Welcome to Study Nutrition Science

The Master’s Programme in Nutrition Science invites our newly admitted students starting their studies in autumn 2026 to take a moment to explore this page and get to know us better. Our staff, students and faculty welcome you!

The admission results (application round from 2 Jan 2026 to 16 Jan 2026) are sent to the applicants no later than 15 Apr 2026 by email. The results can also be found in the .

Welcome from the programme

Dear new student of the Master’s Programme in Nutrition Science,

Warm congratulations on your admission to the NUTR Programme! We are delighted to welcome you to our scientific community of scholars and students who share an interest in the many facets of nutrition science.

The NUTR programme is a small and low‑hierarchy learning environment where teachers are genuinely interested in getting to know students and supporting them throughout their studies. Our curriculum allows you to focus on your own areas of interest, offering both theoretical courses and opportunities for practical training. In addition, the multidisciplinary University of Helsinki provides a wide range of elective studies you may choose from.

We look forward to meeting you in August and beginning this academic journey together.

Warm regards,
Riitta Freese
Director of the Master’s Programme in Nutrition Science

 

Studying in the programme

Teaching in our programme is mainly conducted in small groups, and English is the language of instruction. Courses use diverse teaching and assessment methods, and many include group work to support learning and help students connect with one another.

NUTR students come from varied academic backgrounds. To ensure a smooth start, all new students begin with the introductory course “The Kaleidoscope of Human Nutrition Studies”, which provides an overview of the programme, introduces the teachers, and helps you get to know your fellow students. You will also be assigned a teacher tutor who will guide you in creating your personal study plan.

More information about the curriculum structure and short course descriptions is available on our website.

Starting your studies

You will get practical information on the structure and planning of the NUTR studies in the beginning of August and even more practical help during the Orientation week at the end of August. All new students meet the nutrition teachers and researchers at the Welcome brunch on Monday 31st of August 2026. 

Meet our students

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

You can chat directly with  on our chat platform. However, note that for questions related to admissions you should contact the Admission Services.

Please also note that NUTR programme has a student organization, OIKOS:

Oikos operates as a subgroup of Lipidi ry. Oikos organizes social and professional events for all bachelor's and master's students who are interested in the NUTR programme. Incoming international students can already follow its activities before they arrive, and bachelor's students in Finland are encouraged to already join and participate in Oikos events! Follow on or reach out with any questions at .

The  is also a great way to get an overview of student life in Helsinki.

Orientation and tutoring

The teaching officially starts on 31 August 2026, but you are invited participate in the orientation activities for the new students already before classes begin (Orientation week 24–28 August 2026).  You will be assigned to a tutor group. You will learn more about studying in our programme and get support with administrative matters. This will make it easier for you to start your studies and life in Helsinki.

The Orientation week in August provides important information on studies at the University of Helsinki in general and NUTR studies in particular. The detailed information concerning the orientation week will be published in the  page. Remember to select your programme in the dropdown menu to access the information relevant to your degree programme.

Learning environments

The Fac­ulty of Agriculture and Forestry is located on Viikki Campus. The verdant and multidisciplinary Viikki Campus has operated in front lines of the life sciences since 1946. It employs nearly 1,900 people and has more than 6,000 students. Characteristic to the area are broad fields and the bay of Vanhankaupunginlahti, a popular outdoor recreational area among the citizens.

As our student, you will have access to the modern studying facilities of the campus. 

UNITalent Programme

The international students in the Master's Programme in Human Nutrition and Food-Related Behaviour 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.

Contacts and useful links

If you have questions regarding NUTR studies, please do not hesitate to contact the NUTR programme director:

In more practical study issues, you may also contact Unihelp () Please note that July is holiday season in Finland, so don’t worry if there are some delays in responding to your inquiries.

If you have questions related to the admissions and accepting your study place, please contact the .