From autumn 2017, the University of Helsinki will launch 28 international Master’s programmes. Some of the programmes are completely new, and others have new content. The Master’s programmes are two years in duration.
Five of the programmes are organised fully in English. In the remaining 23 programmes, the teaching will be in English, but it will be possible to complete examinations and assignments in Finnish or Swedish in addition to English.
Aiming for a multicultural community
All Bachelor’s graduates from Finland or elsewhere in the world will be able to apply for the degree programmes. Selection of students for the programmes will be based on programme-specific admission criteria. For more information about the programmes, please see the degree finder.
“The interaction during the learning process will be enriched when students from different cultures and backgrounds are involved. A more diverse student body will question more, generate more debate and create new ideas. A multicultural learning environment gives more to both students and teachers," says Keijo Hämäläinen, University of Helsinki’s vice-rector in charge of teaching.
Applications for Master’s degree programmes will be accepted starting in early December 2016. Applications for the Finnish and Swedish Master’s programmes may be submitted through the joint application procedure in spring 2017.
Promising employment prospects
One of the main goals of the Master’s programme reform has been to ensure that students learn the information and skills they will need in their future employment. Employability has been considered throughout, and the programmes provide information on how easily they expect graduates to find employment.
All of the degree programmes will provide graduates with the skills needed on the job market in addition to the qualifications of an academic researcher, but the emphasis will vary between programmes. For example, the programme in economics emphasises research skills.
The content of many programmes consists of studies from a variety of disciplines.
“The Master's Programme in Urban Studies and Planning is a joint effort offered by several faculties and Aalto University, and it provides new interesting perspectives on its topics as well as new kinds of job descriptions. We are expecting applicants from among Bachelor’s graduates in geography, architecture, urban planning, the humanities and social sciences,” says Vice-Dean Kai Nordlund from the Faculty of Science.
Another highly multidisciplinary programme is data science. The new two-year degree programme combines content from different disciplines, particularly computer science and statistics, in unexpected ways.
“The world around us is increasingly based on the exploitation of information, whether in business, academia or public decision making. Data science focuses on the problems arising from this,” states Professor Hannu Toivonen, who is responsible for the programme.
The University of Helsinki has a great deal of expertise in data science, but previously data science themes have been studied under the labels of data mining, machine learning and statistics.
Employment after graduation is a top priority for many prospective students. Studies in data science provide all the necessary skills for succeeding on the job market.
“I get calls from companies looking for data science experts almost every week. I am sure that graduates from our programme will have no trouble finding employment in the future,” Hannu Toivonen states.
Efficient studies in a relaxed atmosphere
The University of Helsinki is investing heavily in digitalisation and effective learning environments. New, exciting teaching methods are being developed, and novel approaches more closely involve students as increasingly active participants in the learning process and the development of teaching.
“In Finland, students are introduced to the academic community at the very beginning of their studies, which is not common in most countries. The relationship between teachers and students is a familiar one. Studying in Finland is relaxed but effective,” says Vice-Rector Hämäläinen.
Grants based on academic merit
Studying in the University of Helsinki's Master’s programmes will carry tuition fees for students from outside the EU and EEA starting in autumn 2017. The fees will be between €13,000 and €18,000, depending on the programme. This price range is on par with the tuition fees of other international universities. The fees will not be applied to students who begin their studies before autumn 2017.
The University of Helsinki will provide grants to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic merit. The grant will cover between 50% and 100% of tuition.
In addition to the grant to cover tuition, students may apply for an additional grant to help them cover the cost of living in Finland. Other services to help students acclimatise to Finnish society are also available.