Finland · Master's
University of Helsinki
MSc in Global Politics and Communication
University of Helsinki
Course Overview
University of Helsinki's MSc in Global Politics and Communication is delivered through the Faculty of Social Sciences and combines international relations, political theory, global political economy, media and communication studies, and digital politics. The 2-year, 120-ECTS programme is research-led and is built around three specialisation tracks — Global Political Economy, Politics and Organizations, and Media and Democracy — plus a substantial Master's thesis. Helsinki's central location and the University of Helsinki's standing (top-100 globally, Finland's oldest research university) attract visiting scholars from EU institutions, the OECD, and major think tanks.
Sri Lankan applicants with Bachelor's degrees in International Relations, Political Science, Law, Media, Economics, or Languages (Colombo, Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Jaffna, KDU, BCIS) — or established practitioners from journalism, diplomacy, and NGO work — choose this MSc as a route into multilateral institutions and policy / communications careers. Finland's 2-year post-study job-search residence permit (one of the longest in the EU) keeps options open. Returnees route into the Sri Lanka Foreign Service via the Foreign Service Examination, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, multilateral roles at UNDP / UNICEF / UNFPA / IOM / UNHCR / OCHA Sri Lanka, policy think tanks (Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, Centre for Policy Alternatives, Verité Research, ICES), public-affairs consulting, and the strategic-communications arms of international NGOs.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Media Studies, Communications, Economics, Law, History, Languages, or a related social-sciences / humanities discipline at Sri Lankan first / upper-second class equivalent.
- check_circle Strong writing ability is essential; a writing sample is typically required.
- check_circle Sri Lankan applicants from Colombo, Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Jaffna, KDU, BCIS, or Open University are competitive.
- check_circle Motivation letter (max 1 page), CV, two academic references, transcripts.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (no band below 5.5).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 92 Overall.
- check_circle Cambridge English: C1 Advanced.
- check_circle Finnish language not required — teaching is 100% in English.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's degree was taught entirely in English (Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium degrees qualify with an MOI letter).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (€) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, non-EU/EEA) | €14,000 | Rs. 4,830,000 |
| Living Expenses in Helsinki (12 months) | €12,000 | Rs. 4,140,000 |
| Health Insurance, Visa & Residence Permit | €800 | Rs. 276,000 |
| Books, Conference Travel & Materials | €800 | Rs. 276,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | €27,600 | Rs. 9,522,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Helsinki MSc Global Politics graduates qualify for Finland's 2-year post-study job-search residence permit — among the longest in the EU. Local opportunities include policy research at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, EU-funded research consortia, Nordic think tanks, and strategic-communications roles in Helsinki-based multinationals. Sri Lankan returnees route into the Sri Lanka Foreign Service via the Foreign Service Examination, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, multilateral roles at UNDP / UNICEF / UNFPA / IOM / UNHCR / OCHA Sri Lanka, policy think tanks (Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, Centre for Policy Alternatives, Verité Research, ICES), public-affairs consulting, and the communications arms of major NGOs (Save the Children, Oxfam, World Vision Lanka).
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