Master's Degree programmes

The Master's degree programmes at the International School of Social Sciences are higher university degree programmes which consist of 120 ECTS credits and take two years of full-time study to complete. The programmes usually have two or more major subjects from the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, but they can also include majors from other Schools.

The Master's programmes usually consist of advanced studies in the major subject, research and methodological studies. Students of different majors take some courses of the programme together, some are meant for students in one major only. All in all, the programmes are interdisciplinary and encourage students to combine different viewpoints in their studies.

A large proportion of the Master's level studies are taken up by research and writing of the Master's thesis, an independent piece of work by the student. Its meaning is to train the student to scientific work in the field of her/his program and major subject. The thesis should show familiarity with the subject matter, mastery of appropriate research methods and capability for scientific expression. The extent of the Master's thesis is 40 ECTS credits. The thesis must be a minimum of 60 pages in length.

Students admitted to the programmes normally have a Bachelor's degree, including studies in one of the major subjects, or in a related field. A good command of English is also required. For more information on applying, see How to apply.

Ongoing ISSS Master's programmes:

Master's Programme in Comparative Social Policy and Welfre (2010-)

Master's Programme in International Relations within Finnish-Russian Cross-Border University (CBU) (2009-)
Master's Programme in European and Russian Studies (2009-)
Master's Programme on Political Communication (2009-)
Master's Programme in Global Governance and World Culture (2009-)

Previous ISSS Master's programmes:

Master's Programme in Comparative Social Policy and welfare (2008-)

Master's Programme in European Studies: Europeanization of Politics and Governance (2008-)

Master's Programme in International Relations within Finnish-Russian Cross Border University (CBU) (2007-2009)
European and Russian Studies (2007-2009)
Political Communication (2007-2009)
European Studies: Europeanization of Politics and Governance (2006-2008)
Places, Spaces and Transnational Relations (2006-2007)
Information Society and Russia (2005-2006)
Master's Programme on Information Society II (2003-2005)
Master's Programme on Information Society (2002-2004)
European Studies and World Politics (2002-2003)
European Policies, Regional Co-Operation and Transformation in North-West Russian Master's Programme (2001-2002)
Civil Society and Changing Northern European Politics and Societies (2000-2002)
International Relations and European Studies (1999-2001)
Social Sciences with European Studies (1999-2001)
European Integration, Social Change and Regional Cooperation with Northwestern Russia (1998-2000, 1999-2001)
International Relations and European Studies (1996-1998)
Scandinavian Welfare Societies -Comparative Perspectives (1996-1997)

Nordic-Baltic Studies (1994-1996)

Nordic Welfare Societies (1993-1995)
Japanese Studies (1992-1994)
European Politics and Government (1991-1993)
Development and Environmental Studies (1991-1993)