A Master’s degree in chemistry qualifies you for expert positions in a wide range of fields, such as industry, research or education. The chemicals industry is a major employer and one of the largest export industries in Finland. Your work could also involve applications of environmental or biological sciences, the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, or the development of technological materials or new energy solutions. In the private sector, your duties might include research and development, quality management, training or commerce. Customs and forensic chemists, and chemists working in environmental control, analyse samples as part of their duties. Chemical research often requires interdisciplinary and international cooperation. As a chemist, you can be a part of developing new inventions and serve as an expert in your field and as a connoisseur of natural phenomena!
After completing the Master’s Programme in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, you will:
-Be profoundly familiar with experimental research methods in one or more fields of chemistry, such as analytical and synthetic chemistry, radiochemistry, molecular research, and spectroscopy.
-Have an in-depth knowledge of the theoretical basis of your field and be able to apply this knowledge to broader topics.
-Know how to search for and manage chemical research data and use them to plan and perform demanding duties in chemical laboratories.
-Be able to act as a chemical expert in project planning and management, both independently and as a member of a team.
-Be able to present your results accurately in accordance with the practices of the field, both orally and in writing, and prepare extensive papers and reports.
The University of Helsinki will introduce annual tuition fees to foreign-language Master’s programmes starting on August 1, 2017 or later. The fee ranges from 13 000-18 000 euros. Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries, who do not have a permanent residence status in the area, are liable to these fees. You can check this FAQ at the Studyinfo website whether or not you are required to pay tuition fees:
https://studyinfo.fi/wp2/en/higher-education/higher-education-institutions-will-introduce-tuition-fees-in-autumn-2017/am-i-required-to-pay-tuition-fees/ Programme Contents
In the Master’s programme, you will deepen the knowledge and skills acquired during your Bachelor’s degree studies. Depending on your choices, you will familiarise yourself with one or more branches of chemistry and learn modern research methodology. The studies include lecture courses, examinations and contact teaching, laboratory courses, presentation series and seminars. Compared to the Bachelor’s degree, these studies require more independent work. The Master’s degree culminates in an extensive Master’s thesis that includes practical research. You can find further details about the studies in the course catalogue (in Finnish) and on WebOodi -
http://www.helsinki.fi/ml/opinto-opas/index.html Students are automatically granted admission to the Master’s programme through the Bachelor’s Programme in Chemistry at the University of Helsinki. You can also apply for the programme after completing an applicable Bachelor’s degree in a different programme or university.
Selection of the Major
In the Master’s programme, you may select study modules from different special fields of chemistry according to your interests and career goals. You can either complete a broad-ranging degree by selecting studies from several modules or specialise in a specific branch of chemistry. In connection with the Master’s programme operates also the international programme Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry, where you have the possibility to apply. You will receive assistance in preparing your personal study plan from your student advisor.
Career Prospects
Chemistry is needed in many sectors. Similarly, Master’s studies in chemistry allow you to specialise in many kinds of tasks. In your Master’s degree studies, you will familiarise yourself thoroughly with at least one branch of chemistry, after which you will be qualified to work in demanding expert positions. As a Master’s graduate, you can apply for postgraduate study in a doctoral programme. Approximately one quarter of chemistry graduates continue to complete a doctorate.
As a chemical expert you can embark on a career in industry, research or education, or in the business sector. Your work might also involve applications of environmental or biological sciences, the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, or the development of technological materials or new energy solutions. Potential employers include private companies, research and educational institutes, public agencies and supervisory authorities. A traineeship completed during your studies could help you to choose your career. Chemistry is an international field, so there are also plenty of career opportunities abroad and in international organisations.
Internationalization
An international learning environment: The Master’s Programme in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences accepts students through an international admissions procedure. Lectures are in English. Students of the international Master’s Programme in Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry, as well as several exchange students further increase the international scope. In addition, the Department includes several international teachers and researchers. Chemical research is an international effort, and research groups at the University of Helsinki have several international partners.
Student exchange: The University of Helsinki has student exchange agreements with several foreign universities, so you can complete part of your degree abroad. Once you have completed your Master’s degree, you can pursue doctoral studies at a foreign university. The Master’s degree in chemistry completed at the University of Helsinki has been certified with the Euromaster® quality label, which guarantees the recognition of the degree at European universities.
Language studies: The University of Helsinki offers a wide range of opportunities for improving your language skills.
Research Focus
Chemical research is multifaceted and extensively covers the methodology of different branches of chemistry. Operations have been divided into three research programmes: Molecular Sciences, Materials Chemistry, and Synthesis and Analysis. In addition, the Finnish Institute for Verification of the Chemical Weapons Convention (VERIFIN) operates at the Department. The Unit of Chemistry Teacher Education actively researches the teaching of chemistry and the development of teaching methods.
Chemical research methods range from laboratory work to demanding equipment technologies, computational research and modelling. Research projects are often multidisciplinary. Researchers at the Department of Chemistry have joint projects with University units in the fields of, for example, physics, biological sciences, pharmacy and medicine. Other key partners include Aalto University, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and many universities, research institutes and companies in Finland and abroad.
Read less
