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Sustainability Studies

Sustainability Studies

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. That is perhaps the most common definition of ‘sustainable development’, as laid down in the 1987 report “Our Common Future” by the World Commission on Environment and Development (commonly known as the “Brundtland Report”). Sustainable development has three different dimensions; ecological, social and economic sustainability. Today, many believe that ecological sustainability constitutes a basis and a prerequisite for the other two.

Sustainability issues are a hot topic, debated both on a local, national and global level. We all must think about how we can contribute to a sustainable future – how to increase awareness and knowledge about sustainable use of natural resources, sustainable production and consumption, sustainable housing and transportation, social well-being, questions about peace, democracy equality and gender equality.

In 2015, almost 200 nations approved the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These goals guide all of our work towards a sustainable world through Agenda 2030.

Sustainable Development is an interdisciplinary study entity at ÅAU. The courses can be completed according to your own interest or you can choose the subject as a minor subject for your degree.

Open University fees

From August 1, 2024, Åbo Akademi University will implement a pricing system for its open university courses based on the number of study credits. The pricing structure will be as follows:

  • Basic Studies (and other introductory courses): €12 per credit.
  • Intermediate Studies and Advanced Studies: €15 per credit.

Degree students at Åbo Akademi University are exempted from the course fee.

To read more about course content and times, click on the correct course version in the Study Guide.

BASIC STUDIES

Introduction to ESD – Education for Sustainable Development (5 ECTS), online course.

Link to the Study Guide for more information about the course.
Time: 17.9–8.12.2024.
Fee: 60€
Teacher: Cecilia Lundberg and Annina Kainu.
Enrolment 12.8–9.9.2024.
Course enrolment here


The Baltic Sea Environment – Challenges and Solutions (5 ECTS), online course.

Link to the Study Guide for more information about the course.
Time: 30.9–8.12.2024.
Fee: 60€.
Teacher: MSc Karin Madsén
Enrolment 12.8–22.9.2024.
Course enrolment here


Link to our Swedish courses in Sustainability Studies 2024–2025.

To read more about course content and times, click on the correct course version in the Study Guide.

BASIC STUDIES

Social Sustainability (5 ECTS), online course.

Link to the Study Guide for more information about the course.
Time: 14.1–4.4.2025.
Fee: 60€
Teacher: Annina Kainu.
Enrolment: 18.11.2024–6.1.2025.
No prerequisites.
Link to enrolment 


Concepts of Resilience (5 ECTS), online course.

Link to the Study Guide for more information about the course.
Time: 5.3–14.5.2025.
Fee: 60€
Teacher: docent Christin Furu, MPhil Johanna Fredenberg.
Enrolment 18.11.2024–26.2.2025.
No prerequisites.
Link to enrolment

 

Link to our Swedish courses in Sustainability Studies 2024–2025.


The minor subject in Sustainability Studies 25 ECTS

From the autumn of 2019, at least two out of the the following “basic studies” must be included in the minor subject Sustainability Studies:

  1. Ecogolical Sustainability 5 ECTS
  2. Social Sustianability 5 ECTS
  3. Sustainable and Circular Economy 5 ECTS

You can freely choose the rest of the courses among the courses offered by the Open University, including those in Swedish. You can also choose courses offered by Åbo Akademi University, click here to see a list of courses.

Send your application for participation in the minor subject to education planner Johanna Fredenberg.

More information about fees, registration and studying at the Open University.


Fredenberg, Johanna

Education Planner
Fabriksgatan 2, 20500 ÅBO
+3582 215 4177
johanna.fredenberg(a)abo.fi

 

Kainu, Annina

Education Planner
Fabriksgatan 2, 20500 ÅBO
+3582 215 4535, +35850 469 8219
annina.kainu(a)abo.fi