The Master’s Programme in English Studies offers a diverse selection of courses every year, giving you the opportunity to learn about topics at the very forefront of language and literature studies. Our courses cover areas often separated in other degree programmes: English language and linguistics, literature in English and the teaching of English. You may freely take courses from any of these areas, tailoring your degree according to your own interests.
Our courses are taught by active researchers and foster a highly collaborative environment. Support from both faculty members and peers helps you develop skills such as writing, analysis, critical thinking, presentation and intercultural communication. You can practice research design and project management skills during individual and group projects. Apply these skills and your expertise of English by writing your Master’s thesis in our thesis seminar.
Graduates from the English Studies programme have found success in a variety of careers with the skills gained from their MA. After graduating you may apply for doctoral studies, qualify for being a language teacher with additional pedagogical studies, go into fields like media, publishing, business or work in international organisations. English is used as the language of science, culture, business and tourism globally, and experts in English are required in all of these fields.
The language of instruction and the language of assignments is English.
The best way to know more about the Master's Programme in English Studies is through our students and graduates!
In the testimonials, they give their insights about the programme, studies and student life in Helsinki as well as share their aspirations and future goals. They also share their experiences with the thesis writing process.
The scope of the Master’s degree is 120 credits (ECTS). With full-time studies, you will complete the Master’s degree in two years. The degree contains the following studies:
During your Master’s studies you establish and develop your own specialisations, expanding your knowledge through coursework and writing your Master’s thesis. We encourage our students to include elective subjects and supporting studies from other programmes in their degree.
To help you complete your studies systematically, you prepare a personal study plan (PSP) at the beginning of your Master’s studies, with support from the programme staff and the Student Services.
You can also complete some of your studies abroad by taking part in a student exchange programme.
If you have gained a study right at the University of Helsinki for both a BA and an MA degree, you apply for pedagogical studies during your BA degree. However, the pedagogical studies themselves are carried out during your MA degree.
If you have gained a study right only for an MA degree, you are not eligible to apply for pedagogical studies during your degree. However, you can apply for a free-of-charge non-degree study right for pedagogical studies after completing your MA degree.
Find out more about studying teaching subjects in the Studies service.
In the Studies service, you can explore the degree structure, content and learning outcomes from the level of the degree programme to individual courses.
The Master’s Programme in English Studies offers up to 25 elective courses each academic year in English linguistics, literature in English and the teaching of English. Familiarise yourself with topics at the forefront of language and literature and practice cutting-edge research methodologies. We also offer research seminars and courses on research design that support you in writing your Master’s thesis.
Our lecturers and professors organise courses on their areas of specialisation. In linguistics courses, you learn about the structures and use of English through topics such as language change, sociolinguistics, discourse studies and corpus linguistics. In literature courses, you can study various literatures in English from narrative, cognitive, postcolonial and ecocritical perspectives. Applied linguistics courses cover a wide array of topics and are tailored primarily to provide valuable insights for future language teachers.
Each course takes a multifaceted approach to its topic, encouraging you to both dive into the core of the phenomenon while critically approaching the social and cultural context. Interdisciplinary methods are utilised often, with some courses being organised in collaboration with other degree programmes. We encourage our students to explore their own perspectives, interests and prior knowledge in their coursework.
As a student you attend lectures and collaborate with other students, both in-person and in digital learning environments. We use a variety of methods to assess your learning, including examinations, essays, learning diaries and group projects. You will practice speaking and presentation skills throughout your studies.
You can also combine English studies with modules from other programmes in the Faculty of Arts, for example:
You can check out courses in the online course catalogue for University of Helsinki students. Finnish courses are offered for international students.
The programme culminates in writing your Master’s thesis, an independent scientific study. It aims to develop the skills required for conducting research. The most important of these are the ability to draw on earlier research, define relevant research problems, and analyse and report independently acquired data.
The Master’s thesis process develops skills in the following areas:
Given its scope and complexity, the Master’s thesis will also help you develop research and project management skills which will be useful in a variety of professions.
We support your development in these areas through courses dedicated to research methodologies and design. You will also attend a thesis seminar that offers frequent feedback from your supervisor and especially your peers, building a supportive and collaborative environment. Your thesis will be written in English.
Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland.
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.
English students have their own subject organisation which you might want to check out – Sub ry. You can also read the webzine Better Than Sliced Bread, which is operated by English students.
Students in Finland 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.
The Faculty of Arts operates on the multidisciplinary City Centre Campus, located right in the heart of Helsinki with excellent public transport connections. As the largest campus it offers a bustling atmosphere and a wide variety of services for students. The English Studies programme is based in Metsätalo, but you will likely have classes in other buildings as well.
The Helsinki University Library has extensive collections of academic texts and studying spaces available for your use. The Main University Library is located in the Kaisa House on the City Centre Campus. The National Library of Finland is also located on campus. The Helsinki Central Library Oodi offers public library services and can be reached in 10 minutes.
You can include an exchange period in your degree. During the exchange, you will complete part of your studies at a university abroad. A well-planned and well-timed student exchange offers you the opportunity to make the degree more diverse and enables you to discover new perspectives abroad.
You can pursue an exchange visit either through an exchange programme or independently. All exchange programmes include a scholarship or a grant; the amount depends on the programme, the duration of the exchange visit and the target country. If you have arranged an exchange visit independently, you can apply for a travel grant.
You can also engage in international activities at the University of Helsinki. For example, you can serve as a peer tutor for international students.