Admissions

Are you interested in applying to the Master's Programme in Contemporary Societies (COS)? Find out more about the programme to see if it is right for you, how to apply and other useful information for applicants.
Basic information
  • Degree level: Master of Social Sciences
     
  • Scope of studies and planned duration: 120 ECTS credits, 2 years
     
  • Language: English
     
  • Tuition fee per year (only for non-EU/EEA citizens): 13 000 EUR
Application date

Please note that our International Master's Programmes only have one intake per academic year. You can only submit your application during the application period. 

The applications for studies starting in autumn 2025 closed on 16 Jan 2025. Thanks to all our applicants!

As of 1 Jan 2025, non-EU/EEA citizens must pay an application fee when applying to programmes leading to a degree in higher education in Finland (excl. doctoral degrees and Erasmus Mundus programmes). 

The fee is a one-time national fee of 100 euros that covers all applications to studies beginning in the same academic term.

The fee is not collected from applicants who have:

  • a Finnish or EU citizenship,
  • a residence card for a family member of an EU citizen in Finland,
  • a European Union Blue Card,
  • a continuous residence permit in Finland granted on grounds other than studies,
  • a permanent Finnish residence permit, or
  • a long-term resident’s EU residence permit.

The Finnish National Agency of Education will collect the application fee in connection with filling out the application form at the Finnish national education portal Studyinfo. The fee must be paid or you must upload a document proving the exempted category. Otherwise your application will not be processed. 

Unfortunately, it is not possible to get an application fee waiver.

The application fee does not guarantee that you will be offered admission to studies.

Who can apply

The Master’s Programme in Contemporary Societies is for students who want to understand the complex issues associated with contemporary societies.

You are eligible to apply if you:

  1. have completed a first-cycle (bachelor's or equivalentdegree, or will do so by the given deadline.
  2. meet the degree language requirements. Find out more about proving your English language proficiency.
  3. have completed a sufficient amount of applicable studies. See the admission criteria at Studyinfo.fi for more details.

The programme has six discipline-based study tracks: Global Development Studies, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Social and Public Policy, Social Data Science, Social Psychology and Sociology. Applicable studies include these disciplines or cognate fields. You should apply for the study track that is closest to your previous studies. The applicability and sufficient scope of studies are assessed after applying. No preliminary assessments are made.

You must indicate your prospective study track when applying and this selection cannot be changed after submitting your application.

The full admission criteria can be found at the Finnish national education portal Studyinfo.fi.

Why apply

As societies become increasingly diverse, change rapidly, and are confronted with expanding inequalities, datafication, and digitalization, there is a growing need for professionals trained and educated in the analysis of these dynamics.

In the multidisciplinary and research-based Master's Programme in Contemporary Societies (COS), you become an expert in the analysis of contemporary societies. During your studies, you will:

  • focus on the key themes in the dynamics of contemporary societies both in a European and a global context.
  • build your portfolio according to your interests and career plans.
  • acquire expertise and skills relevant to working life and qualifications.
  • get support for both international mobility and work experience.
  • study disciplines that are ranked among the best 100 subjects in the QS World University Ranking by Subject.
  • be taught by staff who are research leaders in their fields and have longstanding experience in teaching multicultural student groups.

As a graduate, you will be qualified to work in both the public and private sectors, governmental administration, or various types of organisations. You will also have excellent qualifications to continue with an academic career and PhD studies.

How to apply

This video gives a general overview of the application process for the International Master's Programmes at the University of Helsinki when applying from 2 to 16 Jan 2025.

Start preparing your application well in advance, make sure that you meet the admission criteria and language requirements, and always read the full instructions on our website.

Contact Admission Services

If you have any questions about admissions at the University of Helsinki, please contact our admission advisers for guidance. You can also check out some statistics on student admissions.

Student testimonials

Who knows better than our own students what it is like to study in the Master's Programme in Contemporary Societies?

Meet some of our students and graduates to learn about their experiences with studies, life in Helsinki, career prospects and working life after graduation.

Every single course has been eye-opening and inspiring, and professors and researchers are always accessible and helpful. I've also got some precious friends.
Practicalities of student life in Helsinki

When choosing a university, it is important to get the location right too. What has Helsinki and Finland to offer when it comes to education and a way of life? What's the cost of living? Is it easy to find housing?

Did you know that students in Finland are entitled to lots of benefits, discounts 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.

About the University of Helsinki

University of Helsinki, the oldest and largest institution of academic education in Finland, has since 1640 played a major role in the development of the Finnish cultural life and welfare state. Today, we seek solutions to problems that affect everyone.

As one of the world's top 1% research universities, we believe that the power of knowledge can change attitudes, people and society – for a better world.

Our core values
More about the programme