Open University Studies

South Ostrobothnia Folk High School arranges Open University studies that are equivalent to other university studies. They are designed for all interested students regardless of their educational background. All courses and instructors are approved by and meet standard requirements set by Finnish universities and these studies are officially accepted by Finnish universities. Through the Open University you can take courses and programmes that follow requirements for university degrees.

In the Open University the studies are measured in credits. Basic level programmes are 25-30 and Intermediate level programmes 35-50 credits in total. Full-time students can generally complete Basic level programmes in one school year and Intermediate level programmes in 2 school years. Students can choose to study either full-time or part-time at the Open University.

To study at the Open University is for some person a challenge or something done for interest’s sake - many just wish to broaden their own general education. Other people wish to study to achieve professional training – to further their career or to attain professional qualifications. A student can achieve the number of study weeks required to meet the quota to apply to regular universities via the Open University. He/she can later transfer completed courses towards a university degree. One reason people choose to study at the Open University is to diversify their education by linking Open University courses to other programmes of study. Another benefit of studying at Open University is that students can improve their language skills by participating in Open University courses in the English language.

In many Open University courses, multiple method teaching is applied. It emphasises that the student should study in an active and self-directed manner. They can choose to be graded on different study methods and from a variety of learning assignments according to their own situation and interests. Learning assignments are a fundamental part of multiple method teaching. They are written projects that can be completed as independent or group work and they are marked by the corresponding university. The graded assignments with individual feedback will be returned directly to the students. Multiple method teaching demands a great deal of independent study from students. In order to support independent study, we arrange tutor group meetings on campus. In these meetings students receive information and guidance from their own tutor on the issues regarding the course.