Glossary of terms for the Open University

The Open University offers you the opportunity to attend and complete courses provided by Tampere University, even if you are not registered as a degree student.

Being an Open University student means you have the right to participate in the same courses and complete the same assignments as degree students at Tampere University. Although not all courses offered by Tampere University are available to Open University students, approximately 1,000 courses or study modules can be completed each year through the Open University.

Studies at the Open University generally involve a tuition fee, which is based on the number of credits. This fee ranges from €20 to €30 per credit. For example, a 5-credit course costs €100–€150.

In a university context, the term education leading to a degree refers to a formal, long-term programme of study that culminates in a recognised professional qualification or provides students with the expertise required to pursue specialist careers. This type of education typically comprises a bachelor’s programme followed by a master’s programme. Students at the Open University may be granted the right to complete short-term, individual components of degree programmes but they are not eligible to complete a full degree through the Open University. At Tampere University, the studies available through the Open University are integrated into the University’s standard degree programmes.

A study right indicates that students are entitled to complete courses offered by the Open University. A completion right provides more detailed information, specifying which modules and course implementations students are allowed to take. Both rights are granted on a fixed-term basis, meaning that students must complete the studies within a specified period. At Tampere University, the completion right is automatically granted for the current academic year. However, individual teachers determine the specific practices for completing their coursework. For example, a course may include an exam that students take in November. Technically, the completion right to this course remains valid until the end of the academic year, allowing students to retake the exam, if necessary.

A study module typically carries 25, 35 or 60 credits, although the credit value may vary depending on the scope of the module. Each study module comprises multiple courses.

A course typically carries 5 credits (cr). A course focuses on a single theme but may include several components. For example, a course might consist of lectures worth 3 credits and an exam worth 2 credits. To complete the course, students must successfully complete all components. In terms of workload, one credit corresponds to approximately 27 hours of learning. Consequently, a 5-credit course entails around 135 hours of work, including contact hours, independent study and assignments.

The completion method refers to the way in which students choose to fulfil the requirements of a particular course. Typically, students can choose whether a) to attend lectures and take an exam based on the lecture content, or b) to study the materials independently and take an exam without attending lectures. Only one completion method can be selected per course. However, not all courses offer alternative completion options.

An implementation refers to an individual component within a completion method. A single completion method may include one or multiple implementations. For example, lectures may constitute one implementation, the exam following the lectures another, and an exam based on independent study a third.

A period refers to the time frame when in-person teaching is delivered. Higher education institutions divide the academic year into four teaching periods: periods I and II take place during the autumn semester and periods III and IV during the spring semester. Each period lasts approximately two months. The fifth period takes place in the summer.

Sisu is the information system that our students use to register for courses and manage their studies. The registration for the majority of Open University courses takes place through Sisu. In addition to course registration, students can log in to Sisu to view their personal information, check their right to study and their right to complete specific courses, and access their academic records.

The Moodle learning platform serves as the course home page, where teaching staff upload their course materials, links and assignments as well as activities that promote student interaction, such as discussion forums. Log in to Sisu, navigate to the course page, and you will find the link to the Moodle course page under the “Learning environments” section. For some courses, you will receive separate instructions for using the Moodle page, either by email or once the course begins. The course page in Moodle becomes available to students when the course begins.

Application and admission. As a general rule, students enrol in Open University courses by registering through the link provided on the course page. For certain courses – such as courses with limited places, specific prerequisite requirements or other special conditions – Open University students must separately apply for admission through the Open University Admissions service. The admission method for each course or module is always specified in the course or module description.

Course registration. When registration is ongoing, a direct registration link is available on the course page on Implementations. Once registration opens, add the courses you wish to attend to your cart. Clicking on the registration link will take you to the Sisu system. Add the course you wish to attend to your cart and, if necessary, select your study groups. Detailed registration instructions are available on the Open University’s website.

The Open University Admissions service. For certain Open University courses, students must apply for admission by completing an online application through the Open University Admissions service. You can browse the available courses in the Admissions service by clicking “Search studies”. Select the courses you wish to complete and click “Sign up”. You will then be prompted to verify your identity using your online banking credentials before accessing the application form.

Application form. Once you have selected your courses through the Open University Admissions service, you must fill out the application form. The form asks you to provide some background information, such as your contact details. Detailed instructions for completing the Open University’s application form.

The Open University route offers an alternative pathway for admission into Tampere University's degree programmes. Instead of applying through the national joint application process, students can become eligible for admission to Tampere University by completing a specific set of courses at the Open University. To qualify for admission through this alternative route, you must demonstrate strong academic performance in your Open University studies and meet any additional eligibility criteria set by your intended degree programme. Since admissions criteria and the likelihood of acceptance through the Open University route vary between degree programmes, it is important to review the specific requirements of your intended programme. If necessary, contact the Open University’s study advisers for guidance.

The studies included in the Open University route consist of a predefined set of courses that must be completed before applying for admission to a degree programme at Tampere University. The scope of these studies varies by programme, typically ranging between 15 and 60 credits. If you are admitted to a degree programme, the credits you earned by completing the required studies at the Open University can be counted towards your degree at Tampere University. The studies included in the Open University route can always be identified by the word “route” (väyläopinnot or väylä in Finnish) in their name. Admission procedures for these studies may vary, as in some cases students must first be accepted into the specific route before they can begin the coursework. Registration procedures may also differ: you might need to register separately for each course or for each period. The studies may include both mandatory and optional courses. In some cases, students are required to complete the studies within a single academic year, while others allow for a more flexible timeline.

The performance-based admission route offers an alternative pathway for admission into Tampere University’s degree programmes, alongside the Open University route. Depending on the degree programme, the performance-based route may either replace the entrance examination or serve as an additional admission option. To qualify for admission through this route, students must first complete specific courses designated by the University. If they achieve the required academic performance, they may be invited to take an exam or attend an interview as part of the final admission process.

The courses included in the performance-based route are offered free of charge through the Open University. Upon successful completion of these courses, you can apply for admission to degree programmes that accept this route. If you are admitted to a degree programme, the credits you earned by completing the required studies can be counted towards your degree at Tampere University.

Have we missed a term that should be included in this glossary? Do you need advice about applying or planning your studies? Do not hesitate to contact us by email at open.studies.tau [at] tuni.fi or by phone at +358 294 520 881. You can reach us by phone on weekdays between 12 and 14. Please see the link below for any changes to our schedule. In-person and telephone support hours