UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI · FINLAND
Master’s Programme in Food Sciences
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€15k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Explore food from raw materials to processing, chemistry, and safety.Program Focus
- Specialise in areas like Dairy Science, Food Safety, Food Chemistry, or Food Technology.Specialisations
- Engage with research on sustainable products and innovative food sources.Research Areas
- Benefit from well-equipped labs and approachable, expert professors.Academic Environment
- Student-driven curriculum and departmental decision-making.Student Influence
- Emphasis on learning from mistakes and fostering curiosity.Learning Approach
The Master’s Programme in Food Sciences at the University of Helsinki offers a comprehensive exploration of food, from its raw materials through processing, chemistry, and safety. This English-taught program is designed for students with backgrounds in food science, biology, chemistry, biotechnology, or nutrition who are interested in food research, production, or safety. It provides a strong theoretical foundation combined with practical laboratory work, allowing students to delve into areas like risk assessment, toxicology, and food additives. The program also emphasizes research into sustainable products, novel foods, and the valorisation of industrial by-products, with research strengths in cereals and plant-based ingredients such as oats and faba beans.
Curriculum
The programme allows students to tailor their studies to their interests, with modules covering various aspects of food science. Students can focus on areas such as Food Safety, Dairy Science and Technology, Food Chemistry, and Food Technology. The curriculum integrates hands-on laboratory work with theoretical knowledge, covering methods used in real food analysis and quality control. Specialized courses may also guide students on entrepreneurship or specific research areas like sidestream valorisation.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Master's Thesis
Careers
Graduates are prepared for careers applying their scientific background and practical experience in the food industry, research institutions, regulatory bodies, or educational settings. The programme aims to equip students with the expertise and motivation to contribute to meaningful projects and develop their skills further.
- Food industry roles
- Food research positions
- Regulatory affairs
- Teaching and training
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for this programme and are there any exemptions?
- The tuition fee is 15,000 EUR per academic year for students liable to pay. Citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, or those holding a permanent residence permit in Finland, are generally exempt from tuition fees.
- What is the duration of the Master’s Programme in Food Sciences?
- The programme is structured over two academic years. The second year includes a Master's Thesis worth 30 credits.
- What are the academic entry requirements for the programme?
- Applicants need a Bachelor's degree with sufficient knowledge in food sciences and natural sciences. Suitable Bachelor's degrees include those in food science, biology, chemistry, biotechnology, or nutrition.
- How can I apply for the programme and when is the application period?
- You must submit an online application with supporting documents during the application period, which typically opens in December and closes in January for the following academic year. Check the university website for exact dates.
- What career opportunities are available for graduates of this programme?
- Graduates are prepared for roles in the food industry, food research positions, regulatory affairs, and teaching or training roles.
- Are there any scholarships available for international students?
- Yes, the University of Helsinki Scholarship Programme offers tuition fee waivers based on academic merit. You can indicate your interest in a scholarship during the admission application process.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeSufficient knowledge in food sciences and natural sciences is required for admission. A Bachelor's degree in food science, biology, chemistry, biotechnology, or nutrition is suitable.
Degree programmes taught in English require proof of English proficiency. Specific requirements are detailed in the application process.
Fees
Tuition (international)The tuition fee for this Master's programme is 15,000 EUR per academic year.
Tuition (home)Students who are citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, or who hold a permanent residence permit in Finland, are generally exempt from tuition fees.
LivingInformation on living costs is not specified.
The individual student’s fee will remain the same throughout the completion of the programme. Tuition fees apply to students who started their studies after 1 August 2017 and are not exempt based on citizenship or residence status. Exemptions are based on citizenship and residence permit history, with specific rules applying from December 1, 2024.
How to apply
1. Check EligibilityEnsure you meet the academic requirements, including a relevant Bachelor's degree, and have sufficient knowledge in food sciences and natural sciences.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all necessary documents, which typically include academic transcripts, a degree certificate, a statement of motivation, and a CV. Proof of English proficiency might also be required if not meeting specific criteria.
3. Submit Online ApplicationComplete the online application form during the application period. You will need to upload your supporting documents to the application system.
4. Demonstrate English Proficiency (if applicable)If your Bachelor's degree was not taught in English, provide official results from an accepted English language test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) meeting the minimum score requirements.
5. Apply for Scholarships (Optional)If you wish to be considered for a tuition fee waiver scholarship, indicate this in your application. Scholarship decisions are often made concurrently with admission decisions.
6. Await Admission DecisionThe University will review applications and notify candidates of their admission status.
7. Accept Offer and Complete EnrollmentIf offered admission, follow the instructions to accept the offer and complete the enrollment process, including any necessary steps for residence permits.
Scholarships
University of Helsinki Scholarship ProgrammeVariable
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for this programme and are there any exemptions?
+
The tuition fee is 15,000 EUR per academic year for students liable to pay. Citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, or those holding a permanent residence permit in Finland, are generally exempt from tuition fees.
What is the duration of the Master’s Programme in Food Sciences?
+
The programme is structured over two academic years. The second year includes a Master's Thesis worth 30 credits.
What are the academic entry requirements for the programme?
+
Applicants need a Bachelor's degree with sufficient knowledge in food sciences and natural sciences. Suitable Bachelor's degrees include those in food science, biology, chemistry, biotechnology, or nutrition.
How can I apply for the programme and when is the application period?
+
You must submit an online application with supporting documents during the application period, which typically opens in December and closes in January for the following academic year. Check the university website for exact dates.
What career opportunities are available for graduates of this programme?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles in the food industry, food research positions, regulatory affairs, and teaching or training roles.
Are there any scholarships available for international students?
+
Yes, the University of Helsinki Scholarship Programme offers tuition fee waivers based on academic merit. You can indicate your interest in a scholarship during the admission application process.