The admission results (application round from 2 Jan 2026 to 16 Jan 2026) have been sent to the applicants to the e-mail address given on their application form. The results can also be found in the
Welcome to the MA programme in English Studies at the University of Helsinki, where you will embark on an exciting journey through the multifaceted world of English language, literature, and culture! Our programme stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, which combines several core areas in English studies to provide you with a comprehensive and well-rounded education.
Through our programme, you will explore the intricate relationships between language, culture, society, and communication, using a range of cutting-edge research methodologies and technologies. You will have a chance to delve into the complex structures and functions of the English language, as well as its creative and expressive potential in literature and other forms of cultural production.
Our programme is also designed to prepare you for real-world applications of language studies, including language teaching and intercultural communication. We offer a range of courses in applied linguistics, which will equip you with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a variety of professional settings. Our teaching also incorporates innovative tools of corpus linguistics and digital humanities, which enable you to analyse language patterns and usage in large datasets, providing new insights into the social, cultural, and historical contexts of language production and reception.
Our programme offers a supportive and collaborative learning environment, where you will be guided by experienced faculty members who are and committed to helping you achieve your academic and professional goals. You will also have access to the learning resources available at the university, including scholarly literature, digital archives and databases, which will enable you to carry out independent research and produce innovative projects.
We are confident that our programme will provide you with a rich and rewarding educational experience and equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world. We look forward to welcoming you to our community of scholars and supporting you on this journey.
Turo Hiltunen
Director of the programme
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Before starting your studies, we recommend reviewing the degree structure and the teaching programme. The Master’s Programme in English Studies has two lines: the general line (ENGG300) and the teacher line (ENGT300). All students admitted directly to the international MA programme are in the general line.
Students in general line focus on English Studies by completing two of the programme’s four modules—Language and Society, Discourse and Digital Interaction, Literature and Society, and Literature and the Mind—taking at least three courses in each. Students may also take individual courses from any module, and all general line students also complete a career course. All students take a research design course and a research seminar supporting the Master’s thesis. Additionally, the programme offers optional online courses in computational text analysis.
Teaching includes taught courses, independent-study options, and exams, with assessment through portfolios, essays, exams, learning diaries, and group work. More information on the degree structure and the preliminary teaching programme for 2026–27 is available on the university website.
The teaching officially starts on 31 August 2026, but you should participate in the orientation activities for the new students already before classes begin (Orientation week 24–28 August 2026). You will be assigned to a tutor group or student tutor. You will learn more about studying in our programme and get support with administrative matters. This will make it easier for you to start your studies and life in Helsinki.
The detailed information concerning the orientation and student tutors will be published in the Instructions for students. Remember to select your programme in the dropdown menu to access the information relevant to your degree programme.
You should also get in contact with your academic mentor and make the initial
As a student in the Master's Programme in English Studies, the
The multidisciplinary City Centre Campus in the very heart of Helsinki is the largest campus of the University of Helsinki with its approx. 17 000 students. In addition to the Faculty of Humanities, the City Centre Campus houses the Faculty of Educational Sciences, the Faculty of Theology, the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Social Sciences as well as the Swedish School of Social Science.
The international students in the Master's Programme in English Studies can apply to the UNITalent Programme. It is designed to support international students in building professional networks in Finland and to gain insight into field specific working life. Students take part by attending monthly group meetings with hosting organisation for a period of three months. During the programme, the University Career Services also provides training in career management skills. The continuation of the programme will be decided in spring 2026.
If you have questions regarding the content of the programme, courses or studies, please contact Programme Director
If you have questions related to the admissions and accepting your study place, please contact the