Studying

The curriculum of the Master's Programme in Translational Medicine (TRANSMED) is a joint effort of University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital, and several research institutes on Meilahti campus. The studies in the Master's Programme in Translational Medicine (TRANSMED) are built upon three central themes: medicine, research skills and interprofessional communication.

The interacting parties are the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, the Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH) and the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), which includes e.g. the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) and the Neuroscience Center (NC).

Who should apply?

TRANSMED attracts and accepts students from all over the world. Also the educational backgrounds of the accepted applicants cover a wide range of disciplines - we value and welcome diversity in the class.

We are looking for candidates with career goals in academia or in health sector enterprises. If you have well-developed skills in time management and a curious and inquisitive mind, if you enjoy team work and diversity, if you are not afraid of intensive studies, reading and writing, and you have a habit of meeting deadlines, you might be exactly what we are looking for!

Check out the statistics from the previous admissions for further information.

TRANSMED student stories and testimonials

Get insight into the Master's Programme in Translational Medicine (TRANSMED) from the stories and testimonials of our students.

Structure of the degree

The scope of the MSc (Translational Medicine) degree is 120 credits (ECTS).

  • 30 credits of obligatory studies in Foundations in Translational Medicine. This includes also an obligatory career planning  course which supports the choice of study track.

  • At least 65 credits of advanced studies, including study track-specific studies either in Translational Research or in Health Industry and Innovations. Advanced studies include also a 30 cr Master’s thesis.

  • Optional studies can be study track –specific or include suitable studies completed in another university or degree programme. Also transferable skills such as working life skills, language studies in Finnish, Swedish or English, studies in academic writing, or sustainability skills studies can be included.

Read more in Stucture, content and courses.

Language of instruction

The teaching and completions language in all TRANSMED courses is English. However, you may include in your degree a maximum of 30 ECTS of studies in any other language, allowing inclusion of studies completed in exchange abroad or optional studies selected from non-English programmes.

The Master's thesis is always written in English.

Master's thesis

The Master's thesis (30 ECTS) consists of both experimental and written work. It is always an individual work and conducted in a research group under supervision. With your Master's thesis, you demonstrate:

  • your ability to conduct independent research work and retrieve relevant information
  • your ability to use up-to-date research methods and perform experiments
  • your skills in scientific reasoning and the critical assessment of your research results
  • your ability to write scientifically and effectively present your data
  • your knowledge and your ability to critically assess the existing research literature

The research group for conducting the thesis work can be agreed between the student and the group leader - the topics are not decided or pre-selected by TRANSMED programme.

Read more in Structure, content and courses.

Doctoral education

In the Finnish system, you need to complete your MSc degree before enrolling to doctoral studies. However, a smooth transition is possible as the Master's thesis project is always conducted through enrollment in a research group, and may often be continued as a PhD project if agreed by the group leader and the student. This provides a "head start" in doctoral training.

After graduation students may apply to several doctoral programmes at the University of Helsinki. Read more in our Career section. 

More information about doctoral education at the University of Helsinki.

Student life and benefits

Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. Also at the University of Helsinki, the student community is very active. 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.

Impactus ry is a student organisation for translational medicine students in Meilahti campus. You can follow Impactus ry on facebook.

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!