The programme focuses on ethics, theory, policy, planning, curriculum, evaluation and comparative research in education. The central aim of the programme is to develop quality in education and to equip students to exercise socially responsible leadership in complex and diverse societies.

The programme emphasises North-South-East-West dialogue and includes studies in multiculturalism, interculturalism, globalisation and their effects on various sectors of education. The Programme (120 ECTS) is aimed at applicants with a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent higher education degree. Preference will be given to the applicants with background in education/social sciences. Students major in educational sciences. The programme includes a minor subject and an internship period which can be implemented in Finland or abroad in a variety of different settings such as intergovernmental agencies, non-governmental organisations or educational institutions. One third of the programme involves acquiring research tools, conducting research and writing a Master’s thesis in a collaborative and multicultural research environment.

University of Oulu and Dalarna University, Sweden, have a double degree agreement in which the students are offered an opportunity to complete 30 ECTS in African Studies in Sweden.