Welcome to Study Genetics and Molecular Biosciences

Congratulations on being accepted to the Master’s Programme in Genetics and Molecular Biosciences (a.k.a. GMB)! We are absolutely thrilled to welcome you.

You are joining an outstanding, highly diverse community. During your time here, you will connect with dedicated staff and engage directly with top-tier research. Moreover, you will have the unique opportunity to interact and collaborate with people not only within our Faculty (Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, FBES) but also from various independent institutes and across the entire University of Helsinki.

We understand that navigating the sheer number of courses and study tracks can feel overwhelming at first, but please do not worry. Your journey begins with our introductory course Principles of Life, which will provide plenty of clarity and familiarize you with the programme’s world-class research groups. Most importantly, you will be assigned a personal study plan advisor. They will guide you through these decisions, help you build a productive study plan, and assist you in choosing the track that best fits your goals.

Finland is globally recognized for its high quality of life, and we believe that rigorous education goes hand-in-hand with personal well-being. Our philosophy is that you will develop into an outstanding professional while making lifelong friends and enjoying the vibrant life and beautiful nature that Finland has to offer.

Welcome to GMB!

Minna Poukkula, University Lecturer
Programme director

 

Do you wonder what it is like to study at the University of Helsinki or our programme? How is student life or housing in the City of Helsinki?

You can chat directly with our student or other on our chat platform. The is also a great way to get an overview of student life in Helsinki. However, note that for questions related to admissions you should contact the Admission Services.

Get to know also the student organisation of the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences.

Before the teaching programme officially begins on 31 August 2026, the University of Helsinki will hold its orientation week for new students during the last week of August (24-28 August 2026). We strongly recommend participating as it's a great way to meet your fellow students, get to know the campuses and learn about life as a student in Helsinki. You will be guided by second-year GMB students the entire week up until the beginning of autumn. 

Some activities are faculty or even university-wide, ranging from seminars on where to find support during your studies to advice on how to adapt to Finnish culture. Other activities are specific to the GMB programme, such as getting your first student canteen lunch together or learning how to choose and register for courses. Your tutors can also advise you on getting settled into life in Helsinki – after all, they were in your shoes just a year ago! 

and the programme for orientation week will be published later in the year. 

Welcome to multidisciplinary Viikki campus. Viikki is located in the geographical centre of Helsinki. Characteristic to the area are broad fields and the bay of Vanhankaupunginlahti, which is a popular outdoor recreational area among the citizens. Please watch a video about the opportunities for study and research at the Viikki campus.

The international students in the Master's Programme in Genetics and Molecular biosciences can apply to the UNITalent Programme. It is designed to support international students in building professional networks in Finland and to gain insight into field specific working life. Students take part by attending monthly group meetings with hosting organisation for a period of three months. During the programme, the University Career Services also provides training in career management skills. The continuation of the programme will be decided in spring 2026.