In the Master’s Programme in Pharmaceutical Research, Development and Safety, you earn a degree in pharmaceutical sciences and gain the expertise for a future career either in academia or the private sector.
Egemen Sahin's passion for academia led him to the Master’s Programme in Pharmaceutical Research, Development and Safety, and eventually to PhD studies. Throughout his journey, he was guided by the belief that trying is the first step toward clarity.
"Finland has a balanced and flexible research environment, and the facilities and opportunities provided by the University of Helsinki are invaluable."
Through his journey from Iran via Türkiye to Finland and then South Korea via Denmark, Iman Baramaki shows that curiosity and courage can lead to unexpected and rewarding career paths.
"I expected to rely primarily on my technical and scientific skills, but only 20–30% of my daily work involved these aspects. The remaining 70% focused on soft skills."
Granta Kleinauskaite, from Lithuania, recently completed a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Research, Development, and Safety at the University of Helsinki and is now pursuing a PhD.
"On colder days, I prefer staying home with a warm cup of tea, watching YouTube videos, learning languages, or reading books and journals."
I’m Granta Kleinauskaite, originally from Lithuania. I recently graduated with a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Research, Development, and Safety from the University of Helsinki, and I’m currently pursuing a PhD.
It really depends on the day. If it’s nice out, I love taking a walk to the nearby forest on Viikki campus. On days when I’m feeling more energized, I might go for a jog or hit the gym. On colder days, I prefer staying home with a warm cup of tea, watching YouTube videos, learning languages, or reading books and journals. On weekends, I meet up with friends in the city center, and sometimes I go to the sauna or swimming pool for a bit of a change.
I worked as a research assistant last summer and again this year in an intracellular drug delivery lab. I really enjoyed my time there, as it gave me the opportunity to learn new methodologies, gain insight into the PhD projects of other students, and witness firsthand how collaborative problem-solving can often lead to better solutions than working alone. I was able to assist other researchers, develop my own project, and this experience ultimately inspired me to pursue a PhD.
Stay open to opportunities, but don’t wait—take initiative and knock on doors. If they don’t open, try again or find another way. Keep going, stay optimistic, and you’ll get there. Early on, you might feel pressure to blend in, but sometimes it’s better to stand out and build your own circle. In the end, everyone wants to belong—so don’t hesitate to invite others in.
The University of Helsinki offers multidisciplinary study options across 11 faculties. Studying and cooperation across the fields are highly encouraged.
Would you like to know what students from other degree programmes and academic disciplines think about their studies and life in Helsinki?