For more information about Mathematics and Statistics at University of Helsinki, please visit the webpage using the button above.
How you will study
full-time
Course starts
September
International course fees
EUR 15000 per year
Goal of the programme
When you study mathematics and statistics at the University of Helsinki, some of the best mathematicians and statisticians in the world will be your instructors. Studies in this Master's programme will give you a solid basis for maths and statistics applications. Graduates of this Master's programme find employment as researchers, teachers, and in demanding expert posts in the public and private sectors in Finland and abroad.
The Master's programme in mathematics and statistics is based on top research. The teaching within the stydy track at the University of Helsinki follows a high standard and is highly valued, not just within Finnish academia but in global university rankings. Upon graduating from this Master's programme, you will:
Further information about the studies on the Master's programme website.
Tuition fees
Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries, who do not have a permanent residence status in the area and pursue their studies in English, are liable to pay tuition fees. You can check from FAQ at the Studyinfo website whether or not you are required to pay tuition fees.
Find out more about the Be 1* of the Best Scholarship Programme.
Information on the languages of instruction
All teaching is given in English. Exams can also be taken in Finnish or Swedish, and the Master's thesis can be written in Finnish, Swedish or English.
Programme contents
The Master's programme consists of courses in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics and social statistics. 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 literature-based exams. The instructors in this programme have received prizes for their high standard of teaching. The teaching methods used in the subjects in this Master's programme have been widely recognised in the media.
Selection of the study track
The study branches within this programme are Mathematics, Applied mathematics, Statistics and Social statistics and the specialisation subjects are:
You will select your specialisation subject during your first year.
Programme structure
The Master's programme comprises 120 credits, which you can complete in two years. The degree in mathematics includes:
Thesis
The Master's thesis (30 credits) is based on a topic selected from your own subject. The purpose of the thesis is to advance your knowledge of your chosen topic. Further, it develops your aptitude for working independently and requires you to understand the scientific literature in your field. The topics will often be related to on-going research projects. If you are interested in research, your thesis work can often be the first stage towards your doctoral dissertation.
In mathematics, the MSc thesis is usually written under the supervision of a professor or instructor of the department, but sometimes it can be written outside the department. In statistics, the MSc thesis is usually written outside the department, for example in a government research institute or within research groups on the university campuses. You can acquaint yourself with the range of thesis topics through the thesis database. The supervision of a thesis written outside the department is usually done in cooperation between experts in the research group and a professor or teacher from the department.
Career prospects
Graduates of the Master's programme can find employment outside the university or continue with one of the doctoral programmes in mathematics and statistics. The Master's programme will give you excellent capabilities for work in the public or private sector as an expert in mathematics and statistics, skills that are very sought after in the job market both in Finland and abroad. The banking, investment, and insurance fields, for instance, value mathematicians and statisticians very highly internationally. Many of our graduates work in research and development or as teachers in various educational institutions. Graduates from this programme have excellent chances to find employment corresponding to their education.
Internationalization
The international nature of the programme is implemented in many ways:
Networking
The programme works in close collaboration with other programmes at the University of Helsinki relating to mathematics and statistics, such as:
Within the JOO programme, it is possible to take courses at e.g. Aalto University and Hanken School of Economics, as well as other Finnish universities. There is also collaboration with many corporate partners for various projects.
Research focus
The research focus within the disciplines in the degree programme are e.g.
The programme is part of the Analysis and dynamics and the Inversion problems centres of excellence.
Postgraduate studies
After graduating from the Master's programme, you can apply for a doctoral programme, either at the University of Helsinki or other international universities. Suitable doctoral programmes at the University of Helsinki are, for example:
Competence
The programme does not give formal qualifications. In actuarial mathematics you can take additional courses elsewhere to gain an SHV degree (an actuary degree approved by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health). By combining the Master's programme with courses in pedagogy, you can gain competence to work as a teacher.
Learn More About This Course
There is more information about this course available on the University of Helsinki website
Notes about fees for this course
Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries, who do not have a permanent residence status in the area and pursue their studies in English, are liable to pay tuition fees. You can check from FAQ at the Studyinfo website whether or not you are required to pay tuition fees.
Find out more about the Be 1* of the Best Scholarship Programme.
Contact University of Helsinki to find course entry requirements.
Flexible and chances to dive deep
I was positively surprised by flexibility of studies (now I am working abroad and at the same time writing my thesis and participating in Helsinki Law Clinic) and number of courses aimed at developing teamwork. Also, master degree programmes last 2 years which was one of decisive factors for me as against one-year programmes. Two year period provide more chances to dive deep into studies!
