Masters in Nutrition Science

Entry requirements

1. You have completed a higher education degree providing eligibility for master’s studies

To apply through the master’s application procedure, you must have completed, by 31 August 2026, a higher education degree providing eligibility for master’s studies.

You can apply even if your degree will not be completed during the application period. However, you must have completed a sufficient amount of studies applicable to the master’s programme by the application deadline. Studies completed after the application deadline will not be taken into account in the assessment of your application.

2. Sufficient skills in Finnish, Swedish or English

You must demonstrate sufficient skills in Finnish, Swedish or English at the application stage. For the methods of demonstrating your language skills, please see the University website.

3. Applicable studies

You can be admitted to the Master's Programme in Nutrition Science if you have completed or will complete by the application deadline:

• A sufficient amount of studies applicable to the field of the Master’s Programme in Nutrition Science; the content and level of the studies must be applicable and appropriate to the master’s programme, providing sufficient knowledge and skills for master’s studies.

If you currently hold a second-cycle degree in the same field, i.e., the field of this master’s programme, or in a neighbouring field of study, your application will be considered only on compelling grounds and if the content of the prospective degree differs sufficiently from your previous degree.

If you are currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in the University of Helsinki, your application will not be considered in this application procedure if you apply to a master’s programme to which you already have been granted a study right (direct master’s programme option) or to a master's programme to which you can get a study right via the separate registration process. Read more about the programme options already available to you from the Instructions for Students. For more information about your programme options in the faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, contact the Viikki Student Services.

The applicability and sufficient scope of studies will be assessed after you submit your application. The University of Helsinki does not make preliminary assessments of the applicability of studies.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Studying Nutrition Science

The Master’s Programme in Nutrition Science (NUTR)* takes a multidisciplinary approach to understanding food, eating behaviour, and human nutrition. It provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex nutrition- and food-related challenges. The programme is organised around two central themes: the biological effects of food and public health nutrition. You can also tailor your studies according to your own interests and background.

*Until 31 July 2026, the programme is titled Master’s Programme in Human Nutrition and Food-Related Behaviour (HNFB).

Why study Nutrition Science?

Nutrition is fundamental to human health, disease prevention, and sustainable development.

Because nutrition-related issues are complex, understanding them requires insights from multiple disciplines, including biosciences and behavioural sciences.

The programme is designed for students who wish to deepen and broaden their understanding of how nutrients affect the human body, as well as nutrition at the population level.

It is particularly well suited for those interested in expert roles in research, communication, health promotion, food services, the food industry, or other positions requiring evidence-based nutrition knowledge.

Your personal interests will influence how the programme’s key themes are emphasised in your degree.

After graduation, you can work in expert, teaching, research, and management roles in the public sector, NGOs, and private companies, or as an independent entrepreneur.

Language of instruction

The programme is multilingual, with teaching offered in Finnish and English. The degree can be completed in English, Finnish, or Swedish.

Structure and content

The Master’s Programme in Nutrition Science comprises 120 ECTS credits and is completed in two academic years.

The degree includes:

• 60 credits of advanced studies, including a 30-credit Master’s thesis, a 15-credit elective module, and other compulsory studies
• 60 credits of other studies, including an introductory course, methodological training, optional courses, and career-related studies

Key areas of study

NUTR courses focus on:

• Observational and experimental research designs in nutrition science and evaluation of scientific data
• Methods for studying food consumption, nutrient intake, and nutritional status
• Nutrient functions and interactions in the human body
• Molecular mechanisms through which food affects health
• The role of nutrition and lifestyle factors in health promotion and disease prevention
• Food choices and consumption, and how they can be influenced through policy, interventions, food services, and communication
• Nutritional challenges in low-income countries

The multidisciplinary environment of the University of Helsinki offers a wide range of additional study options, allowing you to build a personalised study path. You may also include courses from other Finnish or international universities.

Information for international students

https://www.instagram.com/universityofhelsinki/

Fees and funding