Master's Degree Programme in Social Exclusion
Turku, Finland
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
21 Jan 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
EUR 12,000 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
### About: The Master's Degree Programme in Social Exclusion offers an in-depth exploration of the causes and effects of social exclusion.
This program equips students with the analytical skills to understand complex social issues and develop effective strategies for social inclusion.
Courses cover topics like policy analysis, social justice, and community engagement. ### Career Outcomes: Graduates of this program can pursue a range of careers in the public, private, or non-profit sectors.
Potential roles include social policy analyst, community development officer, and advocate for marginalized populations.
There's also the option to continue studies with a PhD or work in research-oriented positions.
Amid today’s rapidly evolving societies, the number of people suffering from a combination of poverty, deprivation of legal rights, and cultural as well as social isolation is proving to be a growing global issue. This phenomenon, known as ‘social exclusion’, is a complex condition that extends beyond economic disadvantage and poverty. It is a multifaceted process through which people lose political, legal, and social agency, resulting in stigmatisation or discrimination.
Against this global background, students in this programme learn the principles of coexistence and explore tools for analysing social exclusion from a multidisciplinary and international perspective. They also evaluate strategies that promote better social awareness and inclusion. At the same time, the programme looks in-depth at the conditions that lead to social exclusion, its negative effects on society, and the degree to which different cultures are affected.
Students who engage fully with this programme can critically reflect on social and cultural states from a wider perspective based in the humanities, anchored in subjects such as Global History, Theological Ethics and Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy, Gender Studies, Study of Religions and Minority Studies. Belief systems, trends, values, ideologies, power and social practices within society will also be given particular focus throughout this programme, allowing students to closely examine the factors that contribute to societal problems and how it might be possible to overcome these shortcomings.
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be awarded with either a Master of Theology or a Master of Arts, depending on their previous studies and the area of specialisation chosen upon commencement of the programme.
Advanced Studies in Social Exclusion
Introduction to Advanced Studies in Social Exclusion
- Social Exclusion: Key Approaches
- Social Exclusion Theories Advanced Perspectives
- Theological Ethics between Theory and Praxis
Social Exclusion: A Multidisciplinary Perspective
- Social Exclusion in a Historical Perspective
- Social Exclusion in a Philosophical Perspective
- Social Exclusion, Religion and Life Views: Main Perspectives
- Theological Perspectives on Oppression and Resistance
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
- Ethical and Globally Sustainable Leadership
Social Exclusion Research and Work-Life
- Seminar I: English Language and Academic Skills for Studies of Social Exclusion
- Seminar II: Methods for Studies of Social Exclusion
- Race, Racism and Antiracism
- Social Exclusion and Work-Life
Advanced Perspectives on Social Exclusion (Theological Ethics and Philosophy of Religion)
- Contextual and Minority Theologies
- Storytelling and Narrative Theology
- Doing Theology Today: Methods, Literature and Seminar
Master's Thesis in Social Exclusion
- Master's Thesis in Social Exclusion
The Master’s degree programme in Social Exclusion is especially suited to those looking to pursue careers in areas such as research, politics, equal opportunities policy and human rights institutions or organisations. As this course equips students with the skills needed to work in both national and international settings, graduates can find employment in a diverse range of opportunities in either the private or public sector, as well as in non-governmental organizations and civil society. Additionally, skills developed within this programme are highly relevant in arts, writing, and media careers.
Tuition fee-paying (non-EU/EEA) applicants applying to our master's degree programmes can apply for the Finland scholarship (in connection with applying for studies at Åbo Akademi University).
Finland scholarship/100% Tuition Fee Scholarship (waiver), awarded for 2 years (second year conditional)
- Number of scholarships to be granted: 1/programme
Finland Scholarships awarded by Åbo Akademi University are part of the national Finland Scholarship programme. This scholarship will be awarded to the most merited applicant in each programme.
The Finland scholarship covers 100% of the tuition fee for two years, the second year is conditional and requires that the student has earned at least 55 ECTS during the first year of studies.
In addition, the applicant is awarded a one-time 5000€ relocation grant, which will be paid to the student, to a Finnish bank account, once they have arrived in Turku/Vaasa and enrolled as present for the academic year.
To be considered for the Finland scholarship you must apply for it as part of your application for admission during the application period. Applicants will find, in the application form, a set of questions evaluating motivation and communicative skills, academic goals and general interest in the field. The applicant’s answers will be assessed by the programme and the scholarship committee. The committee decides which applicants will be awarded a Finland scholarship. The decision on the granted scholarship will be included in the admission letter.
Please note that if you are exempted from paying tuition fees, you will no longer be eligible for Finland scholarships.
80% Tuition Fee Scholarship (waiver), awarded for the whole length of the study right
- This scholarship is granted to all admitted applicants liable to pay tuition fees, who have not received a 100% Tuition Fee Scholarship.