Open University

The Open University of Tampere University of Technology (TUT) offers everyone the opportunity to pursue higher education regardless of their previous qualifications.

The Open University promotes lifelong learning and the University's commitment to social responsibility. In order to successfully complete their studies, Open University students are generally required to have a good command of the subject matter taught at upper secondary school (or other equivalent level).

The Open University's learning activities take place in a classroom setting and comprise lectures, assignments and examinations. Students are free to complete either individual courses or entire study modules. Studies at the Open University cost 10 euros per credit. The courses arranged by the Open University are held on TUT's campus in Hervanta, Tampere. There are no distant learning possibilities available.

Courses available at the Open University

Almost all the courses that are arranged for regular degree students at Tampere University of Technology are also available to students at TUT's Open University. In addition, the Open University offers some courses that are held in the evenings.

TUT's online study guides are the easiest way to browse our course offerings. The International Course Catalogue provides detailed information on individual courses. Evening courses and courses taking place in the summer are listed in the Open University's own online study guide. All the courses take place in a classroom setting, as TUT's Open University does not offer online courses. 

Summer courses

TUT's summer courses are arranged by the Open University. The application period for courses held in summer 2013 runs from 12 April to 12 May 2013. A list of the courses that will be held in the summer will be published in April 2013. Summer courses are primarily held in the daytime and tend to be more intensive than courses arranged during the academic year. The course schedule for the summer will be posted on TUT's Admissions website by the end of April.

Application deadlines and the online application system

 Students apply for admission to Open University courses through an online application system. The application deadlines vary depending on the teaching period.

Enrolling as a student

Applications are processed at TUT's Student Services Office. The decisions, letters of acceptance, enrolment forms and further instructions are made available to the applicants via the online application system.

After receiving the letter of acceptance, you must enrol as a student at the Open University by submitting the enrolment form and payment receipt, or a copy thereof, to the Student Services Office. Applicants who do not submit the enrolment form forfeit their right to pursue studies at the Open University. The fees of all the courses that are listed in the application must be paid as a lump sum. This is why applicants are recommended to submit a separate application for each semester. If you want to complete language courses or architecture courses that are arranged in the daytime, please make sure that there are places available before paying the course fees. The payment of the course fee indicates that you will participate in the course. The fees cannot be refunded.

Open University students are not eligible for student benefits and discounts, because they are not members of TUT's Student Union. Only degree students are entitled to receive discounts at the student restaurants and use the sports services available on campus.

Study right and user account

Students are granted the right to study at the Open University for two semesters. Attending a given course requires that you have paid the course fee. After you have enrolled as a student, your personal information will be entered into the Student Register. Each student is assigned a student number when they enrol for the first time. Your student number will remain the same throughout your studies. Please contact the Student Services Office to inquire about your student number.

Open University students receive a username and password that give them access to the student portal (POP). You can either obtain them through a web service (further instructions will be provided during your enrolment) or collect them from the IT Helpdesk (Main Building, 2nd floor) after you have enrolled. You will be required to present official ID when collecting your username and password. Students use POP to view their enrolment data and credits and to register for examinations.

Students receive an official transcript of records upon completion of their studies. The transcript may be collected from the Student Services Office. If you are later on admitted as a regular degree student at Tampere University of Technology via an entrance examination or the so-called Open University Tracks, the courses that you have completed at the Open University may be counted towards your degree.

Study guidance and counselling

TUT's study guidance and counselling services are also available to Open University students. You can make an appointment to see the student counsellor to discuss your curriculum choices and ask questions about your studies in general. The student counsellor's office is located on the second floor of the Main Building.