Master's Programme in Societal Security, Master of Social Sciences

The Master’s Programme in Societal Security at the University of Helsinki examines security phenomena through political, social, historical and economic perspectives. It covers security responses and discourses, conflicts, and societal risks.

The programme is completed in two academic years and includes joint courses on key theories and themes in security studies, track-specific advanced courses, electives, methodological courses, a master’s thesis seminar, and career studies. Career studies include a traineeship and project courses with partner organisations. You choose one of three study tracks at the time of application: Economic Structures, Technological Change, and Crises; Democracy, Inequality, and Societal Resilience; or Global Conflicts, Development, and Peace Processes.

The programme is suitable for students with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences or humanities, or equivalent prior studies. It also prepares students for domestic and international roles related to societal security and for doctoral studies in a range of disciplines.

Modules

• Economic Structures, Technological Change, and Crises
• Democracy, Inequality, and Societal Resilience
• Global Conflicts, Development, and Peace Processes

A bachelor’s degree in social sciences or humanities, for example political science, global politics, social and public policy, history, sociology, communication studies, or development studies, or equivalent prior studies. Previous studies related to the themes of the chosen Societal Security study track are considered an asset in the admissions process.

• academia
• public administration
• companies
• NGOs
• doctoral studies