At the University of Helsinki, you get an education based on high-quality research from leading scholars. You can tailor your degree to your own interests with our multidisciplinary study options across 11 faculties, and develop expertise in your field with the capability of grasping interdisciplinary concepts and perceiving causalities.
Note that this page includes just some examples of topics, themes and fields of our degree programmes. In reality, they offer study tracks and specialisation opportunities beyond these examples.
Do you care about social justice? What would a fair society look like, with equal opportunities for all? How can we address societal challenges like inequality, social division caused by polarisation and structural discrimination?
At the University of Helsinki, we look for answers by conducting multidisciplinary research on, e.g., equality in education, preventing health and social inequalities, cultural and religious diversity, and changes in democracy. Our students become experts in topics like social phenomena and structures, democracy and the rule of law, social diversity, and welfare discrepancies.
By studying in our master's programmes, you can make an impact through your studies and be a part of building a fair society for all.
How to deal with complex, increasingly diverse and rapidly changing issues of contemporary societies? How to use data for social good?
In the Master's Programme in Contemporary Societies, you choose from six major subjects: Global Development Studies, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Social and Public Policy, Social Data Science, Social Psychology, or Sociology. You also study themes like Data and Society, Ethnic Relations and Migration, Mind and Society, Socio-Cultural Shifts and Sources of Inequalities.
How to deal with the challenges of globalising law? How are norms that go beyond the "law" produced by states and international organisations?
In the Master's Programme in Global Governance Law (GGL), you develop the skills to understand and deal with the challenges of globalising law. You study law and globalisation, public international law, European Union law, global administrative law, advanced human rights law and examine for example international institutions, decision-making and governance in the EU.
How can knowledge help us prevent confrontation? What is the role of the media in the transformation of contemporary democracies?
In the Master's Programme in Global Politics and Communication, you combine political science, communication studies and global political economy. You apply ideas, concepts and methodologies to key societal and political issues and develop your critical reasoning and argumentation skills.
How do you analyse economic phenomena from the societal point of view? How to decide how many mobile phone operators to have?
In the Master's Programme in Economics, you focus on the key elements of economic analysis and methods. You take courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. In addition, you can choose courses in subfields of economics, for example, economic theory, industrial organisation, international economics, labour economics, public economics, development economics, and behavioural and experimental economics.
Teaching in the programme is arranged in cooperation with the departments of economics at Aalto University and Hanken School of Economics. Together with the discipline of economics at the University of Helsinki, they form the Helsinki Graduate School of Economics (Helsinki GSE). The unit offers the most extensive selection of economics courses in Finland.
Why does Europe matter? How to understand populism in Europe? What is the significance of regional cooperation in the Nordic context?
In the Master's Programme in European and Nordic Studies, you get an understanding of European society, politics and culture today and in history. You benefit from the strengths of Nordic research on Europe with its strong focus on regional cooperation, diversity, identities, institutions, culture and politics of history and memory. You learn to know the Nordic countries through a European perspective and Europe from a Nordic perspective.
How to build bridges between diverse communities? How to promote cultural diversity in a globalised world?
In the Master's Programme in Intercultural Encounters, you focus on questions of cultural diversity and mutual understanding and get insight into the diversified world from different perspectives such as religion, conflicts, human interaction, living traditions and transnationalism. You learn to deal with issues of intercultural interaction, diversity, internationalisation, cultural management, the media and power.
How does knowing Russia, Eurasia and Eastern Europe help you to understand global developments?
In the Master’s Programme in Russian, Eurasian, and Eastern European Studies (MAREEES), you explore how societal, political, security, environmental or identity-related changes impact the region. You benefit from the latest research by leading academic experts in the field and develop an understanding and the ability to interpret complex area-specific questions and their global inter-relatedness.
How do we deal with and develop complex urban environments? What can be done to prevent residential segregation and inequality?
In the Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning, you become a professional capable of understanding and addressing complex urban development challenges. You can specialise in Urban Planning and Design (USP Plans), Urban Life, Economy and Cultures (USP Peoples) or Urban Ecologies and Systems (USP Systems).
How can we build a healthier world? Is it possible to tackle cancer, global pandemics or diseases of the brain and mind? How should therapies for diseases be personalised to be effective?
At the University of Helsinki, we search for holistic solutions to global health-related challenges with our multidisciplinary approach. Health is studied from a range of perspectives, from conducting gene research with the help of genetic data and biobanks to utilising artificial intelligence and other digital solutions in precision medicine.
Through research and education, we are developing experts who understand the connection between animal, human and environmental health.
By studying in our master's programmes, you can gain the knowledge needed to work towards solving the health-related challenges of the future.
How to detect illnesses from breath? Can spent nuclear fuel be safely contained in bedrock? How does chemistry benefit bioeconomy?
In the Master's Programme in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, you learn experimental research methods in many fields of chemistry, like analytical and synthetic chemistry, radiochemistry, molecular research, and spectroscopy.
How are the building blocks of life arranged? How do genes regulate the development and functioning of cells, tissues and organisms? How do molecules, cells and tissues function and communicate with each other?
In the Master's programme in Genetics and Molecular Biosciences, you get an understanding and skills in modern biosciences at the level of genes and molecules to cells and organisms. You can specialise in Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Genetics and Genomics or Molecular Analytical Health Biosciences.
What happens to food in our bodies? How does nutrition maintain our health? How can we change food-related behaviour?
In the Master’s Programme in Human Nutrition and Food-Related Behaviour (HNFB), you focus on human nutrition, food-related behaviour and food consumption from the perspective of public health nutrition, nutritional physiology and the social sciences. Themes based on the United Nations´ Sustainable Development Goals - such as good health and wellbeing, zero hunger, equality, ecological and cultural sustainability – are embedded throughout the programme.
How can mathematics and informatics help you understand nature?
In the Master's Programme in Life Science Informatics, you can choose from an attractive and versatile offer of study opportunities in the life sciences, medicine, mathematics, statistics, and informatics. You gain an understanding of the general principles of mathematical modelling, computational, probabilistic and statistical analysis of biological data, and become an expert in one specialisation area: Biomathematics, Biostatistics, Ecological Informatics or Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine.
Why are microbes the most important group of organisms on our planet? How is knowledge of microbiology applied in medicine and industry, or food production?
In the Master's Programme in Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, you get an understanding of the global significance of microbes as processors of life and the environment. You learn about microbes and the biotechnological applications as well as what research techniques are used to study viruses, bacteria and other microbes. You can flexibly combine courses in Environmental microbiology, Food microbiology, Medical microbiology, Microbial bioinformatics, Microbial biotechnology, Mycology and Virology.
How to develop new treatments for neurological disorders or sensory deficits? What are the processes of cell development, regeneration and ageing, the key determinants between life and death?
In the Master's Programme in Neuroscience, you will learn to master the essentials of neuroscience and physiology. You study Neuroscience and gain an understanding of the diverse functions of the brain and the nervous system, or Cell and Systems Physiology to gain an understanding of the complexity of life from molecules to functional organisms.
How to create effective, safe and sustainable drug treatments of the future?
In the Master’s Programme in Pharmaceutical Research, Development and Safety, you obtain a comprehensive overview of the life cycle of drugs and their use. You can specialise in drug discovery and pharmacology, drug development or medication safety and effectiveness. The perspective of Green and Sustainable Pharmacy, essential for managing the global sustainability challenge, is integrated into the curriculum.
How can translational medicine revolutionize human health?
In the Master's Programme in Translational Medicine (TRANSMED), you learn to use the terminology and discuss the key concepts of translational research in medical sciences and will be able to work at the interface of research, clinics and industry. You get a deeper understanding of at least two of the following fields: cancer, regenerative medicine, metabolic disorders, translational psychiatry, nervous system disorders or infection biology. You specialise in Translational Research or Health Industry and Innovations, and get a solid basis for a career in medical research or commercial enterprises in the field of human health.
Does the future of the digital world inspire you? As technology becomes an increasing part of our daily lives and society, we need digital architects and leaders who understand and can navigate ethical challenges. Algorithms alone cannot solve the ethics of artificial intelligence, nor will the quantum revolution emerge from nothing.
At the University of Helsinki, we conduct multidisciplinary research and educate the (digital) architects of our future. Our research and innovation range from the datafication of society to ethical AI, and from quantum technology to space and energy.
By studying in our master's programmes, you can become an expert with the skills to build a more ethical digital world.
How can we make future digital services more ethical and secure? How will algorithms affect our societies? What are all the things that could be automated?
In the Master's Programme in Computer Science, you get skills that can lead you to create new network solutions, build the future digital society, develop secure digital services, or be involved in a ground-breaking software project.
How to use data for social good? How to deal with complex, increasingly diverse and rapidly changing issues of contemporary societies?
In the Master's Programme in Contemporary Societies, you choose from six major subjects: Global Development Studies, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Social and Public Policy, Social Data Science, Social Psychology, or Sociology. You also study themes like Data and Society, Ethnic Relations and Migration, Mind and Society, Socio-Cultural Shifts and Sources of Inequalities.
How to construct solutions to complex data analysis problems? How to prevent shipwrecks with the help of big data?
Data science combines computer science and statistics to solve data-intensive problems in industry and many fields of science. In the Master's Programme in Data Science, you will gain a solid knowledge of the central concepts, theories, and research methods of data science as well as applied skills. You can specialise either in the core areas of data science - machine learning and algorithms, infrastructure and statistics - or in its applications.
How can mathematics and informatics help you understand nature?
In the Master's Programme in Life Science Informatics, you can choose from an attractive and versatile offer of study opportunities in the life sciences, medicine, mathematics, statistics, and informatics. You gain an understanding of the general principles of mathematical modelling, computational, probabilistic and statistical analysis of biological data, and become an expert in one specialisation area: Biomathematics, Biostatistics, Ecological Informatics or Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine.
Why do computers struggle with translating? How to create artificial systems that resemble language, speech and human cognition? Why doesn't computer-synthesised speech sound human?
In the Master's Programme in Linguistic Diversity and Digital Humanities, you deepen your understanding of the nature and diversity of human language and cognition and the theoretical and digital tools for working with language and speech. You may also focus on digital methods in other fields within humanities or on human cognition and artificial intelligence. You can specialise in Cognitive Science, Digital Humanities, General Linguistics, Language Technology or Phonetics.
Can materials research solve the energy problem? How to develop technology with new materials?
The Master's Programme in Materials Research (MATRES) brings together physics, chemistry, biology and medical sciences, mathematics and computer science. You can study for example biomaterials, nanomaterials, smart materials, polymers, composites, electronics, energy generation and storage as well as green and sustainable materials. You can specialise in Experimental materials physics, Computational materials physics, Medical physics and biophysics, Polymer materials chemistry, norganic materials chemistry and Electronics and industrial applications.
How to calculate yourself into the center of the Earth?
In the Master’s Programme in Mathematics and Statistics, you get a solid basis for mathematics and statistics applications. You can specialise in Analysis, Mathematical logic, Geometry, algebra and topology, Mathematical physics and probability, Inverse problems and imaging, Mathematical biology, Insurance and financial mathematics, and Statistics.
How to understand space? How did we get here from the big bang?
In the Master’s Programme in Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences, you get an extensive understanding of particle physics and cosmology and/or astrophysical sciences. You gain expertise in basic research and acquire proficiency in the use of mathematical methods, IT tools and experimental equipment, as well as strong problem-solving and logical deduction skills.
How can we infer general principles from limited observations? How to create mathematical models of natural phenomena?
In the Master’s Programme in Theoretical and Computational Methods, you get a strong basis in theoretical methods, modelling, and mathematical and numerical analysis within physics, mathematics, chemistry and/or computer science.
Why is the education system of Finland so famous? The success of it lies in research-based policies and practice, long-term investment in equality as well as teachers – the backbone of Finland's education system.
The University of Helsinki played a central role in developing this international success story. We continue to pioneer the future of education by conducting research in topics like how to learn better and how digital solutions can promote learning. Our brain research shows phenomena related to learning in a new light. Also sustainable development and equality introduce pressing questions to the discussion on education, which can only be solved with research-based knowledge.
By studying in our master's programmes, you can gain the knowledge needed to work towards an education system that belongs to and works for everyone.
How to lead the future of learning?
In the Master’s Programme in Changing Education, you get an understanding of education as a dynamic and transformable construct from the individual neural level to global policies. You also gain the knowledge and skills to analyse, develop and influence the practices and structures of education systems, institutions, teaching and pedagogical issues.
The courses are structured around three topic areas: 1) Education, society and culture, 2) Educational psychology and neuroscience, and 3) Pedagogy, educational institutions and research-based teacher education.
How is sociocultural change and language change related? How did English become a world language?
In the Master’s Programme in English Studies at the University of Helsinki, you develop your expertise in areas that are often separated in other programmes: English language and linguistics, literature in English and the teaching of English. You can also combine modules from other programmes to your degree, for example, Digital Humanities and Literary Studies.
How do humans perceive the world and process information? Do you want to uncover the mysteries of language and mind?
In the Master's Programme in Linguistic Diversity and Digital Humanities, you deepen your understanding of the nature and diversity of human language and cognition and the theoretical and digital tools for working with language and speech. You may also focus on digital methods in other fields within humanities or on human cognition and artificial intelligence. You can specialise in Cognitive Science, Digital Humanities, General Linguistics, Language Technology or Phonetics.
How are our brains making us conscious, sense, feel and act? What are the neurobiological bases of behaviour?
In the Master's Programme in Neuroscience, you will learn to master the essentials of neuroscience and physiology. You study Neuroscience and gain an understanding of the diverse functions of the brain and the nervous system, or Cell and Systems Physiology to gain an understanding of the complexity of life from molecules to functional organisms.
Are you concerned about our planet? To solve the climate crisis and reverse biodiversity loss, we need new ideas and fresh evidence of what is happening in the atmosphere, on the ground, and throughout our ecosystem.
At the University of Helsinki, our research ranges from ecology, air quality and food production to cultural, social and economic factors that have a role in climate change and biodiversity loss, and contribute to sustainability transformations of societies.
As the challenges that the climate and nature are facing are complex, the solutions require broad-based multidisciplinary expertise. To find solutions and achieve sustainability transformation, we need more experts from a variety of fields.
By studying in our master's programmes, you gain skills to protect the natural world and work towards a sustainable future.
How to develop sustainable food production? How to assess the sustainability and environmental impact of energy production?
In the Master’s Programme in Agricultural Sciences, you can pursue studies in agrotechnology, animal science, environmental soil science or plant production sciences. The University of Helsinki is the only university in Finland to offer academic education in this field.
How to solve issues related to agriculture, biodiversity, food and forests? How are oceans restored as oceans?
In the Master’s Programme in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics (AGERE), economics and natural sciences are combined. You will become a professional in applied economics in agricultural, environmental and resource-focused fields and well versed in topics such as climate policy, sustainable agriculture and food security.
How to prevent hurricane disasters? How is climate changing? How do ecosystems interact with the atmosphere/hydrosphere/lithosphere?
In the Master's Programme in Atmospheric Sciences, you can study aerosol physics, geophysics of the hydrosphere, meteorology, biosphere-atmosphere cycles, remote sensing, and atmospheric chemistry and analysis. You learn to work with environmental issues and deal with matters like air pollution, climate change, deforestation, extreme weather and water resources.
Which species can adapt to environmental change? Why are some species able to invade new habitats?
In the Master's Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, you get a perspective on biology from the level of genes to communities of species by studying ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation biology. The field courses range from the northern subarctic region to tropical rainforests.
How to solve problems of socio-ecological sustainability? How to make sustainable choices on a global scale?
In the Master’s Programme in Environmental Change and Global Sustainability (ECGS), you learn to tackle global environmental and sustainability challenges by integrating perspectives from natural sciences and social sciences. You gain expertise in environmental sciences, sustainability sciences and environmental policy. You can also study topics like food and sustainability, climate studies, indigenous studies, urban studies, global land use or Baltic Sea studies.
What will people eat in the future? How to improve the healthiness, safety, ecology and ethics of food and food processing?
In the Master's Programme in Food Sciences, your studies cover the whole food production chain from primary production via food processing to consumers. You explore innovations in food and how to improve the healthiness, safety, ecology and ethics of food and food processing. You also learn laboratory working skills and increase your knowledge of food composition, processing, structure and legislation.
How can forests help in fighting climate change? How to grow trees sustainably and efficiently?
In the Master's Programme in Forest Sciences, you get a broad and versatile perspective on forests and their use. Your studies focus on and apply knowledge in biology, business economics, environmental sciences, logistics, geoinformatics and information technology. You can choose to specialise in forest ecology and management or forest economics, business and society, and become a professional in forest ecology, the management and use of forest resources and forest bioeconomy business and policy.
How to use GIS and big data for social good? How to address spatial inequalities and sustainability policies?
In the Master's Programme in Geography, you get an overview of the discipline, its traditions and pluralism, as well as the topical research. You can study physical geography, human geography, geoinformatics or geography education (subject teacher) and delve deeper into themes like automating and visualizing GIS, conservation geography, development geography, high-latitude landscapes and ecosystems, political geographies of regional development, remote sensing of environment, spatial planning, urban geography and land use and more.
How do we make natural resource exploration and extraction more sustainable and environmentally friendly? Where can we safely construct power plants or store nuclear waste?
In the Master's Programme in Geology and Geophysics, you are trained to address pressing questions concerning our home planet's evolution, its role as the source of raw materials needed by modern civilisation, and environmental issues. You can study themes and topics like hydrogeology, environmental geology, palaeontology, palaeoclimatology and -ecology, mineralogy and petrology, geochemistry, economic geology, and solid earth geophysics.
Are you interested in our degree programmes? Check out the application periods and processes to find out when and how to apply.
Do you want to learn more about one of the topics? Check out some of our free online courses or visit the research theme pages.