Greater choice of language studies for students – four universities in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area open up language provision

Established in 2025, the Network for Language Centre Pedagogy, Teaching and Research (KiePe) opens up language study provision to staff and students at universities in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. The network’s members are the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, the University of the Arts Helsinki and Hanken School of Economics. The collaboration allows students at each member university to select from language courses available at the other member universities. It will broaden students’ learning opportunities by offering greater flexibility in how and when they study. It will also expand language provision across the network, with many universities introducing new languages to their course offerings.

In an age of rapid advancement in language technology, the significance of human interaction and broad, critical language skills is coming sharply into focus. Study formats and methods must adapt to reflect an evolving environment. The network launches its pilot collaboration this year. Students will be able to take language courses at the member universities from autumn 2026, and by autumn 2028, harmonised study pathways will be in place to further support cross-institutional study. 

In addition, the network will provide language training for university staff. Work is also under way to establish a shared inter-university pool of hourly paid teachers and supply staff. This will support both employee availability and access to employment. The University of Helsinki is responsible for coordinating network operations, staff training and course design, with Aalto University taking charge of the pool.  

“Closer collaboration furthers the objectives of the national higher education strategy, boosts the impact and flexibility of language learning, and helps meet the need to strengthen language capacity in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area," says Kai Nordlund, the University of Helsinki's Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Chair of the network’s steering group. 

Towards flexible and accessible cross-institutional study 

The collaboration will substantially broaden the language learning opportunities available to students. In practice, this means being able to choose from courses on offer at other member universities, selecting those that best fit their schedules and personal circumstances. 

To make student mobility as smooth as possible, the network will examine university curricula and, where needed, undertake a measured degree of harmonisation and consolidation. The focus is on identifying and removing barriers to mobility and ensuring that cross-institutional study is as straightforward as possible. 

Attention will also be given to improving student communications, ensuring clarity and consistency. At the same time, a founding principle of the network is that each participating university maintains its own strengths and individual character. Studying languages across institutions also gives students the opportunity to experience other universities and expand their learning environment. Provision covers both onsite and online courses, available on either a flexible or set timetable. 

Further information:
Mari Maunula, Director, Language Centre at Aalto University