Intercultural Encounters | Master’s programme

Master’s Programme in Intercultural Encounters

Learn about intercultural issues through multidisciplinary approaches and develop the skills to navigate intercultural interaction, diversity, media and power.

Can we build bridges between diverse communities?

Do you want to promote cultural diversity in a globalised world? Or would you like to be more competent in intercultural communication? Do you want to study the role of religion in intercultural relationships? Are you interested in Indigenous perspectives or transnational identities?

The Master's Programme in Intercultural Encounters (ICE) is a genuinely interdisciplinary programme where you can enhance your thinking and grow your expertise in cultural understanding. ICE gives you the tools to succeed in internationally-oriented professional life. In addition, you will learn theoretical thinking and practical research skills.

Find out more about the programme structure, content and courses from the link below.
Basic information
Scope of studies and length 120 ECTS credits, 2 years
Degree level Master
Language English
Tuition fee per year (only non-EU/EEA citizens) 13 000 EUR
Application period Next application period starts in Dec 2025 / Jan 2026.
Welcome 2025 Master's students

We invite our new 2025 students to get to know us better by exploring the welcome page. Our staff, students and faculty welcome you!

How to apply

Are you interested in applying to the Master's Programme in Intercultural Encounters? Find out more about the programme to see if it is right for you, how to apply and other useful information for applicants.

Learn about admissions

How is it to study Intercultural Encounters?

In the video, students and teachers talk about the programme.

  • Studying

    The Master’s Programme in Intercultural Encounters (ICE) offers insights into multidisciplinary approaches to intercultural issues, drawing ...

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  • Career

    The ICE programme takes professionalism and preparation for future work life seriously and has a strong emphasis on enhancing students' care...

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  • Research

    The Master's programme in Intercultural Encounters covers a wide spectrum of research projects on the University of Helsinki’s City Centre C...

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Meet our students and alumni

Who would know better than our students and alumni what it is like to study with us? Check their stories and insights from the time of their studies to after graduation. 

  • "I was never ques­tioned be­fore com­ing to the University of Helsinki"

    Hector Sanchez's research process was shaken up when he entered the Master's Programme in Intercultural Encounters.

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  • "I enjoyed the multidisciplinarity and academic rigour"

    Leah was drawn to the programme due to its core questions which she had previously encountered in her day-to-day work.

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  • "In­ter­cul­tural un­der­stand­ing is not only use­ful but ne­ces­sary"

    Yi Yin studies Intercultural Encounters as she is interested in how different cultures meet and communicate.

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