kurssit

Kurssit are units of study offered by educational institutions to support learning, progression in degree programs, and lifelong education. They are used in universities, universities of applied sciences, vocational schools, and online platforms. Kurssit can be compulsory as part of a degree, or elective, and they may be organized as part of a larger module or as stand-alone courses.

A kurssi typically has a defined purpose, learning outcomes, and a schedule. It includes a syllabus or course description, prerequisites, required materials, and specified assessment methods. Courses are designed to deliver specific knowledge, skills, or competencies and are accompanied by a workload that is translated into credits.

Credits, such as opintopisteet in Finnish contexts or the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), quantify the workload and learning achieved in a kurssi. Credits facilitate degree progression, credit transfer between institutions, and recognition of prior learning. A course may be graded and contribute to a final grade in a program or be recognized with a certificate upon completion.

Delivery formats vary. Kurssit can be held in person, online, or in blended forms. They may include lectures, seminars, lab work, field exercises, group projects, and independent study. Assessment methods commonly include exams, coursework, projects, and presentations.

In Finland and many other education systems, kurssit are a core element of higher education and continuing education, supporting academic development, professional competence, and flexible pathways through study and work.