University of Helsinki

Degree programmes for international students

Master´s Degree Programmes at the Faculty of Theology

This web page presents Master´s degree programme Theological Work in Church and Society, A2 studies option (general). For information on the RRE programme, please visit its home page.

Studies option A2 of the Master’s degree programme on Theological Work in Church and Society

International students taken a lower of higher academic degree at the university abroad can complete the undergraduate degree of Master of Theology (MTh) which takes about two years. Finnish Master’s degrees are equivalent to British and American Master’s degrees and to German Magister Artium and the Ersten/Zweiten Staatsprüfung.

Studies in the degree programme provides students with a thorough knowledge of the major subject and basic knowledge of the other subjects studied in the programme. Studies emphasise further the ability to utilise scientific knowledge and methods as well as good communication and language skills.

Depending on the native language of the applicant students can study either in Finnish or English. Studying in English most common methods of taking the courses are taking book exams and writing essays, unless there are available lecture courses in English (see Teaching in English 2011-2012 and the Study Guide).

Employment opportunities

Many theologians find employment within research institutions and administrative and journalistic assignments at govern-mental or non-governmental institutions requiring keen under-standing of the impact of the religious cultures in today’s society. Graduates from the programme are also able to apply for postgraduate studies in Theology. Please note that the degree programme does not qualify the graduates to work as a pastor in Evangelic-Lutheran Church in Finland.

Content of the degree programme (see the Study Guide)

The Master’s degree programme consists of 120 ECTS-compatible credits. The content of the degree programme is classified according to the level and type of each study module.

• International students choosing the A2 studies option must complete 70 ECTS-compatible credits of compulsory studies (advanced studies and the Master’s thesis) and 50 ECTS-compatible credits of elective studies (advanced, intermediate, minor-subject, applied and Finnish or Swedish studies).
• The objective of advanced studies is that students learn to contribute to independent and critical scientific knowledge. Thus advanced studies mostly consist of writing the Master’s thesis (usually 60–100 pages).
• Intermediate studies provide an opportunity to acquire a deeper insight into the five theological disciplines taught in the Faculty.
• Applied studies are not compulsory for international degree students.
• Students can complete minor-subject studies in another faculty or university.
• Students can include Finnish or Swedish language studies up to a maximum of 25 credits