English
Welcome to the English department's pages!
Invest in yourself. The one easy way to become worth 50 percent more than you are now — at least — is to hone your communication skills — both written and verbal.
Studies in English
Studies in Business Communication in English provide you with the English communicative skills you will need to pursue a career during and after your university studies. The English introductory courses aim to help students achieve operational proficiency within a business context (CEFR skill level C1). Subsequent courses address a variety of areas within business and cultural contexts at C1 or C2 levels to help students attain communicative proficiency, the ability to work in English with ease, and the academic skills required by the studies.
English as a minor
The minor in English Business Communication strengthens your communication skills as well as your competitive edge. The minor consists of 25 ECTS. Please read more about the minor on a dedicated page: English as a minor.
Courses offered in English
The drop-down list provides the English courses offered at Hanken in 2024-2025. You can also see whether the courses are available in Helsinki, Vaasa or at both locations. For further information, please consult the full course descriptions in Sisu.
According to Hanken's Teaching Awards system, courses that have received top evaluations from students are noted annually. These are courses that have at least 4 in average on all three questions included in the evaluation form, and at least 35% response rate on the evaluation. These courses are mentioned in Sisu. By entering the course code in the search field in Sisu, you can read more about the course and see whether it has received top evaluations.
English courses in Helsinki
English courses offered in Helsinki:
5157 Written and Oral Communication for Researchers (Helsinki) (6 sp)
The course focuses on the main ways in which knowledge is disseminated and shared within the international academic community. This course is intended for PhD candidates and researchers.
5160 Academic Writing (Helsinki) (5 sp)
This course focuses on the academic thesis or paper: structure and coherence, academic language and style, and writing conventions. The course is primarily intended for Masters students, and it is suggested for students taking a minor in Business Communication and it is highly recommended to students on the English Master's programmes.
5162 Writing Hub: Terminology and Phraseology (Helsinki – Vaasa) (2 sp)
The course focuses on the terminology and phraseology needed in Economics and Business Studies. It is intended for students beyond their first year who want to deepen their knowledge of terminology. The course is a self-regulated course in Moodle, providing weekly modules over a period of seven weeks.
5169 Finnish Working Life Skills (Helsinki – Vaasa) (2 sp)
During the course the students will learn, with the help of hands-on case assignments, how to succeed in job search and in employment contract and salary negotiations. The students will acquire practical skills for real working life situations by exercising team leader roles in case assignments, in typical, challenging workplace situations
5171 Upscaling Your Academic Writing (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
This course is aimed at helping you scale up your academic writing. This course is not about the business concept of scaling but applies the notion of increased development to writing skills and overall academic competence. The aim of this course is to guide you through the writing process by having you plan and execute a research paper on the topic of your choosing.
5172 Creative Community Engagement (Helsinki) (2sp)
Social involvement and active participation in the community is a tangible way to practise communication skills and contribute to the improvement of society. The course “Creative Community Engagement” aims to promote personal growth and self-esteem, increase awareness of societal needs and resources, and prepare students to become more caring and responsible citizens. The course is open to all Hanken students and exchange students who want to enhance their oral and written communication skills through different forms of social engagement (support groups, recycling program, environmental volunteering, etc).
5174 Cultural Sustainability and Communication (Helsinki) (5 sp)
The course provides participants with the opportunity to learn about visual arts and sustainability theories. It includes field trips and interaction with experts from the field. Participants are encouraged to constantly reflect on the theories and expose themselves to the forms of art, individually or in groups. At the end of the course the participants will create materials for a project related to cultural heritage and sustainability in cooperation with one or more stakeholders.
5176 Business Communication (Helsinki – Vaasa) (3 sp)
The course gives an insight into what constitutes effective and efficient oral and written managerial communication in today’s ever-changing (global) business environment. The course is mandatory for Hanken Bachelor degree students (Swe and Eng programmes) in Helsinki.
5177 Academic Literacy (Helsinki) (2 sp)
Thriving in an academic environment/higher education milieu requires that you continually develop certain academic skills ranging from reading and writing to critical thinking. This course is aimed at providing you with techniques that will equip you to find reliable academic information, assess and analyze the information, integrate the sources into your own academic writing (and eventually in your thesis), and think about your individual learning process.
5178 Intercultural Communication (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
In this course, you will enhance your intercultural communication competence through cultural awareness, fluency, openness, and active listening to effectively communicate with people from other cultures in professional, international, and culturally diverse business-related contexts. The course benefits students who want to or already work across cultures and countries in today’s interconnected world, who are coming or going on exchange, or who are interested in interculturality.
5180 Writing Hub: Writer's Workshop (Helsinki) (3 sp)
This course offers a Writers’ Workshop which is open to all Hanken students and exchange students to refresh and reinforce their acquired business communication skills. Through case studies and peer reviews the student is able to develop writing that is more audience- and purpose-focused.
5181 Essentials of Business Communication: Sensitive messages (Helsinki – Vaasa) (1 sp)
The course builds on the principles of managerial communication by offering you an opportunity to further develop your sensitive message delivery skills. Composing sensitive messages is challenging yet vital in any field or given relationship. Through a variety of communication techniques, students will learn to apply the appropriate tone and style that conveys empathy and goodwill.
5182 Essentials of Business Communication: Debating (Helsinki – Vaasa) (1 sp)
The course builds on the principles of managerial communication by offering you an opportunity to further develop your argumentation skills. During the course you will learn how to structure and deliver convincing argumentation before taking part in a debate where you will argue for and against a topical issue using verbal and embodied persuasive strategies.
5183 Essentials of Business Communication: Meetings and Negotiations (Helsinki – Vaasa) (1 sp)
The course builds on the principles of managerial communication by offering you an opportunity to develop your negotiation skills. During the course you will build on your ability to discuss an issue by in a simulated meeting where you will practice how to synthesize different perspectives into a joint understanding by using behavioral insights.
5184 Cognitive Communication: Learning (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
Learning facilitates the interpretation of information and the internalization of resulting knowledge. Communication is at the core of this process which takes place internally on a cognitive level. This course looks at these more subtle communication processes to explore cognitive, behavioural and perceptual patterns which shape how, what and why you learn. Understanding these patterns is important because they impact and induce collaboration, decision making, and creativity.
5185 Fictions of Business (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
How can fiction inform better business practices? Fiction offers profound insights into the world of business and the broader human experience. This course uses works of fiction, mainly novels, as case studies to delve into the complexities of human nature. These literary works challenge you to think critically and empathetically, fostering the development of a strong ethical foundation and a compassionate approach to business.
5186 Narrative Business Presentations (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
You will learn to develop compelling narratives, plan effective presentations, and deliver them with confidence. Through practical exercises, teamwork, peer coaching, consultations, and feedback, you will refine your storytelling and presentation techniques while incorporating ethical considerations. Additionally, you will explore how to engage your audience and drive meaningful change through your presentations.
5187 Team Communication (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
The course deals with interpersonal communication skills required for team environments. The focus is on themes relevant to teamwork such as motivation, relational engagement, trust, decision making and problem solving. This intensive course is highly interactive and task oriented. Group work, readings and self-reflective writing will enhance your understanding of your own and others’ interpersonal communication skills. The course is especially beneficial for students who already have some experience in teamwork, and/or who are interested in human behaviour and personal development.
5188 Intercultural Communication - COIL (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
The course emphasizes self-reflection, critical thinking, and teamwork, preparing you to communicate and work effectively in diverse, global settings. It aims to give you the skills needed to succeed in a multicultural and multilingual world, promoting understanding, respect, and inclusion. The COIL course (Collaborative Online International Learning), organized with Hanken’s ENGAGE.EU(opens in a new tab) Opens in new window partners in, for example, Spain, France, and Germany. This course will help you improve your intercultural communication skills and competencies through both theory and practical activities. You will learn about cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as digital literacy.
5190 Each one teach one - English (Helsinki) (2 cr)
Each One Teach One course means that two native speakers of different languages (English, Finnish, French, German, Russian, Spanish or Swedish) meet informally to learn each other's language. The responsible teacher provides the students with a work scheme that they follow during the course.
English courses in Vaasa
English courses offered in Vaasa:
5162 Writing Hub: Terminology and Phraseology (Helsinki – Vaasa) (2 sp)
The course focuses on the terminology and phraseology needed in Economics and Business Studies. It is intended for students beyond their first year who want to deepen their knowledge of terminology. The course is a self-regulated course in Moodle, providing weekly modules over a period of seven weeks.
5169 Finnish Working Life Skills (Helsinki – Vaasa) (2 sp)
During the course the students will learn, with the help of hands-on case assignments, how to succeed in job search and in employment contract and salary negotiations. The students will acquire practical skills for real working life situations by exercising team leader roles in case assignments, in typical, challenging workplace situations
5171 Upscaling Your Academic Writing (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
This course is aimed at helping you scale up your academic writing. This course is not about the business concept of scaling but applies the notion of increased development to writing skills and overall academic competence. The aim of this course is to guide you through the writing process by having you plan and execute a research paper on the topic of your choosing.
5176 Business Communication (Helsinki – Vaasa) (3 sp)
The course gives an insight into what constitutes effective and efficient oral and written managerial communication in today’s ever-changing (global) business environment. The course is mandatory for Hanken Bachelor degree students (Swe and Eng programmes) in Helsinki.
5178 Intercultural Communication (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
In this course, you will enhance your intercultural communication competence through cultural awareness, fluency, openness, and active listening to effectively communicate with people from other cultures in professional, international, and culturally diverse business-related contexts. The course benefits students who want to or already work across cultures and countries in today’s interconnected world, who are coming or going on exchange, or who are interested in interculturality.
5181 Essentials of Business Communication: Sensitive messages (Helsinki – Vaasa) (1 sp)
The course builds on the principles of managerial communication by offering you an opportunity to further develop your sensitive message delivery skills. Composing sensitive messages is challenging yet vital in any field or given relationship. Through a variety of communication techniques, students will learn to apply the appropriate tone and style that conveys empathy and goodwill.
5182 Essentials of Business Communication: Debating (Helsinki – Vaasa) (1 sp)
The course builds on the principles of managerial communication by offering you an opportunity to further develop your argumentation skills. During the course you will learn how to structure and deliver convincing argumentation before taking part in a debate where you will argue for and against a topical issue using verbal and embodied persuasive strategies.
5183 Essentials of Business Communication: Meetings and Negotiations (Helsinki – Vaasa) (1 sp)
The course builds on the principles of managerial communication by offering you an opportunity to develop your negotiation skills. During the course you will build on your ability to discuss an issue by in a simulated meeting where you will practice how to synthesize different perspectives into a joint understanding by using behavioral insights.
5184 Cognitive Communication: Learning (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
Learning facilitates the interpretation of information and the internalization of resulting knowledge. Communication is at the core of this process which takes place internally on a cognitive level. This course looks at these more subtle communication processes to explore cognitive, behavioural and perceptual patterns which shape how, what and why you learn. Understanding these patterns is important because they impact and induce collaboration, decision making, and creativity.
5185 Fictions of Business (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
How can fiction inform better business practices? Fiction offers profound insights into the world of business and the broader human experience. This course uses works of fiction, mainly novels, as case studies to delve into the complexities of human nature. These literary works challenge you to think critically and empathetically, fostering the development of a strong ethical foundation and a compassionate approach to business.
5186 Narrative Business Presentations (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
You will learn to develop compelling narratives, plan effective presentations, and deliver them with confidence. Through practical exercises, teamwork, peer coaching, consultations, and feedback, you will refine your storytelling and presentation techniques while incorporating ethical considerations. Additionally, you will explore how to engage your audience and drive meaningful change through your presentations.
5187 Team Communication (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
The course deals with interpersonal communication skills required for team environments. The focus is on themes relevant to teamwork such as motivation, relational engagement, trust, decision making and problem solving. This intensive course is highly interactive and task oriented. Group work, readings and self-reflective writing will enhance your understanding of your own and others’ interpersonal communication skills. The course is especially beneficial for students who already have some experience in teamwork, and/or who are interested in human behaviour and personal development.
5188 Intercultural Communication - COIL (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
The course emphasizes self-reflection, critical thinking, and teamwork, preparing you to communicate and work effectively in diverse, global settings. It aims to give you the skills needed to succeed in a multicultural and multilingual world, promoting understanding, respect, and inclusion. The COIL course (Collaborative Online International Learning), organized with Hanken’s ENGAGE.EU(opens in a new tab) Opens in new window partners in, for example, Spain, France, and Germany. This course will help you improve your intercultural communication skills and competencies through both theory and practical activities. You will learn about cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as digital literacy.
5190 Each one teach one - English (Vaasa) (2 cr)
Each One Teach One course means that two native speakers of different languages (English, Finnish, French, German, Russian, Spanish or Swedish) meet informally to learn each other's language. The responsible teacher provides the students with a work scheme that they follow during the course.
Courses offered for non-degree students
Exchange students at Hanken are welcome to apply for most of the English language courses. For those specific courses that are open to exchange students in both Helsinki and Vaasa, see below. If you are a non-degree student, you can apply for our courses here.
Open courses, Helsinki:
Courses to which exchange students can apply to in Helsinki:
5162 Writing Hub: Terminology and Phraseology (Helsinki – Vaasa) (2 sp)
5169 Finnish Working Life Skills (Helsinki – Vaasa) (2 sp)
5172 Creative Community Engagement (Helsinki) (2sp)
5174 Cultural Sustainability and Communication (Helsinki) (5 sp)
5178 Intercultural Communication (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
5180 Writing Hub: Writer's Workshop (Helsinki) (3 sp)
5181 Essentials of Business Communication: Sensitive messages (Helsinki – Vaasa) (1 sp)
5182 Essentials of Business Communication: Debating (Helsinki – Vaasa) (1 sp)
5183 Essentials of Business Communication: Meetings and Negotiations (Helsinki – Vaasa) (1 sp)
5184 Cognitive Communication: Learning (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
5185 Fictions of Business (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
5186 Narrative Business Presentations (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
5187 Team Communication (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
5190 Each one teach one (Helsinki) (2 sp)
Open courses, Vaasa:
Courses to which exchange students can apply to in Vaasa:
5162 Writing Hub: Terminology and Phraseology (Helsinki – Vaasa) (2 sp)
5169 Finnish Working Life Skills (Helsinki – Vaasa) (2 sp)
5178 Intercultural Communication (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
5181 Essentials of Business Communication: Sensitive messages (Helsinki – Vaasa) (1 sp)
5182 Essentials of Business Communication: Debating (Helsinki – Vaasa) (1 sp)
5183 Essentials of Business Communication: Meetings and Negotiations (Helsinki – Vaasa) (1 sp)
5184 Cognitive Communication: Learning (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
5185 Fictions of Business (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
5186 Narrative Business Presentations (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
5187 Team Communication (Helsinki – Vaasa) (5 sp)
5190 Each one teach one (Vaasa) (2 sp)
Search function in Sisu
This page presents the search function in Sisu and how it works. You can find the study sections in English by using the filter Organisation and then selecting "English, Helsinki" or "English, Vaasa". By using the search function in Sisu, you can independently read more about the English courses offered.
Contact information
Should you have any questions for which you cannot find answers on the current pages, do not hesitate to contact us!
You can find contact information to all the English staff by following the links below. You can also find us on the fifth floor in Hanken's building in Helsinki and on the third floor in Hanken's building in Vaasa.
Contact information
Maria A. Gajitos – Lecturer
Martti Mäkinen – University Lecturer
Ricardo Napoleao de Souza – Lecturer
Taija Townsend – Lecturer
Carola Wide – Lecturer
Read more!
If you are interested and want to read more about English, follow the links below for more in-depth information.