Open uni: Basic Studies in Special Education, 2026-2027
- Credits:
- 25 ECTS credits
- Location:
- -
- Continuous learning category:
- Teaching, education and psychology
- Teaching format:
- Distance teaching, Independent learning, Online teaching
- Price:
- -
Deepen your understanding of individual development and special support needs!
Special education examines the upbringing and education of children, young people, and adults who require support, drawing on high-quality international research. The key topics include the identification and assessment of diverse support needs; the planning and implementation of pedagogical support; supporting the well-being of learners and teachers; and the role of learning and educational environments in relation to diverse learners, individualized learning, growth, and development. The studies introduce students to the special educational foundations of education and teaching, the societal role of special education, its significance from a life-course perspective, and the use of theoretical and research-based knowledge.
The studies are open to anyone interested in these themes, including teachers, counselors, coaches, social workers, or people aspiring for a career in these roles.
Please note that the basic studies in special education do not give official qualification to work as a special education teacher in Finland.
!!!Please note that this page is currently being updated. More information will be added in June.!!!
The basic studies consist of the following courses:
- Introduction to Special Education, 5 ECTS credits (autumn 2026)
- Education and Society, 5 ECTS credits
- Orientation to the areas of special education, 5 ECTS credits
- Individual Development and Pedagogical Support 5 ECTS credits
- Foundations of Special Educational History and Philosophy, 5 ECTS credits
Please note that the course Introduction to Special Education requires attendance in online webinars. Please see the schedules from the course-specific link. The other courses can be completed online at your own pace given the timeframe of the course.
Further information can be found from the course-specific links above or in the Peppi study guide.
Students can complete the courses in any order.
Study methods, schedules and course registration periods can be found on each course page.
For further information, a recorded video about the studies is available on this page.
On this page, you can register to all five courses at once for a total cost of 375€ (15€/ECTS credit point). This registration option is available until 30.9.2026. Alternatively, you may register for one course at a time with a price of 20€/ECTS credit point. Please note that if you already have registered for an individual course, you cannot register for the full study module.
The study right for the study module is valid for the academic year 2026-2027. However, please note that each course has its own schedule and courses are available either in the autumn or spring semester. Please check the individual course schedules before registering.
Join our online info session on 27 August 2026, from 4–5 pm (Finnish time) to learn more about the University of Eastern Finland’s Open University and our wide range of English-language courses. Learn more and register.
The study fee for the full study module is 375€ (15€ per ECTS credit).
The study fee is paid at registration. Please find more information: Registration, study fees and right to study | University of Eastern Finland (uef.fi)
By paying the study fee, the student receives a temporary right to study that entitles them to attend a particular course. The right to study is course-specific, and is required to complete the course as specified in the syllabus for the term, covering both teaching and course exams. If the course is continuously open for registration, the maximum time to complete the course is from 1 August to 31 July for that academic year.
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