Arcada’s bachelor students can complete up to 30 ECTS of development studies, while master’s students can complete up to 15 ECTS of development/optional studies. Development studies allow you, as a student, to contribute to shaping your own study plan based on your interests and individual goals.

On these pages, you will find different ways to conduct development studies that might interest you. Remember to check with your education representative (study advisor or degree programme director) that the course you are interested in can be included in your degree before you register!

Development Studies for Bachelor Students

As a bachelor student, you can explore the opportunity to take development studies offered by Arcada or courses offered by other UAS/Universities. You can also opt for exchange studies or take courses offered through other universities’ Open University or Open UAS programmess. Language studies, for example in foreign languages, may also be included as development studies.

⚠ Important things to keep in mind when choosing development studies:

  • The courses must be on bachelor's level, offered by a higher education institution (HEI), and you need to earn ECTS credits upon completion
  • You should not complete courses that cover content you have already completed within your compulsory studies at Arcada
  • It is recommended that you avoid courses that differ significantly from the thematic focus of your degree programme
  • By completing several courses within one theme, you can build a knowledge module similar to a so-called minor subject

More information about development studies, in general, will be published shortly, and the instructions for Campus Online registrations can be found here.

Development studies for Master Students; optional studies

As a master student, you can explore the opportunity to complete development/optional studies offered by Arcada or other UAS/Universities. You can also complete courses through the Open University or Open UAS offerings of other institutions.

⚠ Important things to keep in mind when choosing development/optional studies:

  • The courses must be on master's level, and you need to receive ECTS credits upon completion
  • You should not take courses that cover content you have already completed within your compulsory studies at Arcada
  • It is recommended that you do not take courses that do not align with the thematic focus of your degree programme
  • By completing several courses within one theme, you can build a knowledge module similar to a so-called minor subject.

More information about development/optional studies for master students will be published shortly, and the instructions for Campus Online registrations can be found here.