Faculty of Social Sciences

Degree Structure

As the Bologna process is moving steadily forward, the University of Helsinki has adopted a two-cycle model for degrees starting on 1 August 2005.

In the new degree system, the basic degree consists of the lower academic degree, the Bachelor's degree (180 credits/3 years), and the higher academic degree, the Master's degree (90-120 credits/2 years). The third cycle encompasses postgraduate studies (leading to a postgraduate degree).

The postgraduate degrees are the Licentiate and the Doctoral degrees. Both require independent research and a thesis. The doctoral thesis has traditionally been published and then defended in a public debate. It should be possible to complete a Licentiate in two or three years and a Doctoral degree in four

In the Finnish system, the Bachelor's degree and the Master's degree are two separate degrees. However, the students who have obtained a right to study for Bachelor of Social Sciences (B.Soc.Sc.) at the University of Helsinki may automatically continue to pursue a Master of Social Sciences (M.Soc.Sc) degree.

No separate application procedure is necessary. Bachelor´s and Master degrees are not cumulative; i.e. they are two, separate degrees.

Students pursuing a degree in Social Sciences may choose from eleven different majors, which consist of the subjects offered by the Faculty.

The minimum number of credits in a Bachelor´s degree is 180 credits (180 ECTS) and the Master´s degree conprises of 120 credits (120 ECTS)

The Bachelor´s degree studies can be divided into three main blocks: General studies, Major subject studies and Minor subject studies. Major subject studies can be divided into basic and subject studies.

Students of the Faculty may fairly freely choose additional subject as Minors. These may be selected from the subjects offered by the Faculty's departments or even from other Faculties or other universities. General studies support the main studies. The required amount of general studies varies from one department to another.

The degree requirements for B.Soc.Sc. and M.Soc.Sc. can be found here:

• Bachelor´s Degree in Social Sciences (all departments)
• Master´s Degree in Social Sciences (all departments)