Study cooperative business – Co‑op Network Studies (CNS)

Did you know that understanding cooperatives can broaden your knowledge of the economy? It can also help you stand out in the job market. Learn more on this site!

What do companies like the S Group, OP Financial Group, Valio, Metsä Group, LähiTapiola, Ilmarinen, and many others have in common? 

The answer is cooperation! These companies — and approximately 3,300 others in Finland — are cooperative companies owned by them. Key characteristics include: 

  • Ownership is based on membership or customer ownership.
  • Each owner has an equal amount of power.
  • Instead of profit maximization, the focus is on member benefits.
  • Community and supporting the vitality of the operating region are core values.

The UN has emphasized the role of cooperatives in, and the International Labor Organization has described cooperatives as an .

Photo: Osuuskuntien Keskusjärjestö Pellervo ry
Explore Cooperative Studies

Co‑op Network Studies (CNS) courses are open to students of the university network. Teaching is provided online. Part of the courses can be completed in either Finnish or English. The courses are free of charge for students from network universities (Aalto University School of Business, University of Helsinki, University of Eastern Finland, University of Jyväskylä, LUT University, University of Oulu, Tampere University, and University of Turku). 

The studies consist of eight intermediate‑level courses. Courses are generally worth five ECTS credits. For students at Aalto University School of Business, the University of Eastern Finland, and LUT University, the courses are offered as six‑credit versions. 

Teaching within the network is closely connected to cooperative and community economy research as well as business life. The studies take into account new types of cooperatives and sectors, acknowledging their growing societal importance. Courses reflect the wide variety of cooperative activity in society and create value for cooperative enterprises by addressing current and relevant issues. 

The network’s expertise enables multidisciplinary teaching that supports the development of diverse knowledge and skills related to cooperatives and the community economy.
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How to enroll in the studies

In your own university, you can find CNS studies through the cross‑study option: 

  • Sisu: Home – Search – Cross‑institutional Studies – Cross‑study Network – CNS courses appear at the bottom of the page. 

  • Peppi: Study Plan pages – Study Selection – Search icon on the right – click – activate Cross‑study filter – search for courses. 

If you have problems, contact your university’s study office.

CNS Studies in Open University 

Students outside the CNS network can complete some Co‑op Network Studies courses independently through open universities. Ask about availability at your local university. 
Contact

The network’s teaching is developed, delivered, and coordinated by the University of Helsinki’s Ruralia Institute in cooperation with other network universities. Established in 2005, the university network offers multidisciplinary elective courses on cooperative business and the community economy as online studies.