Studies in physics

The Department offers five study tracks: physics, theoretical physics, meteorology, geophysics and astronomy. Our master's programmes are interdisciplinary and international. In addition, you can study to become a teacher of physics. Undergraduate studies are also offered in Swedish.

You can freely choose your major subject.

At the Department of Physics, you can complete the Bachelor’s Programme in Physical Sciences (in Finnish and Swedish only) or an international Bachelor's Programme in Science. We also offer a bachelor’s degree for subject teachers.

The Bachelor’s Programme in Physical Sciences introduces you to phenomena of every imaginable scale, ranging from infinitesimal particles to the entire universe. The bachelor’s programme comprises the following study tracks: physics, the broad-based bachelor’s programme in physics, theoretical physics, astronomy, meteorology and the Swedish-language study track in physics. The studies can lead to a career as physicist or meteorologist, as well as to one as geophysicist or astronomer.

The Bachelor’s Programme in Science is a multidisciplinary international bachelor’s programme in the natural sciences. Based on research in physics, chemistry, mathematics and statistics, computer science and data science, the programme offers comprehensive skills and competence, providing a solid basis for master’s studies in these fields.

The Bachelor’s Programme in Science is taught in English.

The master’s programmes in physics are designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree or have other suitable qualifications. After completing a master’s programme you will hold a Master of Science degree, which also qualifies you for doctoral studies.

The Master’s Programme in Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences explains the laws of nature governing particles and steering the development of the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the rest of the universe. Students will focus on gaining a quantitative understanding of these phenomena. The master’s programme educates specialists in basic research. After completing the programme, students can go on to pursue a research career, but the expertise gained during studies also provides excellent qualifications for numerous duties in the private sector.

The Master’s Programme in Materials Research is based on physics, chemistry, biology and medical sciences, mathematics and computer science, all of which are used in teaching. You will learn about biomaterials, nanomaterials, smart materials, polymers, composites, electronics, energy production and storage, as well as environmentally friendly and sustainable materials.

The Master’s Programme in Theoretical and Computational Methods provides a solid foundation in theoretical methods, modelling and mathematical and numerical analysis in physics, mathematics, chemistry and/or computer science. What makes this degree programme special is that students can combine studies from all the disciplines into a broad-ranging degree. It is well suited for the needs of basic research and various fields of application.

The master’s programme is multilingual, but teaching is provided in English. Courses and theses can also be completed in Finnish or Swedish, unless reasons related to teaching require otherwise.

The Master’s Programme in Atmospheric Sciences will help you understand key questions related to climate change, air quality and changing weather patterns. The programme is also the only degree programme educating meteorologists in Finland.

The master’s programme is multilingual, but teaching is provided in English. Courses and theses can also be completed in Finnish or Swedish, unless reasons related to teaching require otherwise.

The Master’s Programme in Data Science will provide you with in-depth understanding of the methods applied in data science. Data science is a modern combination of computer science and statistics, which solves problems related to the analysis and use of different types of data sets both in industry and in various fields of science. The demand for data scientists is on the rise, as data collection and analysis are becoming increasingly common throughout society. You will learn the operating principles of different methods, which will enable you to not only apply but also create solutions for new challenges in data science.

The master’s programme is multilingual, but teaching is provided in English. Courses and theses can also be completed in Finnish or Swedish, unless reasons related to teaching require otherwise.

The Nordic Master in Environmental Changes at Higher Latitudes (EnCHiL) is a joint programme offered by leading universities in Nordic countries. High latitude ecosystems and societies are changing at an accelerated rate and there is an increasing need for experts having multidisciplinary training in environmental sciences. EnCHiL programme will present the student with different physical, biological, and social processes operating at high latitudes, and how they interact to shape arctic environments. EnCHiL is a hands-on programme and the curriculum contains a mandatory mobility period in other Nordic university.

Are you interested in working as a teacher? The bachelor’s and master’s programmes for teachers of mathematics, physics or chemistry are excellent choices for anyone interested in these disciplines, as well as in teaching and working with people.

The bachelor’s programme for teachers comprises three study tracks: teacher of mathematics, teacher of physics and teacher of chemistry. You will choose mathematics, physics or chemistry as your first teaching subject. As your second teaching subject, you can choose one of the other two subjects or a whole other subject taught at school (such as computing and software, biology or geography).

As a subject teacher, you get to do rewarding work with children and young people. You will open doors into new worlds for your pupils and help them understand how mathematics, physics and chemistry are present everywhere in and around us. In addition to working at educational institutions, you can perform various duties involving education management, design and development. The master's programme contains three study tracks: teacher of mathematics, teacher of physics and teacher of chemistry.

As your second teaching subject, you can choose one of the other two subjects or a whole other subject taught at school (such as computing and software, biology or geography).

Doctoral education

The doctoral education provided by the Faculty of Science creates next-generation top researchers, which is why we recruit the most talented and motivated doctoral students. The degree qualifies graduates for an international research career in the best universities and for demanding specialist positions in society. The doctoral education is based on research carried out by the Faculty’s numerous highly esteemed international research groups, including several Academy of Finland centres of excellence.

At the Faculty of Science, studies for the doctoral degree are carried out within doctoral programmes, which require a separate application. Kumpula Campus is home to the Doctoral School in Natural Sciences. The Faculty’s doctoral degree can also be completed in one of eight doctoral programmes run by other doctoral schools.

Learn more about studying at the Faculty

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