Introducing the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy
The Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy operates in a changing world. Political crises, wars, and growing inequalities threaten the democratic development of societies. Environmental problems are testing the limits of the Earth's carrying capacity. Ageing populations and changes in working life pose challenges to the welfare society and affect people's well-being and daily lives. New identities and forms of action, resistance and control are emerging and spreading through new communication technologies.
The need for critical social science and philosophical analysis is greater than ever.
Our Department employs more than 100 teachers and researchers. We also have around 1500 undergraduate students and over 200 postgraduate students.
Our English-language study options include the Master's Degree Programme in Development, Education and International Cooperation (DEICO) and elective courses that may be studied freely by students studying at our university.
We also offer multiple degree programmes in Finnish: the programme in social work and the programme in social sciences and philosophy, with majors in philosophy, political science, sociology, and social policy. We also offer the programme Cultures and Communities in a Changing World (KUMU), organized in cooperation with the Department of History and Ethnology.
In addition to the degree programmes, the Department offers a wide range of optional courses, including cultural studies, gender studies, and a number of modules on current affairs.
The department's activities are constantly being developed in various working groups, consisting of teaching and research staff, representatives of the education services, and student representatives.
In addition, our operations are further improved within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences' Faculty Council.