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Itä-Suomen Yliopisto

Joensuu, Kuopio

Circular economy as a societal change, MOOC, spring 2026

Open university
smart for good
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.

This course is part of the YUFE Skills of the Future Programme.

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

The time to study this course is limited, in the spring semester, from Mar 23rd to May 17th, 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.

This course can also be studied in the spring 2026, you can find it here.

NB! Are you registering for the course through YUFE Skills of the Future Programme? Please, register to the course filling this form.

#AYmaantiede-ympäristöpolitiikka

Study units cost 20 € / ECTS credit. This price holds for the academic year 2025-2026.
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 can’t identify yourself using the Suomi.fi service or your employer pays for your studies, please contact our student affairs secretary; their contact information is below.

Irrespective of time
2 kuukautta
Finnish
English

Register for studies

The registration is binding. 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).

If you cannot use the Suomi.fi service to register, please contact openuniversity@uef.fi for further instructions.

Registration (with Suomi.fi service):

  1. Click the registration button on this page. You will be directed to our registration service where the study unit is already selected. You can add other study units to your study cart before you continuing.
  2. Proceed to identify yourself using the Suomi.fi service, fill in your personal information to the registration form, confirm your registration and pay the study fees.
  3. Your registration will typically be processed in 2-5 working days. During peak registration periods, this may take up to 10 days. After the processing time, you will receive a confirmation of a granted study right. 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.
  4. If you do not have a previous username in our university (UEF username), you will also receive instructions on how to activate your UEF username from the university's user management.

 

If you can’t find these messages, remember to check your email’s trash folder, and if needed, contact us: openuniversity@uef.fi.

 

If your employer will pay your tuition fee, please contact our student affairs secretary. Their contact information can be found below.

NB! Are you registering for the course through YUFE Skills of the Future Programme? Please, register to the course filling this form.

Registration starts:
2025-08-07 09:00
Registration ends:
2026-03-18 23:59
Registration
YUFE: Young Universities for the Future of Europe

More information about education

Profile picture: Sanna Vikla

Vikla, Sanna

Continuous Learning Specialist

Centre for Continuous Learning

+358504666591

Profile picture: Krista Reiman

Reiman, Krista

Student Affairs Secretary

Centre for Continuous Learning

+358504718694