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Open University Routes

Do you plan to complete a degree in the future? Open University offers alternative ways to apply for a study place in some of the degree programmes of Tampere University. At the Open University, you can complete course units and study modules included in the degree studies organised by Tampere University.

Open University Route studies

Route studies, also called routes, are predefined parts of degree programmes that you can complete at Open University. You can complete studies at Open University and use these studies to apply for a study place in a degree programme later.

The aim of the route studies is to facilitate students’ admission to a full degree programme and graduation later. However, it is not possible to complete a full degree at Open University. Open University Route studies give you an additional way to apply for a study place in a degree programme. If you are accepted to the degree programme, the route studies will be credited into your degree. Fees are usually charged for the studies (€15 per credit).

Currently, the Open University Route studies are available in English only in the field of technology.

Route studies may be for you, if

you want to complete parts of degree studies before applying to become a degree student.
you want to apply for a study place at the university via the Open University route in addition to the regular joint application for higher education.
you want to try studying at the university and see how much the field interests you.
you want to build your personal study path.

Open University Route studies measure study ability and the student’s motivation to complete a degree. If your goal is to complete a degree, route studies provide a good alternative for achieving your goal.

Open University Route studies, Bachelor’s programme

Open University Route, Science and Engineering, BSc. Tech.

The studies comprise a package of the degree-level studies, including mathematics, physics and information and communications technology. The route studies consist of first-year courses from the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Science and Engineering, BSc. (Tech.). The aim is to facilitate the students’ admission to a full degree programme at a later time.

Only applications received during the application period are reviewed. No prior studies are required to study in the route.

The courses in the route must be completed during one academic year. You are required to be able to participate in teaching full-time from Monday to Friday.

For more information on the Open University Route studies in Science and Engineering, B.Sc. Tech., please see the website.

More information on Open University Route studies in Science and Engineering, BSc. Tech.

Application period

In the academic year of 2023–2024, the application period for Open University Route studies in the bachelor’s programme began on 31 July 2023 at 10.00 (UTC+2) and ended on 13 August 2023 at 23.59 (UTC+2).

Open University Route studies may differ between academic years. In the academic year of 2023–2024, we offer Open University Route studies only in the Bachelor’s degree programme in Science and Engineering.

Open University Route studies, Master’s programmes

Who can apply for the studies and how are they completed?

It is required that you have completed a bachelor’s degree in a suitable field before applying for our Open University Route studies in a master’s programme. You are required to prove your eligibility and submit your degree certificate with necessary attachments related to the route studies you are applying for. Before you can be admitted to the route studies, the faculty will check the suitability of your preceding bachelor’s degree. Only applications received during the application period will be reviewed.

The courses in the route must be completed during one academic year. You can apply for the right to study in the degree programme your route studies align with. After you have completed the route studies within the given time in accordance with the degree programme requirements, you may be admitted into the degree programme. Please note that, to be considered, all your study credits must be entered in the study register by 14 June 2024.

Application period

In the academic year of 2023–2024, the application period for Open University Route studies in the master’s programmes began on 29 June 2023 at 10.00 (UTC+2) and ended on 12 July 2023 at

There may be differences in the Open University Route studies between academic years. Below, you can find the Open University Route studies offered in the academic year of 2023–2024.

Open University Route studies in the Master's programmes in the academic year 2023-2024

Open University Route studies in the master’s programme in Computing Sciences, MSc. Tech.

After successfully completing the route studies (20 credits), you may apply for a place in the master’s degree programme (technology) in Signal Processing and Machine Learning, Computing Sciences.

If you complete the route studies within the given time and according to the requirements of the degree programme, you will be offered a study place if you apply for it via the Open University Route. Please see the link for more detailed information on the admission criteria. Read more about the Open University Route studies in Computing Sciences, MSc. Tech.

Open University Route studies in the master’s programme in Automation Engineering, MSc. Tech.

After successfully completing the route studies (25 credits), you may apply for a place in the master's degree programme (technology) in Factory Automation and Robotics, Automation Engineering

Open University Route studies in the master’s programme in Electrical Engineering, MSc. Tech.

After successfully completing the route studies (20 credits), you may apply for a place in the master’s programme in Electrical Engineering. The programme offers the following specialisations:

If you complete the route studies within the given time and according to the requirements of the degree programme, you will be offered a study place if you apply for it via the Open University Route. Please see the link below for more detailed information on the admission criteria.

Open University Route studies in the master’s programme in Information Technology, MSc. Tech.

After successfully completing the route studies (20 credits), you may apply for a place in the master’s degree programme in Information Technology. The programme has the following specialisations:

Upcoming education: Information Technology, System-on-Chips

If you complete the route studies within the given time and according to the requirements of the degree programme, you will be offered a study place if you apply for it via the Open University Route. Please see the link below for more detailed information on the admission criteria.

Open University Route studies in the master’s programme in Environmental Engineering, MSc. Tech.

After successfully completing the route studies (25 credits), you may apply for a study place in the master’s programme in Environmental Engineering.

Open University Route studies in the master’s programme in Materials Science and Engineering, MSc. Tech.

After successfully completing the route studies (25 credits), you may apply for a study place in the master’s degree programme in Engineering Materials Science.

Open University Route studies in the master’s programme in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, MSc. Tech.

After successfully completing the route studies (25 credits), you may apply for a study place in the master’s programme in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering. The specialisations in the programme are the following:

Contact us

Do you need advice or guidance on planning your study path or applying for the studies? Please feel free to contact us by e-mail: avoin.tau@tuni.fi or by phone: +358 29 452 0200.