The Master’s Programme in Mathematics and Statistics is based on top research. The teaching at the University of Helsinki follows a high standard and is highly valued in the Finnish academia and global university rankings. Your instructors will be some of the best mathematicians and statisticians in the world.
Upon graduating you have gained a solid basis for mathematics and statistics applications. You will:
Graduates find employment as researchers, teachers, and in demanding expert posts in the public and private sectors in Finland and abroad.
The Master's Programme in Mathematics and Statistics offers you a solid basis for mathematics and statistics applications. It has three study tracks:
Your initial choice of study track will be considered for the applicability of your previous studies and your motivation letter in the application process. As a student in this Master’s Programme, you will select a preliminary study track at the start of your studies. However, you may freely switch between the three study tracks later in your studies.
The teaching generally consists of some combination of theoretical and practical aspects, with lectures, demonstrations and exercises. Teaching is most often offered on-site, but courses may also be available online. Almost all courses can be completed by studying independently and participating in an exam. All courses are taught in English.
A Master's Degree in the Master's Programme in Mathematics and Statistics consists of 120-135 ECTS credits (cr) and can be completed in two years. The degree mainly consists of advanced studies in various fields related to the programme.
Master's seminar I is taken at the beginning of Master's studies as an introduction: it offers information about current topics in mathematics and statistics research and practicalities of the programme. During the second year, Master's seminar II offers support to the thesis process.
The Master’s Programme’s selection covers advanced studies in various fields of mathematics and statistics. In addition to the programme's course selection, you may complete courses from neighboring programmes to gain multidisciplinary capabilities. You may also complete language courses or other optional courses at the University of Helsinki, considering target group restrictions.
Please note that not all courses found in the degree structure are taught every year. The list of available courses for a new academic year is generally published by the end of June each year.
As a student in this Master’s programme, you are expected to write a Master’s thesis worth 30 credits in your chosen field, exploring a topic related to current research. Thesis work often starts after 60 credits of the degree have been completed. Thesis work is intended to give you experience in independent research project work, useful for academy and industry alike. Thesis work is supported by related seminars. Guidance is also given by a thesis instructor.
The Master's Programme in Mathematics and Statistics is multilingual. All courses are taught in English. Studies can be completed in English, Finnish or Swedish.
The international nature of the programme is implemented in many ways. The programme has an international atmosphere, with students and staff from all over the world. Research within the disciplines of the degree programme is of high international standard and is highly regarded. As a student in this Master’s programme, you may apply for an exchange programme, enabling you to
The programme works in close collaboration with other programmes at the University of Helsinki relating to mathematics and statistics, such as:
The programme also works in collaboration with other universities, for instance via cross-institutional network agreements. The University of Helsinki is investing in
Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. At the University of Helsinki, more than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), ranging from faculty and subject organisations to political and societal organisations, and from choirs and orchestras to sports and game clubs. Their activities include anniversary celebrations, academic dinner parties, cultural events, get-togethers and excursions.
As a student and member of the Student Union, you are entitled to many benefits and services. For example, affordable student housing, low-cost sports services and student-priced meals. You also get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees.
The Student Union advocates students’ interests. They organise services, benefits and events so that students can focus on the most important part: student life.
As a student in this Master's Programme, you will spend most of your time at the Kumpula Campus, one of the four campuses at the University of Helsinki, and the home of the Faculty of Science.
Kumpula Campus, dedicated to research and teaching in the exact natural sciences, comprises one of the largest clusters of scientific competence in the Nordic countries. The broad nature of the disciplines and vibrant international connections offer an inspirational atmosphere, a solid basis for interdisciplinary collaboration and an active and creative scientific community of researchers and students.
Are you interested in some scientific vocabulary in Finnish? Download the Finnish-English mathematical vocabulary for students of mathematics by Jussi Väisälä.