Structure and Content
The Master’s Programme in Intercultural Encounters (ICE) offers a multidisciplinary approach to intercultural issues. You can specialise in different local, national and supranational cultures in, for example, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, or North America.

Also, the perspectives of the Study of Religions, Theology, Communication and Indigenous Studies provide you with the regional, cultural, and socio-political knowledge. The programme offers courses grounded in the latest academic research. You will learn to apply a theoretical grasp to practical situations in a multicultural and internationally oriented working life.

The scope of the ICE programme is 120 ECTS credits to be completed in two academic years:

  • Joint Studies (20 ECTS credits)
  • Professional Contexts (15 ECTS credits)
  • Thematic Studies (30 ECTS credits)
  • Seminars and Thesis (10 + 30 ECTS credits)
  • Optional Studies (15 ECTS credits)
The scope of the ICE programme

Joint Stud­ies

Joint Studies are compulsory to all ICE students. Courses in Joint Studies are:

  • INTRODUCTORY COURSE: Key concepts and themes in intercultural encounters & interdisciplinarity 
  • INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION: Analysis of cultural and intercultural communication & intercultural competence
  • RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Data collection & data analysis
  • DIGITAL HUMANITIES: Digital tool for analysing current topics in intercultural encounters

Pro­fes­sional Con­texts (15 ECTS credits)

You will get tools and contacts for worklife in our studies too. Becoming a professional in Intercultural Encounters is our main goal in Professional Contexts (15 ECTS credits). You have the option to complete practical projects, career-related courses or to do an internship. We also offer the compulsory Career Clinic. 

Sem­inars and Master's Thesis (10 ECTS credits + 30 ECTS credits)

In the ICE programme, the MA thesis work begins with a research plan in the spring term of the first year. The thesis work continues in the autumn of the second year, and throughout the second year. The Master's Thesis is 30 ECTS credits, which equals to 40-60 pages. Typically the Master's thesis contains empirical research. Students get to choose their own topic with the help of a designated supervisor. Take a look at the completed Master's Theses (pdf).

Them­atic Modules(30 ECTS credits)

You choose your target degree when you apply to the programme and depending on your choice, the ICE programme leads to a Master of Arts (Humanities) degree or a Master of Theology degree. Depending on your target degree, you will specialise in one or two thematic modules. The theology students will specialize in the thematic module Religion, Conflict and Dialogue (30 ECTS credits). The humanities students will choose two thematic modules of 15 ECTS from the following: Religion, Conflict and Dialogue; Knowledge, Decolonisation, and Change; Communication and Media; Transnational Interactions and Globalisation. Read more about the Thematic modules.

Op­tional Stud­ies (15 ECTS credits)

For your optional studies, you can choose other relevant studies to support your degree in Intercultural Encounters. Optional Studies may include an additional thematic module offered by the ICE programme. Other alternatives are, for example, language studies, studies abroad, or individual courses in other degree programmes at the University of Helsinki.

For course selection at the University of Helsinki visit the Weboodi website