Understanding Europe today requires much more than understanding the process of European integration. The tensions, challenges and possibilities that are manifesting themselves today have their roots in a longer political, social and cultural history.

In the Master's Programme in European and Nordic Studies (ENS), you are taken back to these roots and gain a profound understanding of Europe in all of its historical, political and cultural diversity. It is also a unique programme in the Nordic countries where you can specialise in Nordic Studies in English.

The units responsible for the programme are rated among the best in Europe and beyond, thus guaranteeing the students high-quality research-based teaching and supervision. As a student in the programme, you also have the freedom to follow your own initiatives and access to a wide range of courses organised throughout the University of Helsinki.

Why European and Nordic Studies?

In the Master's Programme in European and Nordic Studies (ENS), you gain a rich and multidisciplinary understanding of European society, politics and culture today and in history. All along the way, the programme draws from the strengths of Nordic research on Europe with its strong focus on regional cooperation, diversity, identities, institutions, culture and politics of history and memory. You learn to know the Nordic countries through a European perspective and Europe from a Nordic perspective.

Studying the ways in which Europeans cooperate, how European states and societies are interconnected, and how they are governed, forms an important part of the programme. Besides looking at the processes of integration and the evolution and functioning of the European Union, the programme highlights the significance of regional cooperation in the Nordic context, the EU’s relations with its neighbours and its place in the global system.

This is a unique programme in the Nordic countries where you can specialise in Nordic Studies in English.

Career Opportunities:

At the end of your studies you have:

• a broad understanding of European issues and in-depth proficiency in your chosen thematic specialization;
• gained advanced research and critical analysis skills as well as skills to do independent and creative projects
• earned a Master of Arts degree (M.A.) or a Master of Social Sciences degree (M. Soc. Sc.) depending on your chosen study track
• received high-quality research training enabling you to pursue a career in academic research
• the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in higher education, local and national administrations, the media, the European Union, Nordic regional and international institutions, non-governmental organisations, and the business sector.

Structure and content:

The scope of the Master's Programme in European and Nordic Studies (ENS) is 120 credits (ECTS) to be completed in two academic years. The programme consists of joint courses and specialisation studies that introduce you to various aspects of Europe, the Nordic countries and the Baltic Sea Region.

One of the available options is to specialise in Nordic Studies. ENS is a unique Nordic Studies programme taught in English in the Nordic countries.

The programme has two study tracks:

• Humanities track emphases regional and cultural studies, and history. Thematic modules specific to this track include: Nordic Studies; European Legal History and Traditions; and East Central European, Southeast European and Baltic Studies (ESEB).
• Social Sciences track is oriented towards political history, politics, civil society and public life. Thematic modules specific to this track include: EU Studies; History and Memory in Europe; Politics and Communication; and Migration and Minorities.

Upon completion of the programme, you will receive either the Master of Arts degree or Master of Social Sciences degree depending on your study track.