Studying

After completing the Master’s Programme in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, you will:

• Be profoundly familiar with experimental research methods in one or more fields of chemistry, such as analytical and synthetic chemistry, radiochemistry, molecular research, and spectroscopy.
• Have an in-depth knowledge of the theoretical basis of your field and be able to apply this knowledge to broader topics.
• Know how to search for and manage chemical research data and use it to plan and perform demanding duties in chemical laboratories.
• Be able to act as a chemical expert in project planning and management, both independently and as a member of a team.
• Be able to present your results accurately following the practices of the field, both orally and in writing
• Be able to prepare extensive papers and reports.

As a chemical expert, you can embark on a career in industry, research or education, or in the business sector. Your work might also involve:

• applications of environmental or biological sciences
• the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, or
• the development of technological materials or new energy solutions.

The chemical industry is a major employer and one of the largest export industries in Finland. Potential employers include private companies, research and educational institutes, public agencies and supervisory authorities in Finland and abroad. You can also apply for postgraduate study in a doctoral programme.

In the Master’s Programme in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, the studies include lecture courses, examinations and contact teaching, laboratory courses, presentations and seminars. Compared to a Bachelor's degree, the studies require more independent work. The Master’s degree culminates in an extensive Master's thesis that includes practical research.

You may select courses from different special fields of chemistry according to your interests and career goals. You can complete a broad-ranging degree by selecting studies from several course packages or specialise in a specific branch of chemistry, e.g. analytical chemistry, synthesis, radiochemistry, molecular research and spectroscopy.

The scope of the degree is 120 credits and is intended to be completed in two academic years. The 120 credits are divided into two parts:

• Advanced studies in Chemistry (100-120 cr), including a Master’s thesis of 30 credits
• Other elective studies (0-20 cr)

You will receive assistance in preparing your personal study plan from the programme.

Your final project is the Master's thesis, the scope of which is 30 credits. It includes a literature review and an experimental or theoretical/computational research component. The scope of the research component is extended by completing an additional research project (KEM412) which is 15 credits. 

You can complete the research as

• a member of a research group at the Department of Chemistry or elsewhere at the University of Helsinki
• outside the University in a research institute or company, or
• during a student exchange.

You must demonstrably complete part of the research yourself and write the entire thesis independently (but under supervision and guidance).

As a student at the University of Helsinki, you have extensive opportunities to study in different faculties. The Faculty of Science also has bilateral agreements with Aalto University and the University of Jyväskylä, allowing you to take certain complementary chemistry courses taught in those universities.

Research in the natural sciences is broad and multidisciplinary. Researchers at the Department of Chemistry have joint projects with units, research institutes and companies inside and outside the University. These connections allow you to network with various parties within chemistry and related disciplines.

In addition, the department has close connections with several organisations in the field of chemistry, helping you to acquaint yourself with professional chemists and the job market. Key partners include, for example:

• Finnish Chemical Society
• Chemical Industry Federation of Finland
• various trade organisations and
• Finnish Association for Teachers of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Informatics.

It is possible to complete part of your degree abroad as the University of Helsinki has student exchange agreements with several universities abroad. The Language Centre of the University of Helsinki also offers a wide range of opportunities for improving your language skills.

Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. 

At the University of Helsinki, more than 240 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.

Students in Finland are also 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 across the country.