Developing Circular Economy Business in Textiles and Fashion (5cr)

Evaluation methods and criteria

Some of the assignments are assessed on a scale of fail – pass. In order to complete the course, you must pass all the assignments. The course as a whole is assessed on a scale of 0–5. The final assignment, to be submitted at the end of the course, is emphasised in the assessment and is reflected against the learning objectives of the course. The assessment is influenced by the teacher's evaluation (70%), peer assessment (15%), and the student's self-assessment (15%).

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

Teaching days: Teaching day 1: Introduction to the course Teaching day 2: Co-development and challenges of the circular economy Teaching day 3: Transition to a circular economy Teaching day 4: Conclusion of the course

Objective

• The student understands the importance of circular economy as part of sustainable development. • The student is familiar with circular economy targets and supporting legislation. • The student is able to compare different business models from the perspective of sustainable development and circular economy in the textile and clothing industry. • The student knows key principles, stages and methods of service design and co-creation and is able to apply them in the quest for a circular economy. • The student knows relevant circular economy actors in the textile and clothing sector. • The student recognises innovations and technologies supporting circular textile economy, and understands their potential for business in their field.

Content

• Key principles of circular economy and circular business models • Circular economy targets and supporting legislation • Opportunities of co-creation and service design in a circular economy • Circular economy ecosystems and strategic partnerships • Innovation and technologies supporting circular textile economy

Location and time

Hybrid teaching, which takes place simultaneously at the Arabia campus and on Zoom (the link will be provided in Moodle). Moodle is used as the learning platform. Time: 13 February–20 March 2026 Teaching days: Fri 13 February, 9:00–15:30 Fri 27 February, 9:00–15:30 Fri 6 March, 9:00–15:30 Fri 13 March, 9:00–15:30 At other times, independent and group work. Changes are possible. Participation in hybrid teaching is possible either on campus or remotely via the Zoom video conferencing service. Remote students are required to have a functioning video and audio connection and to participate interactively. Recording of teaching situations in this course is prohibited. Public access to the course is restricted (Universities of Applied Sciences Act, section 9). Teaching situations may involve discussing participants' personal experiences and, for example, thesis project plans. A description of the processing of personal data during the course can be found in the privacy notice of Metropolia’s student and study information register, published on Metropolia’s public website: https://www.metropolia.fi/en/about-us/data-protection-and-gdpr/privacy-notices/metropolias-student-and-education-data-register

Materials

Lecture materials, other resources and literature can be found in the Moodle of the course. Some of the learning materials are in English. In addition, Moodle contains a comprehensive reading list, which can also be utilised outside of the course.

Teaching methods

(Remote) lectures, discussions, group assignments, a reading circle, and as a final assignment, a development plan.

Employer connections

Several representatives from working life will visit the course to give lectures, and the course development assignments are closely linked to the students' own employers (if possible).

Exam schedules

No examinations.

International connections

The course literature is based on international research.

Student workload

5 credits = 135 hours (27 hours/credit) 135 hours = 22 hours of teaching days + 60 hours of independent work + 53 hours of preparing learning assignments.

Qualifications

The course is intended for Master’s degree and Advanced Master’s degree students and requires work experience in the textile and clothing sector, as well as the ability to work independently, critically, and in a research- and development-oriented manner.