The special feature is that you combine the above disciplines into a comprehensive programme by tailoring a suitable combination according to your plans and existing knowledge in cooperation with the programme professors. However, this requires also a strong commitment from you to develop your own skills and plan your degree.
The strong scientific emphasis of the programme makes it a natural gateway to further studies in physics, mathematics, chemistry and computer science.
The Master’s Programme in Theoretical and Computational Methods has an exceptionally great scope. The programme consists of several modules in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and computer science.
Upon completing the Master’s Programme in Theoretical and Computational Methods, you will:
As a graduate of this Master’s programme, you can work as an expert in many kinds of scientific jobs in the private and the public sectors. The employment rate in this field is good.
The programme’s strong scientific emphasis makes it a natural gateway to further studies in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and computer science. This will usually take place within one of the research groups working on the Kumpula campus.
The Master’s Programme in Theoretical and Computational Methods will give you a strong basis in the theoretical methods, modelling, and mathematical and numerical analysis within physics, mathematics, chemistry and/or computer science.
The scope of the programme is 120 ECTS credits. It is possible to complete the degree in two academic years. The degree includes:
The programme consists of several modules in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and computer science. Your studies also include a personal study plan, working-life orientation, and career planning. In addition, the other studies could include a traineeship, complementary courses in your major or minor subject, or a completely new minor subject.
Studying in this programme requires a strong commitment from you to develop your own skills and plan your degree. You tailor a suitable combination according to your plans and existing knowledge in cooperation with the programme professors. Your personal study plan will ensure that your courses form a sensible functional combination. See examples of TCM study paths.
You can find the detailed degree structure in the Studies service. Also the preliminary syllabus for the academic year 2024-2025 can be found in the Studies service. Make sure that the correct programme is selected on the drop-down menu. The final syllabus will be published in Sisu. Please note, that some courses will not be lectured every academic year.
The programme is multi-lingual. Instruction is given in English, but the courses and assignments can also be done in Finnish or Swedish. The programme has an international study track that you can take completely in English, but you have to apply separately for this study track.
The special feature of this programme is its great scope: it consists of several course packages in physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science and/or data science, for example:
The courses include group and lecture instruction, exercises, literature, and workshops. Most courses also include exams or project assignments. In addition, you can complete some courses independently, by taking exams.
Instruction is given in English, but the courses and assignments can also be done in Finnish or Swedish.
See the degree structure in the Studies service.
Check out courses in the University of Helsinki online course catalogue for students at the University of Helsinki in the Studies service.
The University of Helsinki also offers Finnish courses for international students.
The advanced module of your major subject includes a Master’s thesis that will demonstrate your:
The extent of the Master’s thesis is 30 credits. It is often written under the supervision of one of the research groups in the departments belonging to this programme, so you will become familiar with top research during your Master's programme. These projects are a natural gateway to postgraduate studies.
As a Master’s degree student, you can select your minor subject both from your own faculty and from the other faculties at the university. Thanks to the contract for flexible study access (JOO), you can also study at another university in Finland, so it will be easy to tailor your degree to your own interests and career goals. Some of the courses are organised in cooperation with Aalto University.
You can also participate in research projects in your field while you are studying. Writing your Master’s thesis in cooperation with a corporation or research organisation is also a good way to improve your working-life skills or get first-hand experience of working in an international research project. The programme has close collaboration with the Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP) and Helsinki Institute for Information Technology (HIIT).
The programme maintains contacts with its alumni within the corporate sector. You can develop your own business concepts at the university’s entrepreneurship courses and at Think Company, which is a community of students and researchers interested in starting their own business, as well as for entrepreneurs in different fields.
The Master's degree (Master of Science) provides general eligibility for postgraduate studies and a solid foundation for doctoral studies.
After completing an upper university degree, you can apply for doctoral programmes both at the University of Helsinki and at other top international universities. Some of the suitable doctoral programmes at the University of Helsinki are:
More information on doctoral education at the University of Helsinki.
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.
Read more about student life, services and benefits when studying at the University of Helsinki.
Do you have questions about studies or student life? You can get answers to your questions by chatting directly with University of Helsinki students. Chat with our students!