 2026
- 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%)
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.