Why Circular Economy?Laajuus (3 cr)
Code: VAL25031
Credits
3 cr
Objective
Target group: Anyone who needs a more basic understanding for the mechanisms behind circular
economy
After completing the course, the student has:
- Enhanced understanding of the importance of transition from linear to circular economy.
- A good understanding of sustainability issues and global resource flows.
- Insights into global circular ecosystems
Content
In a world where resources are finite and waste amounts are growing, the linear model – take, manufacture, discard – is no longer sustainable. Circular economy offers a new way of thinking: a system where products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible, where waste becomes a resource, and where design promotes reuse, repair and recycling.
However, in order to understand why a transition towards more circular systems is content, we need to understand the underlying mechanisms. Why is the circular economy needed? Circular economy is not an option – it is a necessity.
Qualifications
No pre-requirements.
Further information
Parts of the podcast content:
- Why is circularity needed and what resources do we need to rethink?
- Where do we stand today (in Finland and the world)
- How can we realise the circular economy (global)?
- Innovation and the circular economy
- What do we need to do?
Enrollment
04.10.2025 - 30.10.2025
Timing
03.11.2025 - 30.11.2025
Number of ECTS credits allocated
3 cr
Virtual portion
3 cr
Mode of delivery
Distance learning
Unit
Faculty of Technology and Seafaring
Teaching languages
- Svenska
Seats
0 - 80
Teachers
- Emma Westerlund
- Martina Englund-Perälä
Teacher in charge
Emma Westerlund
Objective
Target group: Anyone who needs a more basic understanding for the mechanisms behind circular
economy
After completing the course, the student has:
- Enhanced understanding of the importance of transition from linear to circular economy.
- A good understanding of sustainability issues and global resource flows.
- Insights into global circular ecosystems
Content
In a world where resources are finite and waste amounts are growing, the linear model – take, manufacture, discard – is no longer sustainable. Circular economy offers a new way of thinking: a system where products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible, where waste becomes a resource, and where design promotes reuse, repair and recycling.
However, in order to understand why a transition towards more circular systems is content, we need to understand the underlying mechanisms. Why is the circular economy needed? Circular economy is not an option – it is a necessity.
Location and time
November 2025.
Implemented online in November 2025. It is flexible and lacks scheduled times, which gives the participant the opportunity to plan when the course is completed during the month.
Teaching methods
In this course where the course material is published in the form of podcast sections on this theme, you will learn about, among other things, planetary limitations, how Finland's circular economy is in the roadmaps and in reality, global resource flows, radical views on the global circular economy and ways to realise circularity.
In the podcast, course teacher Emma Westerlund, education and sustainability designer at the University of Applied Sciences discusses Novia with various national and international experts, including Sitra, the UN Resource Panel, global innovation centres and companies. The course material is alternately in Swedish and English. The participants will have access to the material via e-mail.
Evaluation scale
Approved/Rejected
Qualifications
No pre-requirements.
Further information
Parts of the podcast content:
- Why is circularity needed and what resources do we need to rethink?
- Where do we stand today (in Finland and the world)
- How can we realise the circular economy (global)?
- Innovation and the circular economy
- What do we need to do?