Degree Programme in Circular Design
Cirkulär design, högre yh, 2026
Cirkulär design, högre yh, 2024
Cirkulär design, högre yh, 2022
Enrollment
02.07.2026 - 31.07.2026
Timing
01.08.2026 - 31.07.2027
Number of ECTS credits allocated
3 cr
Mode of delivery
Contact teaching
Teaching languages
- Svenska
Degree programmes
- Degree Programme in Circular Design
Teachers
- Emma Westerlund
- Oona Haapamäki
Objective
Learning Objectives
The student:
Understands the climate emergency and global sustainability challenges.
Is familiar with planetary boundaries and climate research.
Can analyze the connections between environment, economy, and society.
Identifies their own possibilities for action and influence.
Has developed systems thinking and the ability to manage and communicate complex problems.
Content
The climate emergency and global trends
Planetary boundaries and tipping points
Sustainable development and values
Climate justice and global cooperation
New economic models and the circular economy
Technology and the energy transition
Systems thinking and climate psychology
Individual impact and future visions
Evaluation scale
H-5
Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)
Completed and approved course assignments.
Qualifications
None
Enrollment
02.07.2026 - 31.07.2026
Timing
01.08.2026 - 31.07.2027
Number of ECTS credits allocated
2 cr
Mode of delivery
Contact teaching
Teaching languages
- Svenska
Degree programmes
- Degree Programme in Circular Design
Teachers
- Emma Westerlund
- Oona Haapamäki
Objective
Course Competencies
After completing the course, the student will have:
• Increased understanding of the importance of sustainability (social, economic, environmental).
• Tools for inner sustainability and awareness of each individual’s ability to make an impact.
• Basic knowledge of circularity and the circular economy.
• Basic knowledge of sustainable energy sources.
• Insights into critical thinking and future skills.
• Tools for and experience in academic writing.
• Insights into the importance of critical thinking and fundamental competencies in academic writing.
Content
The course provides a basic understanding of sustainable development and how we can contribute to a more sustainable future. It covers ecological, social, and economic perspectives, the UN’s global goals, climate and environment, planetary boundaries, circularity, and sustainable energy. The course addresses complex challenges such as inequality and wicked problems, as well as psychological aspects like climate-related emotions. It offers tools for individual action and emphasizes the importance of vision, time, and continuous learning to drive change.
Evaluation scale
H-5
Assessment criteria, approved/failed
Pass: Submitted and approved course assignments
Fail: Missing or unapproved course assignments
Qualifications
None
Enrollment
02.07.2026 - 31.07.2026
Timing
01.08.2026 - 31.07.2030
Number of ECTS credits allocated
3 cr
Mode of delivery
Contact teaching
Teaching languages
- Svenska
Degree programmes
- Degree Programme in Circular Design
Teachers
- Emma Westerlund
- Oona Haapamäki
Objective
Learning Objectives
The student:
• Understands why a transition from a linear to a circular economy is necessary for sustainable development.
• Can describe global sustainability challenges and how they are connected to resource use and economic models.
• Has insight into circular solutions and business models, as well as their significance for climate, biodiversity, and economic resilience.
• Is familiar with the principles of circular design and how design decisions affect a product’s life cycle.
• Can reflect on system changes and societal transformation related to the circular economy.
• Can identify personal opportunities to contribute to a more sustainable future, both professionally and privately.
Content
Introduction to global sustainability challenges and the circular economy.
Material resources and the EU’s strategies for a circular economy.
Circular business models and policies in Finland and globally.
Principles of circular design, reuse, and recycling.
Digital product passports and instruments for sustainable business practices.
Systems thinking and societal transformation: how change happens through relationships, perspectives, and courage.
Evaluation scale
H-5
Assessment criteria, approved/failed
Submitted and approved course assignments.
Qualifications
None