IN BRIEF: English-medium masterÂ’s programmes in demand

The University of Jyväskylä’s international English-medium master’s programmes are proving increasingly attractive to foreign students. Greatest interest was expressed in the Master’s Degree Programme in Development and International Cooperation, which prepares students for international development work. About 150 applications for this master’s programme were received from Africa alone.

The proportion of applicants from Africa has increased significantly during recent years. International masterÂ’s programmes have traditionally attracted a lot of applications from Europe, Asia and North America.

Other popular masterÂ’s programmes in recent years include Sport Science and Management, Intercultural Communication, Renewable Energy, Nanoscience and Corporate Environmental Management.

Biggest range of programmes in Finland

In the spring of 2008 a total of 15 international master’s programmes were running at the University of Jyväskylä. In autumn 2008 yet another programme, this time in gerontology, will be started. At the present time Jyväskylä can boast the largest number of international master’s programmes in Finland.

“According to students’ feedback, the unique programmes which are offered, the good reputation of Finnish education, and the fact that no tuition fees are charged in Finland are among the reasons for their coming to the University of Jyväskylä”, says Elina Isännäinen, the university’s Foreign Student Advisor.

The appeal of international masterÂ’s programmes is enhanced by the well-appointed and smooth-running studying environment.

By Tommi Salo Photo Petteri Kivimäki