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Bachelor's Degree Programme in Lifelong Learning and Sustainable Development

The Bachelor Programme in Lifelong Learning and Sustainable Development provides students with the knowledge and skills to promote learning and education as essential constructors of sustainable development. The programme focuses on lifelong learning across the life course, exploring its role in fostering social and cultural sustainability.

Key Information

• Level of degree: Bachelor's degree
• Programme duration: 3 years / 180 ECTS credits
• Language of instruction: English
• Programme start: September 2026
• Tuition fee: EU/EEA nationals no tuition fee, non-EU/EEA nationals 10,000 €/academic year.
• Tuition waivers are available for excellent students.
• Study campus: Joensuu

Why Study with Us?

• The programme gives you an opportunity to learn, in a multicultural and diverse context, how sustainable development can be advanced locally and globally, using innovative out-of-school learning spaces and methods typical of adult and lifelong learning.

Structure of Curriculum and Courses

Basic Studies in Education 25 ECTS

• Introduction to education and lifelong learning 5 ECTS
• Lifelong Learning and lifecourse 5 ECTS
• Finnish education and society 5 ECTS
• Education policy and Education System 5 ECTS
• Active citizenship and non-formal education 5 ECTS

Intermediate Studies in Education 54 ECTS

Methodological Studies 20 ECTS

• Introduction to statistical methods 5 ECTS
• Qualitative research methods for bachelor programmes 5 ECTS
• Bachelor thesis seminar (LLLSus) 3 ECTS
• Bachelor's thesis (LLLSus) 6 ECTS
• Information skills in educational sciences, 1 ECTS
• Maturity test (LLLSus) 0 ECTS

Thematic Studies 34 ECTS

• Globalization and education 5 ECTS
• Adult Education Promoting Sustainable Development 5 ECTS
• Classics of education and adult education 5 ECTS
• Current Trends in Education 4 ECTS
• Theory and practice of network and project work 5 ECTS
• Sociology of Education 5 ECTS
• Professional pathways for sustainability education experts 5 ECTS

Other Studies

• Internship (LLLSus) 10 ECTS
• Minor subject studies: Either a basic and intermediate study combination, or two sets of basic study combinations (50-60 ECTS)
• Other studies: Any university studies or a study unit (20-30 ECTS)

General Information

During their studies, students will be able to create working-life skills and build their own working-life networks. The studies also provide methodological and theoretical skills to analyse and study education as a constructor of individuals and society.

Career Opportunities

The programme does not confer teacher qualifications. Instead, the programme produces competencies that can be utilized in a wide variety of occupations. Students' own interests, minor studies, and work experience guide future career opportunities.

Emphasis On

• Education and adult education
• Educational planning
• Educational policy
• Development projects
• Development cooperation

How to Apply

General Eligibility Criteria

In most cases, applicants who are eligible to pursue higher education in their home country are also eligible to apply for bachelor's level studies in Finland.

Programme-Specific Application Process and Student Selection

Admission Group I – Entrance Examination Using Online Interview

To be eligible to apply in this admission group, the applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria defined earlier. The admission to the programme in Admission group I is based on an online interview.

Admission Group II – Open University Route

To be eligible to apply in admission group II, applicants must have completed basic studies (25 ECTS) of Bachelor's degree programme in Lifelong Learning and Sustainable Development at the University of Eastern Finland Open University by 1 May 2026 with grade 3 or higher on scale 1-5.

Tuition Fees and Waivers

The annual tuition fee for non-EU/EEA students is 10,000 EUR. There are no tuition fees for students who are citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland. Applicants subject to tuition fees can apply for tuition waivers and scholarships during the application process.

Application Period 2026

Application period is 7.1.-21.1.2026. Attachments must be submitted by 28.1.2026, at 15:00 pm Finnish time.