Future Studies and Foresight Methods (5cr)

Learning outcomes

The student can:
• Adopt relevant literature-related foresight and futures research
• Utilize futures thinking and foresight as an essential part of project design
• Monitor, scan, and evaluate megatrends, trends, emerging issues, and weak signals
• Generate alternative future scenarios of possible, probable, and desirable futures
• Strengthen futures consciousness and awareness in research and development projects and project work

Teaching methods

The study unit includes scheduled teaching and guidance online (Zoom) and at Laurea Leppävaara campus (2.2. 2026 at 15-17 (zoom); 5.3. 2026 at. 9-16.30 (Leppävaara) and 9.4. 2026 at 9-16.30 (Leppävaara)

In addition to scheduled teaching on campus, the study unit includes self-directed learning and group work. Orientation to futures thinking and familiarization with the theoretical background of foresight rely on self-directed learning (60% of credits). The LbD project (foresight process) relies on group work (40% of credits).

You will receive individual feedback on assignments from the teacher. Peer feedback may also be utilized. A Canvas learning environment is used to support the implementation.

Time and location

[This field is not used at Laurea.]

Learning materials and recommended literature

• Ahvenharju, S. 2022. Futures Consciousness as a Human Anticipatory Capacity. Definitions and Measurement. Turun yliopiston julkaisuja. Sarja E-osa. Turku
• Gordon, A. Rohrbeck, R. & Schwarz, J. 2019. Escaping the 'Faster Horses' Trap: Bridging Strategic Foresight and Design-Based Innovation; Technology Innovation Management Review, Volume 9 Issue X
• Heinonen, S.; Kuusi,O. ym. 2013. How Do We Explore Our Futures? Methods of Futures Research. Finnish Society for Futures Studies.
• Hines, A. & Bishop, P. 2006 Thinking about the Future, Guidelines for Strategic Foresight
• Lum, R.A.K .2016 4 Steps to the Future A Quick and Clean Guide to Creating Foresight
• Meristö, T. & Laitinen, J. 2021. Foresight Workbook for Practitioners
• Silva, M. 2015. Future-Proof: Foresight as a Tool towards Project Legacy Sustainability. PM World Journal Vol. IV, Issue V
• Voros, J. 2003 A generic foresight process framework. Foresight, vol.5, no.3, pp.10–21.

Alternative completion methods of implementation

All students are entitled to demonstrate their competence. The recognition and accreditation of prior competence is initiated by the students themselves. The competence is recognised and accredited by the teacher responsible for the studies or another person designated to the position. The assessment is carried out according to the same assessment criteria and, as a rule, same grading scale as that adopted for the corresponding study unit or module. The student is entitled to apply for accreditation of prior competence regardless of where, how and when the competence has been acquired. The student may also seek accreditation of competence to be acquired on the job as part of their degree (work-based learning). ... The student is responsible for demonstrating and verifying their competence and for providing sufficient information.

Important dates

- 2.February 2026 at 15-17 (zoom);
- 5.March 2026 at. 9-16.30 (Laurea Leppävaara)
- 9 April 2026 at 9:00–16:30 (Laurea Leppävaara)

Forms of internationality

The LbD assignment of the study unit is integrated into international projects:

Student workload

• Teaching on campus: 20 h
• self-directed learning (theoretical background – learning diary): 44 h
• LbD-project and group work: 66 h

Further information

The study unit corresponds to the requirements of Master's level education.

According to the degree regulations (section 18) "students must be present for the first contact teaching session, or they must notify the responsible teacher of their absence to confirm they intend to participate in studies, Alternatively, the teacher can specify a different manner for the student to confirm that they intend to participate in the studies. The completion of these measures can be required within a week of the studies having begun. The application of the aforementioned approach requires that the teacher notifies the students accepted to the study unit of the practice and that the practice is specifically mentioned in the study unit’s implementation plan.

If the student has a justified reason for not attending the first contact teaching session or for not notifying the teacher of their intention to be involved in studies in the manner required by the teacher, the student must contact the responsible teacher to agree on participation in the studies. Their registration for the study unit will be rejected, of the student does not notify the teacher of being absent from the first contact teaching session or the reason for their absence cannot be considered justified, Another student who is in line for the study unit can be selected in their place."

Evaluation scale

H-5