Course

Published 12.9.2025

(Updated 10.4.2026)

University of Helsinki

Sustainability course

26.11.2025 - 31.7.2026

3 cr

Registration open

Online

Other studies

The Sustainability Course consists of modules. The first two modules are compulsory for all students taking the course.

Module 1: INTRODUCTION: Sustainability as a concept, the complexity of sustainability issues and a systemic approach

Module 2: SOLUTIONS: Solutions to sustainability issues: the role of students in solving sustainability issues as future specialists, actors and members of society

Students will explore all of the thematic modules A–F in brief and will select one of them for further study. The thematic modules examine sustainability challenges associated with the theme, observations of ongoing changes, processes or phenomena underlying the changes, and solutions to these sustainability challenges.

The thematic modules are:

A: Global environmental commons
B: Human wellbeing and capabilities
C: Sustainable and just economies
D: Sustainable food systems and healthy nutrition
E: Climate change and just energy transitions
F: Urban and peri-urban development

During the course, students complete a final assignment based on a solution to a sustainability challenge.

Contains

Check the institution’s website for the required studies.

No active implementations at present.

Additional information and registration

Price and registration period: Check on the university's website

Go to the institution's website(Opens in a new tab)

Additional information:

Fields

Social sciences

Scope

3 cr

Code

SUST-001

After completing the course, students will

1. Be acquainted with the complexity and multidisciplinary nature of sustainability issues, and the ethical and philosophical dimensions of sustainability

2. Understand sustainability challenges related to the course themes, related changes, underlying processes and phenomena, and potential solutions. Students will be acquainted with six themes, of which they will have explored one theme in depth. The themes are: a) Global environmental commons, b) Human wellbeing and capabilities, c) Sustainable and just economies, d) Sustainable food systems and healthy nutrition, e) Climate change and just energy transitions, and f) Urban and peri-urban development.

3. Have reflected on their role as specialists, actors and members of society in the solving of sustainability issues and have acquired tools for solutions

4. Be able to address sustainability issues constructively and understand other people’s perspectives

5. Be able to apply knowledge and skills related to sustainability as a specialist in their field

Methods of completion

Students complete the course by completing the compulsory module assignments and the final assignment.

Assessment practices and criteria

A passing grade requires completing the module assignments and final assignment acceptably.

Activities and methods in support of learning

The course modules consist of set reading, videos, and assignments and activities in support of learning.

Target groups

The course is compulsory or optional to University of Helsinki degree students, depending on the curriculum of their degree programme. The course is part of the University’s continuous learning provision and is also offered to exchange students and other visiting students.

Teaching period when the course will be offered

The course will be organised in the autumn and spring terms.

Recommended time or stage of studies for completion

It is recommended that students complete the course when they have completed basic studies in their own field of study.

Expiry of studies

In accordance with University guidelines

Languages of instruction

Finnish, Swedish, English

EQF-level

First-cycle (bachelor’s) degree / EQF level 6

Organiser

University of Helsinki

Contact details

uni-help@helsinki.fi

Information and features