Education

Reminder, apply for Circumpolar Studies online courses and learn about Arctic politics and climate change – deadline 15 December 2025

Published on 26.11.2025

Tampere University

Photo: UArctic

The Circumpolar Studies programme, offered by the University of the Arctic network, is a multidisciplinary study module that explores the opportunities and challenges of the Arctic region. The courses cover topics such as environment, cultures, societal phenomena, and the historical development of the region. All degree and exchange students at Tampere University can apply, regardless of their major or level of study. The application period for the online courses offered in spring 2026 ends on 15 December, 2025. These courses provide an international learning environment and an opportunity to specialise in Arctic issues as part of your degree.

The Circumpolar Studies spring semester runs from January to April 2026 and includes five English-language online courses organised by Canadian universities. Courses are delivered via an online platform similar to Moodle, and participants may come from various countries - Canadian students as well as students from other UArctic member institutions. Each course is worth 6 ECTS credits. Two courses have no prerequisites and are open to all new applicants and students from different fields. The other three require prior completion of CS 100. If you have not completed this course, you cannot register for those advanced courses.

Spring 2026 online courses (January – April 2026)

CS 100* – Introduction to the Circumpolar World, 6 ECTS (7.1.2026 - 30.4.2026)
- Introduces students to the landscape, peoples, and issues of the circumpolar region. Beginning with an examination of the geography, biological, and physical systems of the Subarctic and Arctic, the course then turns to the Indigenous and contemporary peoples of the region. Hosted by Yukon University, course code NOST 101
CAST 3243* – The Contemporary Canadian North in a Circumpolar Context, 6 ECTS (7.1.2026 - 30.4.2026)
- Explores issues in the contemporary Canadian North with a focus on social, political, economic, and environmental issues. Students are encouraged to critically examine Canada's Northern strategies and compare these to the social and economic priorities of Arctic leaders and Indigenous Peoples living in remote Northern communities. Hosted by Trent University, course code CAST 3243H
CS 312** – Lands and Environments of the Circumpolar North II, 6 ECTS (7.1.2026 - 30.4.2026)
- Provides students with an in-depth understanding of the key issues which define the future of resources and resource use in the Circumpolar North. Focuses upon the challenges of resource management for governments and communities, and assesses the potential conflicts derived from resource use. Hosted by Trent University, course code GEOG-2330H-W-W01
CS 322** – Peoples and Cultures of the Circumpolar World II, 6 ECTS (7.1.2026 - 30.4.2026)
- A broad examination of circumpolar peoples in North America, Russia and northern Asia, Greenland, and northern Scandinavia. Notions of identity, culture, language, and self-determination are discussed, similarities and differences of northern peoples and cultures are examined, and their adaptations to change and roles as agents of change explored. Hosted by Trent University, course code INDG-3750H-W
CS 332** – Contemporary Issues of the Circumpolar World II, 6 ECTS (7.1.2026 - 30.4.2026)
- Study of selected aspects of the Polar regions with considerable reference to northern Canada but with the deliberate intention of developing comparisons between it and other parts of the Polar regions. Hosted by Trent University, course code GEOG-3640H-W-W01

*Note: CS 100 and CAST 3243 have no prerequisites and are open to all new applicants and students from any field

**Note: CS 312, CS 322, and CS 332 require prior completion of CS 100. If you have not completed or are not currently enrolled in CS 100, you cannot register for these courses

Who can apply

Courses are open to all Tampere University degree and exchange students. After completing the course, you will receive a North American transcript, which can be used to apply for credit transfer:

Degree students: to your Tampere University degree (credit transfer application in Sisu)
Exchange students: to your transcript of records (contact your mobility specialist)

Please note that transcripts are typically issued 6–12 weeks after the course ends, so these courses should not be relied upon for graduation or transcript deadlines. For degree students, Circumpolar Studies credits can also be included in your degree’s internationalisation module.

How to apply

Submit your completed and signed application form as a PDF by email to the north2north programme contact person, Igor Tanskanen. Please note: late or unsigned applications will not be processed, and places are limited. Tampere University will make preliminary nominations, after which the final selection is made by the course organiser. The application form is attached below (if you are reading this on the intranet). Questions about courses can be directed to circumpolarstudies [at] trentu.ca.

Interested in the Arctic and its future? Apply for an exchange in the academic year 2026–27 and include all credits earned abroad in your degree’s internationalisation module

The Circumpolar Studies programme offers an excellent pathway to Arctic specialisation through exchange studies. Arctic-related courses also provide extra points in the north2north exchange application process. The main application period for north2north exchange destinations for 2026–27 will take place in January. You can find destinations and more details in the north2north programme description.