Professional specialisation education at the University of Helsinki

Are you a university graduate with work experience? Do you wish to develop professionally and upgrade your expertise? Professional specialisation programmes offer a new fee-based form of learning designed to promote the upskilling of people in the active workforce.

Professional specialisation education is designed for holders of a higher education degree or another equivalent qualification. Professional specialisation programmes provide a flexible way of developing skills in areas of expertise which are both topical and significant for the labour market and business sector. The aim is that after having completed a programme, students will be able to work in demanding expert positions.

The programmes are carefully designed to meet the needs of the labour market by taking into account ongoing and foreseeable changes.

The programmes do not lead to a degree, but students are awarded a certificate of completion. The scope of the programmes varies from 30 to 120 credits and can usually be completed while working.

Specialisation Programme in Industrial Pharmacy (for holders of a BSc (Pharm) degree)

The specialisation programme is intended for holders of a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, employed in the pharmaceutical industry in Finland and abroad.

The programme offers students the opportunity to deepen their expertise in product development, economics and marketing, drug research, marketing authorisation, pharmacovigilance and quality management/GxP regulations, to name just a few topics. Students may select the development project included in the programme that corresponds with their own interests to enhance their competence in their current position or to support their career goals for the future. Completion of the specialisation programme in industrial pharmacy provides eligibility to apply for the title of Qualified Person.

As the programme is international, the language of instruction and completion is English.

  • Scope of the programme: 40 credits, which can be completed in three years while working 
Specialisation Programme in Industrial Pharmacy (for holders of a MSc (Pharm) degree)

The specialisation programme is intended for holders of a master’s degree in pharmacy, employed in the pharmaceutical industry in Finland and abroad.

The programme offers students the opportunity to deepen their expertise in product development, economics and marketing, drug research, marketing authorisation, pharmacovigilance and quality management/GxP regulations, to name just a few topics. Students may select the development project included in the programme that corresponds with their own interests to enhance their competence in their current position or to support their career goals for the future.

As the programme is international, the language of instruction and completion is English.

  • Scope of the programme: 60 credits, which can be completed in four years while working 
Specialisation Programme in Community Pharmacy and Hospital Pharmacy (for holders of a BSc (Pharm) degree)

The specialisation programme is intended for holders of a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy who wish to enhance their competence in their specialist field within the social and healthcare sector.

The programme opens up opportunities for students to improve their professional expertise and career prospects, and further develop the content of their work. It also offers them an opportunity to reform their workenvironment by presenting tools for quality development, the provision of pharmaceutical care and the initiation of collaboration with partners in the healthcare sector.

Students can select between the general study track or the specialist study track in community and hospital pharmacy. The general study track focuses broadly on community and hospital pharmacy, while the specialist track focuses on the specific field of each student.

The studies are professionally oriented and can be completed while working. Study plans are drafted individually, taking into account the student’s previous studies, professional career, current work duties and development needs, as well as future plans. In the various courses, students can select learning assignments that benefit them personally as well as their work environment.

The language of instruction in community and hospital pharmacy specialisation programme is Finnish, but it is possible to complete assignments in Swedish and English. Many students write their research articles in English for the international audience. 

The programme is organised in collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland.

  • Scope of the programme: 40 credits, which can be completed in three years while working 
Specialisation Programme in Community Pharmacy and Hospital Pharmacy (for holders of a MSc (Pharm) degree)

The specialisation programme is intended for holders of a master’s degree in pharmacy who wish to enhance their competence in their specialist field within the social and healthcare sector. 

The programme offers students the opportunity to improve their professional expertise and career prospects, and further develop the content of their work. It also offers them an opportunity to reform their work environment by presenting tools for quality development, the provision of pharmaceutical care and the initiation of collaboration with partners in the healthcare sector.

Students can select between the general study track in community and hospital pharmacy and the specialist study track . The general study track focuses broadly on community and hospital pharmacy, while the specialist track focuses on the specific field of each student.

The studies are professionally oriented and can be completed while working. Study plans are drafted individually, taking into account the student's previous studies, professional career, current work duties and development needs, as well as future plans. In the various courses, students can select learning assignments that benefit them personally as well as their work environment.

The language of instruction in community and hospital pharmacy specialisation programme is Finnish, but it is possible to complete assignments in Swedish and English. Many students write their research articles in English for the international audience. 

The programme is organised in collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland.

  • Scope of the programme: 60 credits, which can be completed in four years while working 
Other specialisation programmes available in Finnish or in Swedish