University of Helsinki - A Leading European University

MDP in Intercultural Encounters

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 understanding about the effect culture has on everyday communication and encounters. In any given field, cultural awareness has become a 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 International Master’s Programme in Intercultural Encounters (ICE) is arranged entirely in English, inviting 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, generating an understanding of the multifaceted nature of intercultural contact. Comparative Religion provides students with means 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.

Latin American Studies and other area studies offered by the Renvall Institute, provide students with the regional, cultural and socio-political contexts in which – and through which – to understand intercultural encounters. The Master’s Programme in Intercultural Encounters offers courses founded on the latest academic research enabling students to apply their theoretical understanding to practical situations.

More information is available on the Intercultural Encounters website.

More information on the application process through admissions@helsinki.fi.