University of Helsinki - A Leading European University

Welcome!

Today, intercultural issues have a vital role in all sectors of the job market. The ever-increasing movement of people is creating a growing need for knowledge and appreciation of the effect culture has on everyday communication and encounters. In any given field, cultural awareness has become an essential part of being a true professional. To address this need, the University of Helsinki established its first ever Master’s Programme in 2001. In 2009, the Master’s Programme in Intercultural Encounters (ICE) is arranged entirely in English. We invite international students to join our motivated and creative think tank of scholars!

Consisting of four major fields of study, the Master’s Programme in Intercultural Encounters offers a truly multidisciplinary approach to intercultural issues. This generates an appreciation of the multifaceted nature of intercultural contact. The ICE Programme offers courses founded on the latest academic research, which enables students to apply their theoretical grasp to practical situations.

• Area and Cultural Studies in Department of World Cultures provide students with the regional, cultural and socio-political contexts in which – and through which – to approach intercultural encounters.
• Study of Religions provides students with means to understanding the various roles religion plays in society, in political debate as well as in peoples’ everyday lives.
• Social Psychology examines the processes behind the formation of cultural and social identity. Topics of interest include the relationships between various social groups, identity, minorities and majorities, ethnicity, stereotypes, racism, and adaptation.
• Speech Communication observes practical intercultural communication situations and processes, as well as cultural beliefs and values present and produced in communication and social relationships.