Studies
What is it like to study Creativity and Arts in Social and Health Fields
See our student Jonna's experience of studying Creativity and Arts in Social and Health Fields in Metropolia.
Why Study Creativity and Arts in Social and Health Fields with Us?
Creativity and Arts in Social and Health Fields (shorter CRASH) is a transdisciplinary Master’s degree programme aimed at professionals in the fields of culture and arts, social services and health.
Creativity and different ways to express it, as well as cultural activities and arts related experiences, belong to all people as part of a good and meaningful life. The aim of CRASH degree programme is to strengthen the professional competences needed when promoting health, well-being, inclusion and a sense of community in society through creativity and arts.
Upon graduation, students are able to reflect in a new way on the importance of creativity in human life and to reconstruct working practices from this perspective. The studies are designed to combine expertise from different fields locally and internationally, as well as to strengthen multidisciplinary and international collaboration skills of professionals.
How studies are carried out?
The education is carried out as blended learning. You will study together with a diverse group of professionals from fields related to culture, arts, social services and health care.
A special feature of the CRASH degree programme is the multidisciplinary collaboration initiated already in the application phase and carried out through the studies. Expert lectures, workshops, projects and group work with peers, as well as supervision support your learning. There are approximately four contact-teaching days a month, some of which are carried out with remote connection.
In the application phase, the applicants present their preliminary development / thesis idea, which will be further developed at the beginning of the studies. The aim is to build multidisciplinary partnerships combining the fields of culture, health care and social services.
Lectures, seminars, workshops and study materials are mainly in English. However, Finnish can be used as a support language and some written assignments can be prepared in Finnish as well.
The underlying premise of the CRASH programme is to foster a unique forum for co-creation and togetherness. In practice, community-building is emphasised throughout the studies, and students must commit to working together with others and actively participate in live and online teaching. The studies are advanced-level and rely on phenomenon-based learning.
What Will You Study?
The content of the degree program in CRASH is based on development processes (multidisciplinary project, research methodology studies and thesis), advanced-level professional studies in the theme of creativity, culture, art and well-being, as well as elective studies.
For professionals in the fields of culture and arts the curriculum consists of the following elements:
Advanced Professional Studies
- Orientation (Master’s Studies) (1 ECTS)
- Creativity, Health and Well-Being 1 (4 (ECTS)
- Creativity, Health and Well-Being 2 (5 ECTS)
- Research Methods and Skills (5 ECTS)
- Co-Creation Project (5 ECTS)
- Multidisciplinary Dialogue and Evaluation (5 ECTS)
Master's Thesis (30 ECTS)
Elective Studies (5 ECTS)
For professionals in the fields of health care and social services the curriculum consists of the following elements:
Advanced Professional Studies
- Orientation (Master’s Studies) (1 ECTS)
- Creativity, Health and Well-Being 1 (4 (ECTS)
- Creativity, Health and Well-Being 2 (5 ECTS)
- Research Methods and Skills (5 ECTS)
- Co-Creation Project (5 ECTS)
- Working Methods for Creative Practice 1 (5 ECTS)
- Working Methods for Creative Practice 2 (5 ECTS)
- Multidisciplinary Dialogue and Evaluation (5 ECTS)
- Creativity in Projects (5 ECTS)
- Leadership, Interaction and Dialogue in the Field of Cultural Well-Being (5 ECTS)
Master's Thesis (30 ECTS)
Elective Studies (15 ECTS)
Future Career Prospects
The graduates are professionals in using creativity and arts in social and health fields. They are able to utilize the opportunities of creativity to support people's lives and well-being, promote the realization of cultural rights, evaluate the effectiveness of activities as well as reconstruct professional practices, structures and thinking.
The Master's degree in Creativity and Arts in Social and Health Fields CRASH provides strong competences to act as a developer, innovator, expert and leader in using creativity and arts in various operating environments in social and health fields. It also gives you competences to work in expert positions in the social and health sector as well as in the field of arts and culture, both nationally and internationally. In working life, you can act as a bold innovator of multidisciplinary practices in solutions related to health, well-being, creativity and inclusion.
A list of some of the master's theses published in CRASH Degree Programme. All links open on the Theseus website.
- Aura, Hanne (2023). ”For once we are asked” – Professionals’ perspectives on the reality of elderly care in intensive assisted living and institutional care facilities.
- Bäckman, Vera (2023). Embodied practices in developing empathy skills of social services students.
- dal Maso, Annuska (2024). If there are no ethics, there is no humanity: Ethical considerations in participatory research with substance users.
- de Carvalho, Taina (2022). Arts-based eco-social pedagogical approach in primary school setting. How to help future generations shape a better world?
- Hekkala, Mirjam (2022). “May they be well.” Migrant Roma Women’s Experiences of Long-Distance Mothering.
- Huttunen, Riitta & Riskilä, Sampo (2022). The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Well-Being of Freelance Rhythm Musicians Working in Finland during 2020–2022.
- Ilola, Maj (2023). Improving Accessibility and Inclusion of Hybrid Arts Events with People with Disabilities.
- Juvonen, Laura (2022). “With my own voice I could encourage others to also join in” Music-making to strengthen the parent-child early interaction.
- Korkatti, Maria (2024). Perceptions of North Karelian older men about culture and the barriers to cultural participation.
- Kultanen, Jonna (2023). Smiles for the Future – Preventative Oral Health Promotion with Arts-based Methods for Preschool Children.
- Lahti, Kaisa & Martikainen, Sera (2023). Towards social inclusion through a community art project: community animation film in collaboration with people with developmental disabilities.
- Liebkind, Jenny (2022). “I Started to Think More Open-Mindedly...” – Promoting Interfaith Harmony with a Joint Music-Making Approach.
- Liimatainen, Katri (2024). Advocates for hope: School staff supporting lgbtq+ students in secondary school.
- Lillvis, Karolina (2022). Increasing well-being experiences through cultural event. Improving participation and communality as eventful well-being promotion aims.
- Mattila, Minna-Maria (2023). To be seen and heard – Medical students’ experiences on communication and interaction skills in and through drama-based exercises.
- Olin, Laura & Perttola, Elo (2024). Where words do not reach – Applying approaches of process drama and expressive arts therapy in a pre-school context.
- Panagiotou, Xanthippi (2024). Visibility of dis/ability: Capturing shadows of ableism and disablism through a Photovoice-based approach.
- Saari, Anna (2024). Arts-related activities for dementia family caregivers’ wellbeing promotion.
- Suvisaari, Gillan (2023). Co-creating a game about sexual health with adolescent boys: utilizing game-based learning as a creative approach in sexual health promotion and sex education.
- Theodorou, Tal Riva (2024). Better in Tune: Towards constructive facilitation process of orchestra auditions.
- Tonteri, Jenna (2023). Illustrated Meanings of Climate Change Mitigation’s Co-benefits to Human Health in High-income Countries. A literature review and autoethnographic inquiry.
- Ågren, Minttu & Suoninen, Heli (2023). TruthStory: A study of the empowering elements of a creative storytelling project for gender diverse people.
Lecturers
The study programme is enriched by the participation of international guest lecturers in addition to its regular teaching staff.
Laura Huhtinen-Hilden
Principal Lecturer
Sanna Kivijärvi
Senior Lecturer
Mai Salmenkangas
Lecturer
Leigh-Anne Rauhala
Lecturer
Johanna Lehtinen-Schnabel
Lecturer
Katri Keskinen
Lecturer
Some of the esteemed guest lecturers contributing to the program:
- Professor Emerita Norma Daykin, University of the West of England Bristol
- Dr. Katey Warran, University of Edinburgh and University College London
- Dr. Giorgos Tsiris, Queen Margaret University
- Dr. Sue Smith, Falmouth University
- Dr. Kai Lehikoinen, University of the Arts Helsinki
- Ninni Perko, Dancer, Artistic Director, Sivuun Ensemble
- Sophia Alexandersson, Artistic Director, ShareMusic and Performing Arts
Degree Titles
Please note that this education alone doesn’t provide a qualification to work in the regulated professions in social and health fields for students from the fields of culture. The Finnish translation of the degree title will be one of the following:
Culture and Arts:
- Musiikkipedagogi (ylempi AMK)
- Muusikko (ylempi AMK)
- Kulttuurituottaja (ylempi AMK)
- Medianomi (ylempi AMK)
- Muotoilija (ylempi YAMK)
- Vestonomi (ylempi AMK)
- Konservaattori (ylempi AMK)
Social and Health fields:
- Apuvälineteknikko (ylempi AMK)
- Bioanalyytikko (ylempi AMK)
- Fysioterapeutti (ylempi AMK)
- Geronomi (ylempi AMK)
- Jalkaterapeutti (ylempi AMK)
- Kätilö (ylempi AMK)
- Optometristi (ylempi AMK)
- Osteopaatti (ylempi AMK)
- Röntgenhoitaja (ylempi AMK)
- Sairaanhoitaja (ylempi AMK)
- Sosionomi (ylempi AMK)
- Suuhygienisti (ylempi AMK)
- Terveydenhoitaja (ylempi AMK)
- Toimintaterapeutti (ylempi AMK)
- Ensihoitaja (ylempi AMK)
Application
Spring Joint Application for the English Degree Programmes:
- 7 January 2027 - 21 January 2027
Students' and Alumni's experiences
Scholarships and tuition fees
This fee applies only to non-EU/EEA degree students. Annual tuition fee 12 500 € for those, whose right of study starts after 31 July 2024
There is no tuition fee for EU/EEA students.
Head of Degree Programme
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You will receive information 1–3 times a year about our Master's degree programmes, application schedules, and studying with us.
Applying
- Application period-Start of studiesautumn 2027
- Culture
- Health Care and Social Services
Instructions for applying
In the spring 2027 Joint Application 1 to higher education, you can apply to degree programmes that start in the autumn of 2027. The application period starts on the 7 January 2027 at 8 am and ends on the 21 January 2027 at 3 pm (local time in Finland).
All the information needed to apply can be found on the national Studyinfo.fi portal. At Studyinfo.fi you can find descriptions of degree programmes, application criteria, application instructions, application forms and much more.
Application fee
Applicants who are not citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland are required to pay an application fee in order to apply to higher education studies. The application fee of 100 euros is collected for applicants from countries outside EU/EEA seeking education leading to a degree in higher education. The Finnish National Agency of Education will collect the application fee in connection with filling in the Studyinfo application form. There is no application fee for Finnish or EU citizens.
The application fee does not guarantee that you will be offered admission to studies. The application fee is not refunded if you cancel your application or are not offered admission.
More about application fee in Studyinfo.fi.
Questions about application fees? Contact applicationfee [at] oph.fi (applicationfee[at]oph[dot]fi)The One Study Right Rule
The One Study Right Rule refers to legislative amendments entered into force on 1 August 2026. Under these amendments, a student’s study rights at the same or lower level will be terminated if they accept a new study right leading to a degree. The rule applies only to study rights at Finnish higher education institutions.
Pre-assignment instructions will be published towards the end of the year.
The entrance examination will be held online on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 April 2027.
Eligible applicants will receive detailed examination instructions in the entrance examination invitation letter.In order to be considered for the student selection, you must fill in the joint application form at Studyinfo.fi during the application period 7 January - 21 January 2027. The pre-assignment must be submitted as an attachment to the electronic joint application form during the application period, by 21 January 2027 3:00 p.m. the latest (local time in Finland).
Pre-assignments for spring 2027 Joint Application 1 will be published by the beginning of the application period.In order to be considered for student selection, you must pass the degree programme's own entrance examination as described in Studyinfo.fi. Entrance exam invitations are sent approximately one week before the entrance exam by email to the email address provided by the applicant on the application form.
Useful links
More information on the application process
Tel. +358 9 7424 5902, Mon-Wed 10 am – 12 pm
Starting studies
First, read guidelines common to all Metropolia degree students and then degree specific instruction below.
Starting CRASH studies 2026
Welcome to study in Master's Degree Programme in Creativity and Arts in Social and Health Fields (CRASH)!
Compulsory orientation day 2026
- Thursday 27 August, 9AM–3PM: Lectures, workshops, practical orientation, getting to know your fellow students and the teaching staff (live, Arabia Campus, Soiva: Muotoilijankatu 1B, Helsinki, room AS102)
Schedule for studies
Studies will be organized mainly on Thursdays and Fridays between 9 AM – 3 PM. There will be approximately 4-5 contact teaching days a month during the autumn 2026 and spring 2027 semesters. The final semester (autumn 2027) will mainly center around independent work and advising meetings regarding the master’s thesis.
Please note: as part of mandatory studies, all CRASH students will participate in a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) organised together with three European universities. Please make sure to make space for the BIP Programme in your calendar. If joining the BIP programme will not be possible due to force majeure reasons, an independent study option will be provided. However, please utilise this option only if absolutely necessary.
Studies are scheduled as follows (changes may occur):
Teaching days, autumn 2026
Please note: days marked with * are reserved only for students in the Social and Health track. Students in the Arts and Culture track may choose the course as an elective, if they wish.
When we meet face to face, it will take place at the Myllypuro Campus or at the Arabia Campus in Helsinki.
August
- Thu 27 Aug (live)
- Fri 28 Aug (live)
- Mon 31 Aug individual study plan discussions, approx. 20 min/student (online, Zoom) The schedule for the ISP discussions will be shared, and amendments can be made on Thursday August 27.
September
- Fri 4 Sept (online)
- Thu 17 Sept (live)
- Fri 18 Sept (live)*
October
- Thu 1 Oct (live)
- Fri 2 Oct (online)
- Thu 22 Oct (online)
- Fri 23 Oct (live)*
November
- Thu 5 Nov (online)
- Fri 6 Nov (online)
- Fri 13 Nov (online)
- Thu 19 Nov (online) (morning 9AM–12PM only for social and health track students, afternoon 1PM onwards for everyone)
- [Fri 20 Nov (online) BIP related check / can be cancelled if considered unnecessary]
- Sun 22 Nov -– Sat 28 Nov (live) Blended Intensive Programme week
December
- Thu 3 Dec (online)
- Fri 4 Dec (live)*
- Thu 10 Dec (live)
- Fri 11 Dec (live)
As some changes may occur, please carefully check the final schedule before the semester starts. Information about how to orientate yourself to the studies will be shared with new students through e-mail.