Languages, culture and communication courses in period V
Please note that your course registration in Sisu can only be accepted when you add a course to your personal study plan (HOPS) or update the version (Note: if you update the version of a course after you have already registered (enrolled) to participate in it, you will need to re-register for the course).
Communication courses
Intercultural Communication
LC-0610 Intercultural Communication (3 cr) (on Zoom)
Explore key ICC concepts such as culture, stereotyping, intercultural transition, politeness and nonverbal communication, and apply them to real-life situations. Build practical communication skills through interactive lectures and small-group discussions
Communication and social interaction
LC-0225 Negotiation skills (this group in Finnish), 3 cr.
In this course, you’ll learn essential negotiation skills, from preparation to creative problem-solving. Practice negotiating in different environments, develop persuasive argumentation, and learn to steer discussions constructively toward results. The course includes role-play exercises, case studies, and tips for managing challenging situations.
LC-0320 Public speaking skills (this group in Finnish), 3 cr.
Refine your presentation skills on this in-depth presentation skills training. Lots of public speaking exercises from improv to academic presentations and pitching and podcasts.
LC-0520 Impact and argumentation (in English), 2-3 cr.
How to formulate your ideas or thoughts effectively and persuasively or how to prepare for a panel discussion? These and other questions related to argumentation and influencing are discussed in this course, jump in!
See the full course offering here: Communication and Social Interaction | Aalto University
Please note that starting in the fall of 2026, you will also be able to take a minor in Communication and Social Interaction. Read more here: Aalto Communication studies
Written communication in Finnish
LC-7108 Write competently (technology and engineering, business and economics), 2 cr
In the course LC-7108 Write competently students practice academic writing skills in Finnish and acquire skills for writing academic texts as well as other study- and working-life texts. The course is intended for students in business and economics and technology and engineering.
Finnish as Second Language
Finnish conversation courses
Come practise speaking Finnish in a relaxed atmosphere! In the Finnish conversation courses LC-7324 Finnish Conversation 2 (CEFR level A2) and LC-7326 Finnish Conversation 3 (CEFR level A2–B1), we practice a wide range of spoken situations. Registration closes on 13 April 2026.
LC-7010 Finland Studies MOOC
Would you like to learn more about studying at a Finnish university? The LC-7010 Finland Studies MOOC course offers a wide range of perspectives on university studies. Register for the course in Sisu.
Other study options
Kielibuusti's self-study material search allows you to search and filter the materials that suit your level: Find online learning materials | Kielibuusti
The Introductory Finnish self-study course allows you to learn the basics of the Finnish language (no credits): Course: Introductory Finnish - Self-study (aalto.fi)
Please note that starting in the fall of 2026, you will also be able to take Finnish as a Second Language as a minor.
Other foreign languages
At Aalto University, you can study the following foreign languages (also starting from beginner level): Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, French, German, and Russian. The goal is to use these languages in working life and/or during exchange studies; therefore, most languages can be studied up to level B2. Russian is also offered up to level C1. Japanese and Portuguese can be studied up to level A2.
You can choose to study these languages alongside or instead of English. Teaching is provided in small groups, allowing for a high degree of individual guidance. Studies can be started from level 0.
Minor Studies in Foreign Languages
Starting next autumn, students will have the opportunity to complete a minor (15–23/25 ECTS credits) in Spanish, French, German, and Russian. This is an excellent opportunity both for student exchange and for future job prospects. Stand out from the crowd!
You should also explore the KiVANET course offerings.
The KiVANET network provides a wide range of language learning pathways designed according to digital pedagogy, from level A1 to C1. The courses are offered free of charge to students at higher education institutions participating in the network. Through KiVANET, students can also find languages that are not offered at Aalto, such as Korean or Hungarian
Cooperation Between Universities in the Capital Region
Starting next autumn, fixed study places will be opened in language courses offered by universities in the capital region. This means that Aalto students can study languages at Hanken, the University of the Arts Helsinki, or the University of Helsinki, and students from these universities can participate in Aalto’s language courses.
Language Courses Offered at Aalto:
Spanish
With over 400 million speakers, Spanish is the fourth most spoken language in the world. It is the second most studied foreign language in the world after English.
Click the language name and browse the course offerings
Japanese
Japan is Finland’s second-most important trade partner in Asia. The key to this country—often thought of as foreign, distant, and challenging—is the Japanese language. As Japanese people are not always fluent in English, knowledge of Japanese is essential for succeeding in the Japanese market. Language proficiency is also crucial in developing and participating in Finnish–Japanese collaboration in the sectors of higher education, science and technology.
Click the language name and browse the course offerings
Chinese
China is a key market for Finnish business, and Chinese businesses are continually expanding their operations in Finland. Leading companies of different fields are looking to recruit employees with knowledge of Chinese language and culture. Persons with proficiency in Chinese have good opportunities for employment in business life.
Click the language name and browse the course offerings
French
Although English has undoubtedly become the most common lingua franca in the world, French with its 200 million speakers remains strong in international contexts.
Click the language name and browse the course offerings
German
German is spoken natively by over 100 million Europeans and is traditionally a leading language for technology, art and economic life.
Click the language name and browse the course offerings
Russian
All Russian courses are held in a hybrid format.
A knowledge of the Russian language has many benefits. It also makes it easier to understand and study other Slavic languages. A command of Russian facilitates communication in countries where Russian is an official language. Russian also serves as a lingua franca for many people in Eastern European countries, for example.
Click the language name and browse the course offerings
English and Swedish studies
English
Registration for summer courses is open 4.5-10.6.2026
Summer courses for bachelor's students
LC-1110 Online writing skills for engineers 1 (w) (1 cr) 27.7.-28.8.2026
LC-1112 Online presentation skills for engineers (o) (2 cr) 27.7.-28.8.2026
LC-1114 Communicating Technology (o,w) (3 cr)
Tuesdays 12.30-15.45 on zoom 28.7.-25.8.2026 (H01)
Wednesdays 12.30-15.45 on zoom 29.7.-26.8.2026 (H02)
LCA-1002 Expressing your expertise (o,w) (3 cr) - Avoinna ARTSin kandiopiskeljoille
Courses for Master's stuents in period V - registrations ends 13.4.
LC-1312 Online Academic Presentation Skills for MSc Students (o) (1 cr)
LCA-1020 Academic Communication Skills for ARTS students (o,w) (3 cr)
LCA-1022 Academic Writing (for ARTS thesis writers) (w) (3 cr) (ARTS)
Swedish
If you have Finnish as your mother tongue/school education language you can start by taking an entry-level test to identify the right course and study method for you. You can find the test in MyCourses by using search words "ruotsin lähtötasotesti + ENG, CHEM, ELEC, SCI, ARTS tai BIZ" depending on your field of study.
Basic courses for Finnish-speaking students in period V, spring 2026:
One period course, test result 25+ (courses include the exams required for the degree)
- LC-5410 Svenska inom teknik, for Finnish-speaking technology students
- LCB-5800 Svensk affärskommunikation 1, for Finnish-speaking BIZ-students
- LCA-5703 Vi skriver och talar om konst på svenska, for Finnish-speaking ARTS-students
- LC-5003 Svenska för arbetslivet, for all Finnish-speaking Aalto students.
Other Swedish language courses in period V
- LC-5000 Kommunicera som expert Kursen är avsedd för alla studerande som har svenska som modersmål/skolbildningsspråk vid alla högskolor på Aalto-universitetet. Kursen är även lämplig för tvåspråkiga studerande (finska och svenska) samt för övriga studerande med mycket goda kunskaper i svenska. Kursen (3 sp.) ingår i de obligatoriska språk- och kommunikationsstudierna för konstkandidatexamen.
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Supporting your study wellbeing, April 2026
Aalto offers self-study materials, guidance and services that support student wellbeing. Below you will find more about the services available and links to useful materials.
See your programme's Student Guide pages for 2026–2027, 2027–2028 degree requirements
Check the changes and start planning your studies of the coming academic year! The curriculum information is published for applicants and students for planning the studies and familiarizing with the programmes.