Why Does the University of Helsinki Stand Out as a Great Masters Study Option?

With so many different universities out there for postgraduate study, it’s important to take the time to learn what makes each one unique.

We talked with our international students here at the University of Helsinki to learn what they think makes Helsinki great in and outside of the classroom.

Our philosophy is that all teachers are researchers and all researchers teach. Students and researchers work together. This also means that professors are easily approachable for discussions and informal consultations. Overall, the hierarchy is much flatter here.

This interaction and guidance between students and researchers continues to be an essential part of academic life at the University of Helsinki. Despite the pandemic, the University does not skip a beat! Students are still working closely alongside faculty to produce world changing research. No matter what the situation looks like for the upcoming academic year, you can be sure that you will be in an academically stimulating environment on the campus and / or online.

Second year Geography Masters student Emily told us about her time at the university and the impactful projects she has taken part in during her studies:

I love classes taught by researchers in the Digital Geography Lab. Last year I took the class “Automating GIS-processes,” where I learned how to program in Python, analyze spatial data, and create maps through open-source software. For my final project, I used census data from Nepal to investigate the distribution of telecommunication infrastructure (think radio, internet, cell phones etc.). Having this kind of understanding is important for disaster preparation and regional planning.

This semester, I’m taking the class “Quantitative methods for sustainable land use planning.” Our most recent practical involved using mobile phone data from Finland to study the change in people’s movement during the COVID-19 lockdown. Based on the data, it seems that a lot Finns escaped to their summer cottages! Researchers in the lab wrote a blog post, which gives more insight into how cottages may have had a mediating role in virus transmission in Finland.

Our international students rank the learning spaces and technology at the University of Helsinki to top positions globally. The diverse learning environments are functional yet inspiring: historical buildings from the nineteenth century, state-of-the-art laboratories and versatile classrooms for onsite or remote learning.

All students have access to comprehensive ICT services, electronic learning platforms and study materials distributed through e-channels. International exchange student alumni Brandon who landed a job working at the university told us about his experience while here on exchange:

Compared to the university I was coming from in the States, Helsinki University surprised me in how modernized it was. First of all, everything worked, and that’s not always a given depending on where you go. The emphasis here on online learning platforms and so-called lifelong learning, in the form of MOOCS helped me study for some of my classes and actually helped me learn coding for my job. I was surprised to be working cutting edge technology at every step of my exchange, and now also in my work.

Brandon is currently in his third year of being a research assistant at the University of Helsinki. He pointed out that, thanks to the technologies and learning platforms available, he was able to excel and (re)secure his position year after year.

Graduating from a top 1% university gives good opportunities for your future professional life, and building your own career path begins during your studies.

The Career Services at the University of Helsinki give guidance and support from the start of your studies until up to one year after the completion of your degree. These services include: career guidance and counselling, courses, events, and facilitation of mentoring groups. In addition to this, the university offers numerous traineeships to which students can apply.

We talked with International Master’s student Dario who is currently a trainee in the International Affairs office about his experience with career services at the university:

The University of Helsinki has provided me with ample new opportunities that have greatly helped my academic and professional growth. From an excellent multidisciplinary education to a meaningful traineeship at the University itself to further career advancement opportunities through networking and mentoring programmes, I'm very happy with the avenues to success I've been provided here.” The university is committed to ensuring students are provided with the right tools in and outside of the classroom. In addition to his traineeship, Dario is taking part in a group mentoring program where he is learning hands-on with a University of Helsinki alumni about their career and getting career advice.

Furthermore, students are encouraged to take courses they are passionate about – and are often surprised at the flexibility they receive to do so. The university not only allows but also encourages multidisciplinary learning and research. Students end up with a unique degree that reflects their academic choices. We spoke with English Masters student Isabel who is in her second year of studies:

I never thought the program would be so flexible, you can study and combine all the courses and study tracks you want, you can even take courses from other programs, I have been able to further develop my interests and create a unique master’s degree with topics that I truly love! Additionally, professors encourage and support you 100%. They truly care about their students' academic process.

Whatever your interests may be, you will be able to pursue those in addition to your degree requirements.

Student life offers many extracurricular opportunities, an important part of your study experience. At the University of Helsinki, the student community is very active and thousands of events are organised by more than 250 student organisations operating within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY).

Whatever your interests are, you are likely to find like-minded people and the right activities for you. You can even start a student organization yourself , just like second-year student Leah did along with a group of her peers. Leah is one of the founding members of Orbis, an organization for international students in the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Theology.

I have been pleasantly surprised by the welcoming vibe of the Student Union. International students not only participate in long-standing events, like May Day picnics and mid-winter sledding, but are encouraged to shape student culture. I hold membership to several historic student organizations and helped start a new group for international students.

No matter your interests, we are confident you will find the place for you. It is important to be proactive during your studies to take advantage of the multitude of opportunities the university has to offer.

All degree students are members of the Student Union (HYY) and although life in Helsinki may not be the cheapest, as a student and member of the Student Union (HYY) you are entitled to numerous services and benefits that make living expenses more economical. For example, you have access to affordable student housing, basic health care services, low-cost sports facilities, and student-priced meals. In addition, you get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country and for tickets to cultural events and attractions.

Read more about the life and benefits as a student at the University of Helsinki.

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