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Itä-Suomen Yliopisto

Joensuu, Kuopio

Open university: Introduction to Social and Public Policy, autumn 2026

Open university
Credits:
5 ECTS credits
Location:
-
Continuous learning category:
Law and society
Teaching format:
Independent learning
Price:
100 € (VAT 0%)
Jatkuva oppiminen verkkosivut

ONLINE STUDIES!

This course is a part of the Basic Studies in Social Sciences.

Learning outcomes

The students familiarize themselves with key concepts and debates in social and public policy. Upon the completion of the course, they will understand what public policy is, what kinds of functions are associated with the idea of the welfare state, and how public policy is operationalized within contemporary governance.

Content

Introduction to the field and basic concepts of social and public policy: viewpoints, problems, traditions and future challenges. Welfare states and governance of contemporary society. Examples of policy-making.

Modes of study

The course is a self-study online course in the Moodle learning environment. Online course include lecture recordings and/or written materials. Based on the literature, various written assignments are given.

Schedule

The course is open from 6 August 2026 to 11 December 2026.

Open University registration is available from 6 August 2026 to 1 November 2026 via the UEF website, Opintopolku.fi, and Opin.fi.

Study materials

The course material is available on the Moodle learning environment.

Grading scale

Five step scale

Teaching language

English

Further information

Once you have registered in the studies, you will receive instructions on how to get started. You will be given UEF user credentials, which you can use to log in to the Moodle learning environment. You will find all the necessary instructions in the e-learning environment.

This course is suitable for international students and anyone interested in this topic.

The study fee for individual courses is 20 e/ECTS credit and 15 e/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. 

Irrespective of time

Self-study online course open from 6 August 2026 to 11 December 2026.

English

Register for studies

How to register for Open University Studies 

1. Choose your studies 

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. Identify yourself and pay 

Log in via the Suomi.fi service, fill in your personal details on the registration form, and confirm your registration. Pay for the studies at the time of registration. 

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 you 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. 

Studies paid with a study voucher: the voucher must be activated in the Opin.fi service before registration and payment. 

3. Wait for confirmation and start your studies 

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. Please read the 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. 

 

 

Registration starts:
2026-08-06 09:00
Registration ends:
2026-11-01 23:59
Registration

More information about education

Profile picture: Veera Kiiski

Kiiski, Veera

Continuous Learning Specialist

Centre for Continuous Learning

+358505275907

Profile picture: Maarit Kankaanpää

Kankaanpää, Maarit

Student Affairs Secretary

Centre for Continuous Learning

+358504523886