Is your goal to understand the complex issues associated with contemporary societies? As societies become increasingly diverse, change rapidly, and are confronted with inequalities, there is a growing need for professionals trained in the analysis of these dynamics. To become an expert in the analysis of contemporary societies – choose COS!
The multidisciplinary, research-based Master’s Programme in Contemporary Societies (COS)focuses on the key themes in the dynamics of contemporary societies, both in a European and a global context. Depending on your study track, one or several of the following pathways are available to you: Ethnic Relations and Migration, Mind and Society, Socio-Cultural Shifts, and Sources of Inequalities.
COS is a two-year programme. The programme includes studies in your study track (Sociology; Social and Public Policy; Social Psychology; Social and Cultural Anthropology; Development Studies) and thematic studies. The compulsory studies in a thematic pathway are specific to different study tracks as follows:
The thematic pathways highlight the strengths of research at the University of Helsinki and its methodological expertise. As a student here you can include courses from all pathways in your optional studies. The teaching in the COS programme is organised so that you can acquire expertise and skills relevant for working life as well as qualifications for doctoral studies. The unique context offered by the COS programme helps you to develop versatile expertise. The programme design allows you to build your individual portfolio according to your interests and career plans.
During your first year in the programme you will study in your study track and take COS thematic and research skills courses. You will also begin your work towards your Master’s thesis. The second year consists of further thematic studies, attending thesis seminars and writing your thesis.
The home of the COS programme is the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Helsinki, in the heart of Helsinki and the City Centre Campus. The city campus, with 21,000 students, is situated near many potential workplaces: ministries, important public institutions, NGO headquarters and the Faculties of Education, Law, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Theology.
Finland in general, and the University of Helsinki in particular, offer an exceptionally rich setting for interdisciplinary studies focusing on contemporary societies. The international teaching staff are research leaders in their fields and have longstanding experience of teaching multicultural student groups. All of the participating disciplines are ranked among the best 100 subjects in the QS World University Ranking by Subject. Moreover, the COS programme invests in building an alumni network and gives you support for both international mobility and work experience.
Upon graduation, the student is expected
Further information about the studies on the Master's programme website.
The TRANSMED studies are built upon three themes:
Development of research skills
The curriculum includes courses in statistics and the R programming language, bioinformatics, research ethics, and principles of clinical investigation. You will also practice the writing of research proposals and develop your skills in research methodologies during a training period in a research group.
Studies in human disease
The courses range from normal human physiology and anatomy, and basic biomedical courses, to more advanced studies covering topics pertinent to the specialist option. You supplement these studies with clinical rounds, during which you have the opportunity to study selected patient cases in hospital wards, under the supervision of a clinician mentor.
Development of communication skills
Communication skills are promoted through interactive approaches and discussions, groupwork, team-based learning and oral presentations. In TRANSMED you will have opportunities for direct interactions with medical students, scientists and clinical teachers to enable you to practice and adopt interdisciplinary communication skills. At the end of the course of study, your communication skills will be evaluated in a Research Proposal Exam, during which you will orally present and defend your research plan to expert examiners.
