Domestic science 

Courses for foodies and sweet tooths

Työväenopisto offers a wide range of domestic science and home economics courses taught by professional teachers. The selection includes many interesting courses, demonstrations, help centres, and lectures on food and home economics.

The aim of domestic science courses is that you:

• reflect on the management of everyday household tasks and how they relate to your own choices and actions
• learn domestic science skills such as cooking and baking 
• use appropriate, safe, and sustainable tools, machines, working methods, and cleaning products
• are a thoughtful and responsible consumer and be aware of consumption-related issues
• become aware of the national household cultures and see the opportunities offered by internationality and multiculturalism 
• get challenges and solutions for both everyday life and leisure time
• enjoy working with your hands and being around people 

On our courses, we prepare nutritionally balanced meals from appetizers to main courses and desserts, based on every-day and festive themes. The courses combine a positive atmosphere, working together, and enjoying your own work and its results. We enjoy the prepared food together at the end of each lesson. 

There are also many online courses available.

You don’t usually need to bring any materials with you to classroom courses. For some courses, it is recommended that you bring your own apron. We charge a material fee for materials used in classroom teaching, and it is indicated in the course information on the Ilmonet course portal. For online teaching, you will get instructions on the equipment and ingredients by email.

Subjects

Courses are divided into themes. The themes are:

• life cycle
• foods for celebrations
• drinking culture
• international food culture
• domestic science and kitchen hygiene
• Finnish food culture
• Nutrition and special diets
• Basics of cooking

Letters A, B, C and D behind the course title mean different groups of the same course with the same course content.

Skill levels in cooking courses

Courses are divided into three skill levels according to difficulty. Most courses are the Applied level. Beginner and advanced courses are marked with a note indicating their suitability.

• Beginner level: We begin to spark interest towards cooking. We focus on the basic skills in food preparation, as well as the most common basic ingredients. 
• Applied level: We put the learned skills into practice, while learning more and going more in-depth. We apply what has already been learned. Most of our courses are at this level.
• Advanced level: We deepen and further diversify what has already been learned. Requires a robust command of the basics of cooking or baking.

The courses were really good, and the staff was competent in all areas. It’s great to have such a well-organised adult education centre in Helsinki. Thank you! I feel spoiled.

Need more information?

Wondering which course level is right for you? Subject teachers provide study guidance, help you choose courses, and answer all your study-related questions before you enrol and during the teaching period.