*until 31.7.2026 Master's Programme in Human Nutrition and Food-Related Behaviour (HNFB)
Nutrition plays a fundamental role in promoting health, preventing disease, and supporting sustainable development.
Nutrition issues are complex. Understanding nutrition and eating requires a multidisciplinary approach that draws on fields such as biosciences and behavioral sciences.
The NUTR programme is aimed at students who wish to broaden and deepen their previous knowledge of the effects of nutrients on the body as well as nutrition at the population level.
The programme is particularly suited to those interested in expert roles in research, communications, health promotion, food services or the food industry - or other roles where evidence-based nutrition knowledge is required.
The personal interests will shape how the key themes and objectives of the Master's programme are emphasised in the degree.
After graduation, you can work in expert, teaching, research and management positions in the public sector, non-governmental organisations and companies, as well as an independent entrepreneur.
The Master’s programme is multilingual, with teaching provided in Finnish and English. You can complete the degree in English, Finnish or Swedish.
With a scope of 120 credits (ECTS), the Master’s Programme in Nutrition Science can be completed in two academic years.
The degree comprises:
The NUTR courses focus on:
The multidisciplinary environment of the University of Helsinki provides numerous options for other studies, offering study paths tailored to your interests. You can also choose studies at other Finnish or international universities.
The courses in the Nutrition science Master's Programme incorporate different methods of study, such as:
The diversity of learning methods enhances your development and application of critical thought, argumentation and problem-solving skills
For the Master's Thesis (30 ECTS) you study and analyse a significant topic related to this Master’s programme. Our students' Master's theses cover a wide range of topics and methods.
Depending on your interests and skills, you can approach your topic for example from the perspective of epidemiology, physiology, molecular biology, behavioural sciences or social sciences. You can write the thesis in connection with a larger research project, in collaboration with companies and public institutions, or independently. It takes about 6 months of full-time work to complete the thesis.
The Master’s thesis strengthens your skills in scientific writing, critical thinking, applying ethical principles, and incorporating feedback into your work. You learn to formulate research questions, analyse data, and present results in line with scientific standards. You may use qualitative or quantitative research methods or a combination of both. We encourage our students to take an interdisciplinary approach.
You will have at least one supervisor to support you with the design, implementation and writing of your thesis. As part of your thesis work, you will participate in a year-long thesis seminar (5 ECTS), where you will receive writing support and guidance, as well as the opportunity to present your research to other students and gain peer support.
The best way to know more about the NUTR programme is through our students and graduates!
In the testimonials, they give their insights about the programme, studies and student life in Helsinki as well as share their aspirations and future goals.
Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. Also 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 (HYY), 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 across the country.
A certain amount of previous university-level studies in nutrition science are required when applying to this programme.
Nutrition science is a multidisciplinary field based on human biology and behaviour. In addition to previous studies in nutrition science, you should have previous university studies in fields that provide a foundation for and/or support studies in nutrition science. You must also have acquired the methodological skills required for master's studies.
A detailed description of suitable studies will be published in Studyinfo portal in October 2025.
The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry is located at Viikki Campus, an international hub of life sciences hosting several faculties, institutes, research projects and network organisations. There's also a veterinary teaching hospital, a research farm, an arboretum, a greenhouse and a research field.
The faculties of Viikki Campus have several research stations in Finland offering excellent facilities and support for research and teaching.