Media and communication studies

Media and communication studies analyses related phenomena in organisations, society and culture. Key fields of research include changes in media and the public sphere, promotional culture, political communication, communication policy, science communication, the global media landscape, crisis communication and the philosophy of communication.

Researchers in media and communication studies collaborate with colleagues from a variety of fields, and utilise international networks in their research projects. The aim is not only to produce high-quality research, but also to engage with society and participate actively in public discussion.
De­scrip­tion of the dis­cip­line

Media and communication play a central role in the activities of various institutions and organisations. Modern democracies are based on public discussion, political communication and the creation of imagined communities. Companies, NGOs and other institutions need media and communication to make themselves visible and promote their goals. Organisations also need media and communication to increase the commitment and engagement of their staff or activists. Media – both traditional and new digital media – maintain public spaces in which key social issues are addressed and negotiated. Media and communication are also closely connected to the exercise of power which is communicative in modern societies: the pen is mightier than the sword.

Media and communication studies explores the above social phenomena from diverse and critical perspectives by analysing the role and methods of media and communication as well as related social changes. The discipline examines topics including media activities and presentations, journalism and political communication, communication policy, organisational communication, promotional communication, and science communication.
Research profile

At the University of Helsinki, media and communication studies covers a wide range of research.

  • The public sphere
  • Media
  • Organisational communication
  • Political communication
  • Communication policy
  • Science communication
Research projects

Some of the projects listed below are only in Finnish.
Degree programmes that offer teaching in media and communication studies
Com­munity re­la­tions and pub­lic en­gage­ment

Media and communication studies researchers cooperate with organisations in the field as well as with political and governmental actors, NGOs, research institutes and researchers in Finland and abroad. They engage with the public in various ways, for example, by producing research, commenting on current phenomena in the media and public debate, writing columns and blogs, giving popular lectures, and offering expert assistance and training for various communication-related issues.

Practical courses taught by professionals in the field also help maintain connections with the community. Alumni activities promote contacts with former students who are now in the job market.
Blogs, web­sites and so­cial me­dia chan­nels

Here you can find some blogs (in Finnish) by our staff and partners. Follow us to learn about current hot topics!
People

Discipline coordinator: Professor Esa Väliverronen

Director of Bachelor’s Programme in Politics, Media and Communication: University Lecturer Janne Matikainen
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Contact information

Postal and street address

PO Box 54 (Unioninkatu 37)
00014 University of Helsinki
 

Information for media and press

Services for press and media