You will apply ideas, concepts and methodologies to key societal and political issues such as the changing character of democracy, the role of organisations and governance in the globalising world, and the regulation of global finance and trade. The programme emphasises developing your critical thinking, a necessary skill in many careers.
Global Politics and Communication is an interdisciplinary and innovative Master’s degree programme that addresses the key challenges of globalisation from the perspective of media and communication studies, organisation research and global political economy. The programme emphasises developing your critical thinking, a necessary skill in many careers.
The specific objectives of the programme include:
The Master's Programme in Global Politics and Communication is a full-time, two-year programme. The scope of the degree is 120 credits (ECTS) consisting of advanced studies in politics and communication, as well as other elective and compulsory studies. The programme consists of core courses as well as thematic courses.
During the first year of your studies, you will study theoretical and methodological courses, and you will specialise in one of the three study tracks of the programme: Global Political Economy, Media and Democracy or Governance, Organisations and Communication. In the second year, you will deepen your knowledge on your selected study track by participating in the master’s thesis seminar and writing your master’s thesis.
Master’s Degree Programme in Global Politics and Communication: 120 credits (ECTS)
More information about the structure and content of the three study tracks.
The language of the Master's Programme in Global Politics and Communication is English. The degree can include up to 30 credits (ECTS) of studies in other languages, such as Finnish or Swedish, or courses completed during an international exchange or an exchange at another university in Finland. The Diploma Supplement given upon graduation states that the degree has been completed in English.
During the first year, you will study general theoretical and methodological courses and take part in thematic courses offered by the programme’s study tracks.
In the second year, you will deepen your knowledge on your selected study track or study tracks by participating in thematic specialisation courses. You will also attend the Master’s seminar and write your Master’s thesis.
Check out courses in the online course catalogue for University of Helsinki students in the Studies service.
The University of Helsinki also offers Finnish courses for international students.
Preliminary syllabus for the academic year can be found in the Instructions for students. Make sure the correct programme is selected in the drop-down menu.
You will select the topic of your Master's Thesis under the guidance of your supervisor. The usual length of a Master’s thesis is about 50-70 pages.
When writing your thesis, you will need to acquire advanced knowledge in your chosen field and develop analytical and critical thinking skills. You will learn to formulate research questions, plan and design your research, conduct it and report your results with an understanding of the key concepts, debates and perspectives concerning your chosen topic.
In addition, the thesis may inspire you to continue your studies as a doctoral candidate. The graduates of the Global Politics and Communication programme (Master of Social Sciences, MSocSc) indeed fulfil the requirements to apply for doctoral studies at the University of Helsinki and other top universities around the world.
As a graduate of the Master's Programme in Global Politics and Communication, you will be awarded a Master of Social Sciences degree. This degree qualifies you to apply for PhD studies at the University of Helsinki and other top universities around the world.
For more information about the doctoral education, please see:
More information about doctoral education at the University of Helsinki.
The Master's Programme in Global Politics and Communication is an international programme with a student intake from around the world. Furthermore, we receive many visiting and exchange students and scholars from Europe and further afield. In addition to providing our students with a unique international learning atmosphere, it may also be possible for students to participate in exchange programmes for a short-term study period in top universities around the world. Our students are also provided with the opportunity of doing a voluntary internship abroad.
One of the advantages of studying at the Faculty of Social Sciences is the possibility to study elective courses in other Master’s programmes.
Academic freedom is a strong part of the studying experience at the University of Helsinki. This gives you the possibility to study different elective studies within the university and the other universities in the Helsinki metropolitan area through Flexible Study Right (JOO) agreements. You can also conduct your master’s research in a company where you are working.
Our students share their experiences about studying at the University of Helsinki, how it differs from their previous studies at other universities and life in general in Finland.
Meet Stinne Vognæs, student of the Media and Democracy study track, Eli Bassett, student of the Global Political Economy study track, Jasmin Kopra, student of the Governance, Organizations and Communications track, Emilee Jackson, student of Media and Communication Studies, Meng-Han Chau, student of Political Science (Politics), Mariia Kukkakorpi, student of Media and Communication Studies and Ran Goren, student of Political Science (World Politics).
Read the stories of our students.
See also this story featuring one of our students: ”I want to get people excited about democracy”.
Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. Also at the University of Helsinki, the student community is very active. 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.
One of the organisations is CISSI, the Organisation of International Social Scientists at the University of Helsinki. They arrange various events such as social gatherings, discussions, visits and excursions as well as co-operates with other organisations.
As a student and member of the Student Union (HYY), you 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.
Read more about student life, services and benefits when studying at the University of Helsinki.
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