The Master’s Programme in Neuroscience at the University of Helsinki is an interdisciplinary programme with two complementary study tracks: Cell and Systems Physiology and Neuroscience.

In the Cell and Systems Physiology study track, you learn to understand the complexity of life from molecules to functional organisms. You are provided with a holistic view of the integrated mechanisms that govern the functions of organisms, from cells to functional systems.

In the Neuroscience study track, you learn to understand the diverse functions of the brain and the nervous system provides. You get an understanding of both fundamental and ​cutting-edge neuroscience, studying the brain and the entire nervous system at different levels of organization, from genes and molecules to nerve cells and networks; and beyond.

Why Neuroscience or Cell and Systems Physiology?

The Master’s Programme in Neuroscience provides you with the opportunity to gain multidisciplinary knowledge and skills in a scientifically vibrant international environment. You will be taught by scientists who will provide you with a wide spectrum of opportunities for practical training and for becoming integrated into the stimulating neuroscience and cell and systems physiology community.

When you graduate, you will have mastered the essentials of neuroscience and physiology, complementing each other, and have gained deeper knowledge and skills in the subfields of your choice. The Programme prepares you for PhD studies and a research career, or for a career in the private or public sector.

Courses and teaching:

In both of the study tracks in the Master's Programme in Neuroscience, training is arranged in modules and consists of lecture courses, hands-on laboratory courses, seminars and book exams. Group work, reports and presentations help you to develop creative and critical thinking and communication skills that are essential for a successful career within Academia and in jobs in the public and private sectors.

Compulsory studies provide you with a broad general knowledge of the field, whereas optional studies will offer you the freedom to focus on topics of interest to you. You can choose lecture or laboratory courses for example in molecular and cellular neuroscience, developmental neurobiology, electrophysiology, neuroanatomy, brain disorders, sensory biology, regeneration and ageing biology, systems neuroscience or systems physiology, regulatory networks of metabolism, omics techniques etc. 

In addition to Cell and Systems Physiology and Neuroscience, you can expand your knowledge by taking courses from other related Master's programmes, such as Genetics and Molecular Biosciences, Translational Medicine or Psychology.

English is the language of instruction and of study materials for compulsory courses and most optional courses. You can write all the exams, reports and your Master’s thesis in English. If you are fluent in Finnish or Swedish, you can also use these languages.