Open University: Basic Studies in Social Sciences 2026-2027
- Credits:
- 25 ECTS credits
- Location:
- -
- Continuous learning category:
- Law and society
- Teaching format:
- Independent learning
- Price:
- 375 € (VAT 0%)
ONLINE STUDIES!
Enrollment for the 2025–2026 academic year has ended.
Enrollment for the 2026–2027 academic year begins on August 6, 2026.
Social Sciences Studies at the Open University
Studies in Social Sciences consist of sociology and social and public policy, as well as social scientific thinking. The module provides students with a basic understanding of society as an object of enquiry, the materialization of social structures in everyday life, and public policy in the context of a welfare state. Upon completion, students will be familiar with key theoretical approaches in the social sciences and will understand their role in analyzing society. They will also gain experience in reading social science research texts.
Social science knowledge and understanding can be applied and used effectively across a wide range of fields in working life. The studies are well suited as continuing education for professionals and as a minor subject in many different degree programs. They also provide an open university pathway to becoming a degree student at UEF.
At the Open University, students can complete the 25 ECTS Basic Studies in Social Sciences module, as well as individual courses. The studies are offered online as self-study courses, allowing them to be completed from any location.
This study module is part of our Bachelor's Degree Programme in Social Sciences.
Learn more about degree studies in Social Sciences.
Learn more about the Open University pathway to becoming a degree student.
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 basic studies consist of the following courses:
Introduction to Sociology 5 ECTS (autumn 2026)
Introduction to Social and Public policy 5 ECTS (autumn 2026)
Contemporary social sciences 5 ECTS (autumn 2026)
Society in me and us 5 ECTS (spring 2027)
What is Society? 5 ECTS (spring 2027)
*Click the course name to view more detailed information.
If you are planning to complete the entire study module, we recommend taking the courses in consecutive order.
Study information and guidance
The studies are completed independently as online courses in the Moodle learning environment. Courses are open from 6 August 2026 to 30 April 2027, and each course must be completed during its designated period in either the autumn or spring semester. Please check the course-specific schedule on each course page.
The courses include lecture recordings and written materials. Based on these, students complete various written assignments. It is recommended that you carefully review the detailed completion methods and schedules of the courses during the planning stage of your studies, before enrolling. Studying is independent and requires self-direction, good study skills, and a structured approach.
Your studies are supported in many different ways. The Moodle learning environment for the Basic Studies in Social Sciences provides general guidance for starting your studies and studying social sciences, as well as course-specific information and a news section with updates on current study-related matters. If needed, you can receive help and support with your studies from continuing education specialists, student affairs secretary, study counselors as well as from library and digital services staff.
If you wish, you can book a free guidance appointment where we can plan your studies together. Contact: [email protected]
Getting started with your studies
You can enroll either for the full study module or one course unit at a time (see the section Admission info for more details). Once your enrolment has been processed and you have been granted the study right, you will receive an email with a link to the New Open University Student website.
This page provides instructions for activating your UEF login credentials, setting up your student email, and logging in to the Moodle learning environment for the Basic Studies in Social Sciences.
Please read the instructions on the website carefully and follow them step by step. If you encounter any problems, please contact Open University staff (contact details can be found at the end of this page) or the university’s digital services.
Further instructions for starting your studies are available in the Moodle environment.
Welcome to studying Social Sciences at the Open University of UEF!
The study fee for individual courses is 20 e / ECTS credit and 15€/ECTS credit for study modules. 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).
The length of a study right is determined by the length of the study unit so that it covers all teaching and exams. If the study unit has continuous registration, the study right is from 1.8.2026 to 30.7.2027.
Literature acquisition costs and borrowing fees are not included in the tuition fee.
If your employer is to pay your tuition fee, please contact our Student Affairs Secretary. Contact details below.
Check the registration periods, study schedule, and completion methods for each course separately.
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