I have never studied at the Open University, but I would like to. What should I do?
The Aalto University Open University is open to anyone regardless of age and educational background. You should start by thinking about your goals: are you planning to take individual courses or complete a study module ?
You can view and filter the Open University course selection from Open University Course List.
There are three terms: autumn (September–December), spring (January–May) and summer (May–August). Each term has a different registration period (starting in August for the autumn term, in November–December for the spring term and in April for the summer term). You may start your studies during any term. You have to register for each course separately, and you can do so until the registration deadline specified in the course description for as long as there is spaces left on the course.
When you decide to start studying at the Aalto University Open University, you should:
- familiarise yourself with the course selection and the prerequisites
- register as a user of the Aimo course registration service
- read through the payment instructions and register for courses in the Aimo service
- get an Aalto IT account
- familiarise yourself with the study and exam practices of the course of your choice and follow the course pages of the course, usually located in the Aalto University MyCourses learning environment;
- after the course, check that your credits have been entered in WebOodi. In WebOodi you can also download the official electronic transcript of records certified by Aalto University. Electronic transcript is a PDF document equipped with a digital signature to confirm its authenticity and integrity. The digital signature replaces handwritten signatures and stamps. The electronic transcript should be a valid alternative in all situations where signed and stamped paper transcripts are used.
- If you don't have a valid Aalto username, you can request a stamped transcript of records of your studies at the open university from the Open University office by filling in the ordering form.
For practical information and tips on studying, it is also worth reading the Aalto University website on general study skills.
I applied to Aalto University by taking an entrance examination this spring, but I wasn’t admitted. How can I further my studies at Open University?
The Open University studies allow you to earn parts of a university degree. You may take individual courses or complete study modules of different subjects.
Credits for open university studies may be transferred to a university degree at a later time by decision of the institution granting the degree.
For example, the field of business allows you to take courses included in the Fundamentals of Business Knowledge module, which is usually taken by the degree students of the Aalto University School of Business on their first year of studies. You can take the courses in any order you wish. You can also take language courses or other courses you would like to include in your future degree. All credits for business courses you have taken at the Aalto University Open University may be transferred to your Bachelor or Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration) if you later gain admission to the Aalto University School of Business as a degree student. For details, please see more in our web pages.
Also those who have pursued studies in the field of technology at the Open University have the possibility to be admitted into an Aalto University degree programme in technology without an entrance examination and regardless of their educational background, provided they meet the requirements of the spring route.
If needed, please contact our student advisors (opintoneuvonta.avoin(at)aalto.fi) to book an appointment for personal study advising.
Where can I find information on the courses offered at the Open University?
For the most up-to-date information on the courses offered each term, please see under Courses list.
Do you have a minimum attendance requirement on lectures?
Basic courses do not necessarily require attendance. Some courses, however, for instance most language courses, do require regular attendance in class or allow very few missed classes. Courses that are based on in-class assignments naturally require attendance; also exercise sessions related to some courses may be compulsory. To make sure you know the requirements, you should always attend the first lecture of any course.
The courses of the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture usually require an 80% attendance rate.
Can I study alongside work?
Yes. The Open University courses are usually organised in the evening (or on weekends), so you can easily attend classes after the workday. In the spring and autumn terms, there are also places offered on courses primarily intended for Aalto University degree students, held on weekdays between 8 am and 8 pm.
How long is a lecture of one hour in reality?
One lecture is 45 minutes.
Do lectures start on the hour, e.g. at 16.00?
The course descriptions of the courses organised by the Open University tell you the actual starting time of the lectures.
You should arrive on the first lecture in good time to hear of any exceptional starting times.
Where can I get advice on my studies?
You can call us during our telephone service hours or e-mail us at avoin(at)aalto.fi, or come to meet us in person during office hours. If you have problems or would like to plan your route to becoming a degree student, you can book an appointment by e-mailing us at opintoneuvonta.avoin(at)aalto.fi.
Are Open University students eligible for student discounts?
Since studying at the Open University is considered part-time studying, our students are not eligible for the state-paid financial aid for students (study grant or student loan) or for any discounts or benefits given to full-time students.
Can I study at Open University without losing my Unemployment Allowance or Labour Market Subsidy?
It is possible to pursue full-time studies without losing the right to unemployment benefits under certain conditions. You must agree on starting studies with your employment and economic development office (TE office) in advance. For details, go to: http://www.te-services.fi/te/en/index.html
I have a disability/health condition restricting my ability to study. What should I do?
If you need specialist support, please contact the Open University office preferably at the start of the course.