Master in Intercultural Encounters
University of Helsinki
Key Information
Campus location
Helsinki, Finland
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 18,000 / per year **
Application deadline
Request info *
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* from 1.12.2023 to 3.1.2024
** for non-EU/EEA countries
Introduction
Can We Build Bridges Between Diverse Communities?
Do you want to promote cultural diversity in a globalised world? Or would you like to be more competent in intercultural communication? Do you want to study the role of religion in intercultural relationships? Are you interested in Indigenous perspectives or transnational identities?
The Master's Programme in Intercultural Encounters (ICE) is a genuinely interdisciplinary programme where you can enhance your thinking and grow your expertise in cultural understanding. ICE gives you the tools to succeed in an internationally-oriented professional life. In addition, you will learn theoretical thinking and practical research skills.
Student life
Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. Also at the University of Helsinki, more than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), ranging from faculty and subject organisations to political and societal organisations, and from choirs and orchestras to sports and game clubs. Their activities include anniversary celebrations, academic dinner parties, cultural events, get-togethers and excursions.
One relevant organisation for ICE students is Orbis, the organisation of international and internationally-minded students in the Faculties of Arts and Theology. Orbis arranges various events such as social gatherings and panel discussions and co-operates with the ICE program, potential employers and other student organisations. Join the fun and get to know both Finnish and international students!
As a student and member of the Student Union (HYY), you are entitled to many benefits and services. For example, affordable student housing, low-cost sports services and student-priced meals. You also get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country.
Admissions
Curriculum
The Master’s Programme in Intercultural Encounters (ICE) is 120 ECTS credits in scope.
The degree shall be completed in two academic years.
The programme is conducted in English, but you can complete up to 25% (30 credits) of the studies in another language.
At the beginning of your studies, you will be assisted by your supervisor to draw a personal study plan and design your own individual study track.
Depending on your choices, the ICE programme will lead to a Master of Arts (Humanities) degree or a Master of Theology degree. You choose your target degree when applying to the programme.
Thematic modules
If you choose to complete the Master of Arts degree, you will specialise in two thematic modules. If you choose to complete the Master of Theology degree, you will specialise in the thematic module Religion, Conflict and Dialogue. In the optional studies, all ICE students may choose one additional module.
The thematic modules are:
- Religion and Diversity
- Knowledge, Decolonisation and Change
- Communication and Media
- Global Transfers
Courses
During the first year, you will study foundational theoretical and methodological courses and begin your thematic specialisations. In the second year, you will continue taking courses, but the focus will be on writing your Master’s thesis.
Master's thesis
The Master's thesis is the culmination of your studies. During the thesis project, you are expected to:
- demonstrate that you can formulate relevant and interesting research questions
- create a coherent research design
- analyse and produce data
- write a scientific research report
Although the project is extensive independent research work, you will have a supervisor acting as your advisor. You will also regularly present the progress of your project in a joint seminar with your fellow students.
Writing your Master’s thesis develops the skills for conducting research. The process will enhance your ability to seek information independently, analyse and assess existing information critically, and produce and apply information. Typically students collect and analyze empirical data. In addition, writing your Master’s thesis develops project management skills and displays your mastery of an extensive range of knowledge in your field of study. You will write your thesis in English.
Doctoral education
If you are interested in an academic career, the ICE programme provides you with high-quality research training and a solid foundation for doctoral studies. Upon completion of your Master's degree, you will be eligible to apply for doctoral studies at the University of Helsinki and other leading international research institutions.
Gallery
Program Outcome
Why Intercultural Encounters?
As interculturalism remains in the news from year to year, with new issues constantly emerging, there is an ongoing need to examine current intercultural encounters with a multidisciplinary approach and adjust the focus in response to changes in society.
When graduating from the Master's Programme in Intercultural Encounters, you will have:
- profound knowledge of intercultural encounters, including thematic specialisation
- the ability to conduct research and apply scholarly knowledge and scientific methods
- the eligibility for postgraduate research
- awareness of intercultural competence
Upon completing the programme, you will be able to pursue a national and international career. You will be able to act and grow in multidisciplinary and multicultural groups and deal with issues of intercultural interaction, diversity, internationalisation, cultural management, media and power.
Scholarships and Funding
Our scholarship program is for students who are applying to the University of Helsinki. These scholarships are intended for excellent students from outside the EU/EEA, who wish to complete a Master's program at the University of Helsinki. Grants can be applied while applying to the University of Helsinki’s Master’s programs.
Career Opportunities
Upon completing the Master’s Programme in Intercultural Encounters, you will be able to pursue a national and international career. You will be able to act and grow in multidisciplinary and multicultural groups, and deal with issues of intercultural interaction, diversity, internationalisation, cultural management, media and power.
The ICE programme has a strong emphasis on enhancing the students’ career prospects. The content of the programme has been designed around modules that develop the students’ theoretical and practical skill set, and allow them to apply their academic knowledge to real-life case studies. The students’ preparedness for working life is further advanced by on-site visits, internships, and project work which also provide important opportunities for networking. Employment opportunities for ICE graduates range from cultural and public management to international projects in private companies. Potential employers include the EU, the UN, and other national and international organisations; ministries; universities; the municipal sector; non-governmental organisations; and the media.
The ICE programme includes a minimum of 15 credits of studies in Professional Contexts. In the compulsory Career Clinic course you get a chance to polish your CV or LinkedIn profile and get to familiarize yourself with various employers and working environments. The optional traineeship and project work modules allow you to gain hands-on work experience that will develop your skills and strengthen your professional identity.