Master in Early Language Education for Intercultural Communication
Joensuu, Finland
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The Master in Early Language Education for Intercultural Communication at The University of Eastern Finland prepares students to teach foreign languages to children. The two-year 120 ECTS programme emphasizes early-age intercultural communication competence, didactics and methodology, and balances theory and practice. You'll gain a multicultural view on educational issues and share personal and collective experience in intercultural settings. The course readies you to tackle challenges and opportunities from globalization, cultural and linguistic diversity, and prepares future work as a teacher or educator.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can pursue roles as language teacher, early-years educator, curriculum developer, policy advisor or researcher.
The two-year Master's Degree Program in Early Language Education for Intercultural Communication (120 ECTS) prepares students to teach foreign languages to children. Special emphasis is laid on early age intercultural communication competence.
The general strength of the program is generated by its didactics and methodology relying upon a balanced combination of theory and practice to be used in future work as a teacher or educator. The program facilitates gaining a multicultural view on educational issues and sharing personal/collective experience in intercultural settings. The program prepares its students to effectively tackle challenges and possibilities arising from globalization, as well as cultural and linguistic diversity.
The curriculum is composed of the following three study modules:
Orientation Studies (6 ECTS)
Orientation Studies include introductory courses that provide students with skills needed for starting their studies at the University of Eastern Finland and in this particular program.
Major Studies (94 ECTS)
Major Studies include methodological studies and research seminars, and courses focusing on international professional communication. The studies are oriented towards the theory and practice of teaching foreign languages to young learners, current pedagogical and educational issues, innovative pedagogical solutions, as well as teaching and professional practice.
Other Studies (20 ECTS)
Other Studies may include any university-level courses that serve to deepen students' expertise in the field of education and intercultural competence.
