Full Stack

A robust set of courses that helps you get started with many technologies and tools needed in modern JavaScript-based web development.
  • Tried and true: More than 10 000 students have completed one or several of the courses since 2019. Many have found work in the field of IT.
  • Modular: Courses relate to each other. You can complete the whole set of courses or select the ones that are most beneficial to you.
  • Expanding: New courses are added frequently to cover more tools and technologies needed in the ever-changing world of web development.
  • Practice-oriented: Down-to-earth materials and hands-on exercises prepare you for the work in the field.
  • Created in collaboration: Parts of the course content have been created by partner companies.
  • Interview promise: Finnish residents who complete the courses (including project work) with maximum credits (14+10) are promised a job interview by one of the collaborating companies.
  • Free: Studying the courses does not cost anything.
What is full stack web development?

What does the name of the course, Full stack web development, mean?

Practically all web applications have (at least) two "layers": the browser, being closer to the end-user, is the top layer, and the server the bottom one. There is often also a database layer below the server. We can therefore think of the architecture of a web application as a kind of stack of layers.

Often, we also talk about the frontend and the backend. The browser is the frontend, and JavaScript that runs on the browser is frontend code. The server on the other hand is the backend.

In the context of this course, full stack web development means that we focus on all parts of the application: the frontend, the backend, and the database.

It used to be more common for developers to specialize in one layer of the stack, for example the backend. Technologies on the backend and the frontend were quite different. With the Full stack trend, it has become common for developers to be proficient on all layers of the application and the database. Oftentimes, full stack developers must also have enough configuration and administration skills to operate their application, for example, in the cloud.
For me?

This micro-credential is perfect for you if

  • you want to switch careers and work in the field of IT, or
  • you are already an IT professional and want to add new tools to your technology stack, or
  • you are an amateur programmer, who wants to expand their skills through practical, thoughtfully structured materials and exercises.
Everyone uses software. It shouldn't be made by nerdy engineers alone. It's good the courses attract people from many different backgrounds.
Structure and content

The thematic entity consists of several different courses. The courses are related to each other, but most individual courses focus on a particular technology or tool. You can complete either all of the courses or just individual courses according to your own interests and needs.

You can receive up to 14 credits through Full Stack courses. In addition, you can also complete a Full Stack project course (5, 7 or 10 credits).
Full Stack courses This course will introduce you to modern JavaScript-based web development. The main focus is on building single page applications with ReactJS that use REST APIs built with Node.js. On other courses you will learn to use various tools and technologies.
Full Stack project You can receive 5, 7, or 10 credits for the project. The number of credits is based on hours of work done.
Enrolment and fees

€ - The courses are free of charge to all participants.

  • No enrolment before the courses begin.
  • Enrol on each course through the Open University after you have completed assignments in the MOOC learning environment.
  • Enrol on each course separately.
  • You can find the enrollment instructions in the Part 0 - General info section of the MOOC learning environment.

We reserve the right to make changes to the information presented on this page.
Credits and completed studies

Open University course enrollment is required be eligible for credits. The credits are entered in the University of Helsinki’s student records. Course materials and a certificate (without credits) are available to everyone without official enrollment on the course.

Where to view my course completions

Instructions for browsing your completed studies can be found in the Instructions for students. The course credits will be registered within 4 to 6 weeks of enrollment. Credits for July course completions will be registered in August.

Certificate

Once you have completed enough exercises for a passing grade, you can download the course certificate from the submission system. The certificate is separate from credits.
Instructions for studying

You can find important information regarding your studies on The Instructions for Students. 

If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us: avoin-student@helsinki.fi
Want to study something else?

Get familiar with other Open University courses available in English.