Master's Programme in Contemporary Societies, Master of Social Sciences

The Master's Programme in Contemporary Societies focuses on inequality, cultural diversity, datafication, environmental crises, political polarisation, and related social change in Nordic, European, and global contexts. You study these issues through theory and through quantitative, qualitative, and data science methods. The programme offers seven study tracks: Consumption and Markets, Global Development Studies, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Social and Public Policy, Social Data Science, Social Psychology, and Sociology.

The degree is 120 ECTS credits and takes two academic years. It includes studies in one study track, thesis seminars and the master's thesis, advanced thematic courses from five interdisciplinary fields, research skills courses, career skills courses, academic writing courses, and optional studies. You begin work on the thesis in your first year and receive feedback in thesis seminars.

The University of Helsinki describes the programme as designed for students who want to become experts in analysing the dynamics of contemporary societies. It leads to the Master of Social Sciences degree. The programme also says it provides a foundation for doctoral studies.

Modules

• Consumption and Markets
• Global Development Studies
• Social and Cultural Anthropology
• Social and Public Policy
• Social Data Science
• Social Psychology
• Sociology
• Studies in one of the seven study tracks, including thesis seminars and the master's thesis
• Advanced thematic courses from five interdisciplinary fields
• Research skills courses
• Career skills courses
• Academic writing courses

• A bachelor's degree from a recognised higher education institution, completed before the start of studies or in progress before then.
• At least 35 ECTS credits in a scholarly field applicable to the prospective study track.
• At least 15 ECTS credits in empirical research methods relevant to the social sciences.
• Applicants must indicate their prospective study track on the application form, and the selection cannot be changed after submission.
• Study-track subject requirements:
• Consumption and Markets: social sciences or business disciplines with a focus on consumer society, culture, or sustainability
• Global Development Studies: development studies, with preference for development studies graduates
• Social and Cultural Anthropology: significant coursework in social and cultural anthropology and cognate disciplines
• Social and Public Policy: significant coursework in social and public policy and cognate disciplines
• Social Data Science: social sciences with quantitative methods, or computer science, statistics, or data science combined with social science studies
• Social Psychology: significant coursework in social psychology and cognate disciplines
• Sociology: significant coursework in sociology across theoretical, methodological, and substantive areas

• researcher
• doctoral student in the social sciences
• policy analyst
• adviser in government or international organisations
• consultant
• project manager
• data analyst
• data scientist with focus on societal phenomena
• journalist
• data journalist
• communications specialist
• human resources professional