Masters Degree Programme in Public Mental Health
The Master's Degree Programme in Public Mental Health at the Unive...
Masters Degree Programme in Inequalities, Interventions and New Welfare State
Turku
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Master's Degree Programme in Inequalities, Interventions, and the New Welfare State at the University of Turku is designed for students interested in understanding the complex dynamics of social inequalities and the evolving role of welfare states in addressing these issues. This interdisciplinary program combines elements of sociology, political science, social policy, and economics to examine the causes and consequences of social inequalities and the effectiveness of various welfare state interventions. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and analytical skills to critically assess and contribute to the development of welfare policies in response to contemporary social challenges.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Master's Degree Programme in Inequalities, Interventions, and the New Welfare State is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of social inequalities, welfare state systems, and policy interventions. It begins with foundational courses in social inequalities, welfare state theory, and social policy analysis, providing students with the tools needed to critically analyze the role of the welfare state in addressing issues like poverty, unemployment, healthcare, and education. As students progress, they can specialize in areas such as the intersection of gender and inequality, health inequalities, and social justice. The program also includes practical courses on research methods, preparing students for independent research, culminating in a Master's thesis where students can explore a topic of their choice related to welfare state interventions and inequalities.
Research Focus: The Master's Degree Programme in Inequalities, Interventions, and the New Welfare State at the University of Turku has a strong research focus on understanding the impact of welfare state interventions on social inequalities in both Nordic and global contexts. Students are encouraged to engage in research on the social determinants of inequality, examining issues like class, race, gender, and disability in relation to welfare policies. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, encouraging students to draw on sociology, economics, and political science to analyze the effectiveness of welfare interventions in promoting equality. Research themes within the program include the transformation of the welfare state, the impact of austerity measures on inequality, the role of social policies in health and education, and the relationship between labor market policies and social welfare.
Industry Engagement: The Master's Degree Programme in Inequalities, Interventions, and the New Welfare State benefits from the University of Turku's strong connections with public institutions, NGOs, and international organizations involved in social policy and welfare interventions. Students have opportunities to engage in internships and collaborative research projects with these organizations, gaining practical experience in policy development, implementation, and evaluation. These industry connections also allow students to participate in seminars and workshops where they can interact with experts and policymakers in the field. The program prepares graduates for careers in social policy analysis, welfare state reform, and social justice advocacy by providing them with real-world experience in the sector.
Global Perspective: While the program primarily focuses on the Nordic welfare model, it also offers a global perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by welfare states in different parts of the world. The Master's Degree Programme in Inequalities, Interventions, and the New Welfare State encourages students to compare the Nordic welfare state with other welfare models, such as those in the US, the UK, and the Global South. This global perspective is important for understanding how social inequalities and welfare policies differ across regions and how global trends, such as economic globalization and migration, are reshaping welfare states worldwide. The program also provides opportunities for international collaboration, allowing students to gain insights into welfare state policies and interventions in other countries.
Location
Turku
Score
Tuition Fee
€ 10000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: €100
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- English language test waiver is applicable if the Bachelor's, Master's, Licentiate, or Doctoral degree is in English language.
The University of Turku offers various scholarships for international students, aimed at supporting students with the cost of their tuition fees and ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their studies in Finland without financial concerns. These scholarships are designed to attract talented students from across the globe, particularly for Master’s degree programs, as the university has a strong international student body.
University of Turku Scholarship Scheme: The University of Turku offers a merit-based scholarship scheme for international students applying to Master’s degree programs. These scholarships cover part or all of the tuition fees for students from non-EU/EEA countries. The scholarships are competitive and are awarded based on the academic excellence and merits of the applicants. Students who are accepted to a degree program at the university are automatically considered for this scholarship.
External Scholarships: The university provides information and guidance on various external scholarships that are available to international students, including scholarships offered by Finnish government agencies and private foundations.
Erasmus+ Grants: Students who are part of the Erasmus+ exchange program may be eligible for grants to support their studies in Finland.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Some countries have specific scholarship agreements with Finland, and students from these countries may apply for additional financial support.
Graduates of the Master's Degree Programme in Inequalities, Interventions, and the New Welfare State from the University of Turku are equipped with the skills and expertise needed to pursue impactful careers in various sectors related to social policy, welfare interventions, and the analysis of inequalities. The interdisciplinary nature of the program, which combines sociology, political science, economics, and social policy, ensures that graduates are highly adaptable and capable of working in diverse professional environments.
Social Policy Analyst: Graduates can work as policy analysts for government bodies, think tanks, and research institutions. These professionals analyze existing social policies and recommend changes to improve the welfare state and reduce inequalities. They often focus on areas such as healthcare, education, unemployment, and poverty.
Welfare State Consultant: With their understanding of the welfare state systems, graduates can work as consultants for governments, NGOs, or international organizations, providing expert advice on how to design and implement policies that address social inequalities. They may also assess the effectiveness of current welfare interventions and suggest improvements.
Public Sector Worker in Social Services: Graduates can work in public sector organizations that deliver social services, focusing on areas such as housing, healthcare, and family welfare. They may hold roles in social work, project management, or as advisors on social service policies and their implementation.
Human Rights Advocate: Many graduates pursue careers in human rights organizations, focusing on combating inequality and promoting social justice. These roles involve advocating for marginalized groups, such as those experiencing gender, racial, or disability-based discrimination, and working on initiatives that challenge systemic inequalities.
Researcher in Social Policy: Graduates can pursue research careers, either in academia or at research institutes. These positions involve conducting in-depth research on social inequalities, welfare state interventions, and the effectiveness of social policies. Researchers may contribute to the development of new theories and methodologies for studying social welfare.
International Development Specialist: With a global perspective on welfare and inequalities, graduates can work in international development organizations, focusing on poverty reduction, gender equality, and other social justice issues in developing countries. They may design and implement policies aimed at improving living conditions in low-income regions.
NGO Program Manager: Graduates can work as program managers or coordinators for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that focus on social issues such as poverty, health inequality, education, and refugee rights. These roles involve overseeing projects, managing teams, and ensuring that interventions are effective in addressing social inequalities.
Social Justice Policy Advocate: Graduates can take up roles as advocates for social justice in governmental, non-governmental, or advocacy organizations. These positions involve working on campaigns and policy reform efforts to reduce inequality, advocate for marginalized communities, and influence public opinion and government action on welfare issues.
Community Development Officer: Graduates can contribute to local and regional community development, working to implement welfare policies that promote social inclusion and reduce disparities. This role might involve working with disadvantaged communities to improve access to essential services, such as housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
