Futures Studies

Futures Studies at the University of Turku is an interdisciplinary programme designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze, anticipate, and influence future developments across various sectors. This master's degree program combines theoretical insights with practical approaches to understanding complex systems, technological advancements, societal changes, and environmental challenges. Students will explore a wide range of methodologies including scenario planning, foresight techniques, trend analysis, and strategic thinking to identify emerging opportunities and potential risks. The curriculum encourages critical thinking about the interconnectedness of global issues and the role of innovation in shaping sustainable futures. Throughout the programme, students engage in hands-on projects, collaborative case studies, and research activities that provide real-world experience in planning and decision-making processes. The programme fosters an international and multicultural learning environment, preparing graduates for careers in policy advisory, strategic planning, consulting, research institutes, and organizations working on sustainable development and innovation. Graduates will be equipped to contribute to transforming ideas into solutions and strategies that can positively impact society, business, and governance. The University of Turku's Futures Studies programme emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of futures thinking, grounded in rigorous academic research and practical applications, making it an ideal choice for those interested in shaping the world of tomorrow. The programme is supported by a vibrant academic community, offering opportunities for networking and collaboration with professionals across various fields. With a focus on critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and ethical considerations, students graduate with the ability to influence policy, guide organizational change, and make informed decisions in an uncertain world. This dynamic and forward-looking programme prepares students to become influential futures practitioners capable of addressing complex global challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions.

The extent of the Programme is 120 ECTS and the degree is designed to be completed in two years. Futures Studies as a major subject includes compulsory and optional courses that build the expertise of the student in, for example, futures studies methodology, strategic foresight and scenario building. Students are free to choose a minor subject that complements their career goals. Recommended minors include Sustainable Development, Entrepreneurship, Management and Organisation, and Economic Sociology. Elective studies can include courses in Futures Studies, but can also widen the knowledge of the student in new subjects or thematic areas. All students are also expected to study languages (Finnish as well as English) and general methodological studies.

Phase 1. General requirements

1. Degree Requirements  

Applicants must have one of the following degrees (degree must be earned at the time of applying):

1. a) Bachelor’s degree from Finland or corresponding degree from a foreign university:

• Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Administration
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Social Sciences
• Bachelor of Arts in Education
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Bachelor of Health Science
• Bachelor of Administrative Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Food Chemistry
• Bachelor of Medicine
• Bachelor of Science in Technology
• Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Sport Sciences

1. b) Bachelor’s degree from a University of Applied Sciences in Finland:

• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Culture and Arts
• Bachelor of Engineering in Logistics
• Bachelor of Environmental Planning
• Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Management
• Bachelor of Engineering in Biotechnology and Food Industries
• Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Technology
• Bachelor of Engineering in Media Engineering

2. Language Requirement

Prospective candidates should have a good level of proficiency in the English language. Applicants are expected to have taken one of the following tests:

• TOEFL PBT (Test of English, paper-based) minimum requirement: 575 points
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English, internet-based) minimum requirements: 92 points, each separate part at least 20 points
• CAE/CPE (University of Cambridge Advanced Examination/proficiency Examination) pass grades A, B or C
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) minimum grade 6.5, each separate part at least 6 points
• PTE Academic minimum requirement 62 points, each separate part at least 54 points
• the test for the National Certificate of Language Proficiency arranged by the National Board of Education, average skill level 5
• Finnish matriculation examination in English language, minimum grade of cum laude approbatur (or a corresponding minimum English language grade of 4 from the International Baccalaureate degree, grade 6.00 from the European Baccalaureate degree or grade 7 from the Reifeprüfung degree).

The test scores, except from matriculation examinations, cannot be accepted if they are more than two years old (by the end of the application period).

The test is not required if the candidate holds the required degree in English from one of the EU or EEA countries, or from Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the U.S.A. In such cases the language of instruction of the previous degree must be proven with the degree certificate. The degree must be earned by the time of applying.

When booking the language test, please note that it may take several weeks before the test results are published.

3. Minimum Grade

The grade of the applicant’s major studies must be 3 or higher for students graded on a grading scale of 1-5. The minimum for all other grading systems should be average or better. If the applicant’s certificate does not indicate the grade for the major studies, the average grade will be calculated from all courses indicated in the transcript of records. If the grading scale is other than 1-5, it will be converted to the 1-5 scale.

Phase 2: Selection Criteria

The applicants that have passed phase 1 will be graded and approximately 20 applicants with the highest points will be selected. The grading is done as follows:

1. Bachelor’s thesis

Bachelor’s thesis or corresponding final thesis grade of 3 or above will be awarded 15 points. (If the grading scale is other than 1-5, it will be converted to the 1-5 scale). Applicants who have not written a thesis as part of their previous degree will earn no points in this section. The applicants whose thesis was graded on a scale of pass/fail will earn 10 points.

2. Eligible previous studies

Previous studies in futures studies 1 ECTS credit = 1 point, maximum of 25 points. When converting the old Finnish credit system into ECTS the multiple of 1.5 is used for Universities of Applied Sciences and 1.8 for Universities.

3. Grade of Major Studies

The grade of the applicant’s major studies, on a grading scale of 1–5. If the applicant’s certificate does not indicate the grade for the major studies, the average grade will be calculated from all courses indicated in the transcript of records.

Grade 3 = 10 points
Grade 4 = 20 points
Grade 5 = 30 points

If the applicant’s previous studies are not graded on a scale of 1–5, the grading scale will be converted to a scale of 1–5.

4. Supplementary studies

Supplementary studies are studies that a student admitted into the Master’s Degree Programme must finish in order to supplement previous studies. The aim of the supplementary studies is to give the student sufficient qualifications to finish the Master of Arts degree. Supplementary studies are maximum of 22 ECTS credits.

Applicant’s Bachelor degree will define the individual supplementary studies:

• Supplementary studies for Bachelor from University: second language 0-6 ECTS
• Bachelor from University of Applied Sciences: futures studies 10 ECTS, methodological studies 6 ECTS and second language studies 0-6 ECTS.

Applicant is graded on the needed supplementary studies: 0 ECTS = 22 points, 1 ECTS = 21 points and so on. 22 ECTS needed supplementary studies will give applicant 0 points.

5. Motivation letter

The applicant will receive 0-30 points from the motivation letter.

In the motivation letter, the applicant should cover the following themes:

• What is your educational and professional background and how you feel it fits this Master’s Degree Programme?
• Define your reasons for choosing this Master’s Degree Programme and how you see your future after graduation.
• Present the international experience you have that you consider relevant for this Programme.
• What aspects of studying in Finland and in this Programme you expect to be most challenging for you? How do you plan to conquer these challenges?
• Please discuss your understanding of Futures Studies as a field of research.

Instructions for the motivation letter:

• The length of the motivation letter is limited to a maximum of 4,000 characters.
• The language of the motivation letter is English.

The motivation letter will be graded with the following criteria:

• Relevant international experience. (0-10 points)
• The level of motivation to enter the Programme. (0-10 points)
• Understanding the context of futures studies. (0-5 points)
• Relevance for career plans. (0-5 points)

If the motivation letter is missing, the application will be rejected.

Minimum Grade

The grade of the applicant’s major studies must be 3 or higher for students graded on a grading scale of 1-5. The minimum for all other grading systems should be average or better. If the applicant’s certificate does not indicate the grade for the major studies, the average grade will be calculated from all courses indicated in the transcript of records. If the grading scale is other than 1-5, it will be converted to the 1-5 scale.

The University of Turku offers various funding options for students enrolled in the Futures Studies master’s programme. Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students apply, and scholarship opportunities are available to support international students financially. The university provides partial and full scholarships based on academic excellence and financial need, which can significantly reduce the cost of studies. Finnish and EU/EEA students are generally not required to pay tuition fees, but they may need to cover living expenses, including accommodation, transportation, and daily costs.

Students are encouraged to explore additional funding through national and international scholarship programs, student loans, and grants offered by Finnish governmental agencies or private foundations. The university's website offers detailed information on scholarship application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines, enabling applicants to plan their finances accordingly. Besides scholarships, students may consider part-time work opportunities within the university or in Turku city to supplement their income.

The cost of living in Turku is relatively moderate compared to other Finnish cities, which can help students manage expenses more effectively. The university also provides guidance and support services for students seeking financial aid and budgeting advice. Overall, while international students may face higher tuition fees, numerous funding options and financial planning resources are available to facilitate access to the Futures Studies programme at the University of Turku.

Futures Studies at the University of Turku is an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the skills necessary to analyze and develop future scenarios across various sectors. The program emphasizes a forward-looking approach, encouraging critical thinking, strategic planning, and innovative problem-solving related to technological, social, environmental, and economic changes. Students explore methods such as systems thinking, trend analysis, foresight techniques, and participatory methods to understand complex adaptive systems and anticipate future developments. The curriculum often combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring graduates are capable of working in policy development, strategic consulting, research institutions, and organizations focused on sustainability and innovation. The program also promotes collaboration with international partners and stakeholders, highlighting the global importance of futures thinking in addressing pressing issues like climate change, digital transformation, and societal resilience. The degree prepares students for roles that require evaluating long-term impacts of decisions and creating adaptable strategies to foster sustainable development. Classes are typically delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, and project work, often encouraging interdisciplinary teamwork. Graduates of this program acquire a versatile skill set that enhances their employability in public and private sectors worldwide. The program's core values include fostering creativity, critical inquiry, and ethical responsibility, enabling students to contribute meaningfully to shaping future societies. As part of the university's commitment to innovation and societal impact, students may also have opportunities for internships, research projects, and international exchanges. Overall, Futures Studies at the University of Turku is committed to developing forward-thinking professionals capable of navigating and influencing the complex future landscape.