About the programme

Futures studies is a newly emerging field of research. As the future does not exist yet, futurists study the future projections of and discontinuities in past trends and current views of the long-term future. Futures studies are interested in the probable futures, possible futures and preferred futures.

As a societal action, futures studies aim to serve private and public decision-makers by outlining alternative long-term strategies in a changing operational environment. As an academic field of research, futures studies generate knowledge of the ways and processes of how individuals and organisations deal with the uncertain future. Typical research questions in the field are focused on the epistemology of knowledge about the future, the methodological development of futures studies tools and analyses of alternative futures of a clear topic or a more general theme. Futures Studies is an interdisciplinary field, where wide topics are analysed and the results and approaches of more traditional disciplines meet.

Will you be the next expert of the future?

The programme includes plenty of case studies and real-life experiences on using foresight methodology. They range from quantitative and qualitative methods to innovative and creative futures design techniques.

Here you will get a versatile toolkit for implementing foresight thinking for the benefit of a given organisation. You will qualify for a wide array of expert positions in the strategic and foresight units of private companies and public institutions. The programme also serves as an excellent basis for building a consultant business.

Programme Structure

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 methodology of futures studies, strategic foresight and scenario building.

You will be free to choose a minor subject and/or optional studies within UTU that complement your career goals. Optional studies can include courses in futures studies but can also widen your knowledge in new subjects or thematic areas. All students are expected to study languages (Finnish as well as English) and general methodological studies.

Career Prospects

After graduating from the Master’s Degree Programme in Futures Studies, you will qualify for a wide array of expert positions in the strategic units of private companies and public institutions.

The programme builds upon and enhances the knowledge attained by the students in their previous degrees and other experiences. Therefore, the career options of the graduates are also strongly linked to them. Possible job titles are:

• strategic planning executive,
• consultant,
• futures analyst,
• business development manager, and
• development and planning officer in public administration.

Career in Research

Master of Social Sciences degree also provides eligibility for scientific postgraduate degree studies – doctoral and licentiate degrees. Degrees can be completed at the University of Turku or at any other university in Finland or abroad.

In Turku, you will be able to apply for a position in the University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS). The Graduate School consists of doctoral programmes that cover all disciplines and doctoral candidates of the University.

Together with the doctoral programmes, the Graduate School provides systematic and high-quality doctoral training. UTUGS aims to train highly qualified experts with the skills required for both professional career in research and other positions of expertise.