University of Helsinki

Master in Mathematics and Statistics

The Master’s Programme in Mathematics and Statistics comprises 120 credits, which you can complete in two years. The degree includes:

• 85 - 120 credits of advanced courses, including the Master’s thesis (30 credits)
• 0 - 35 credits of other courses from your own or other programmes
• Working-life orientation and career planning
• Personal study plan

The programme consists of three study tracks: Mathematics, Applied mathematics and Statistics. Within the study tracks you will select your specialization during your first year.

Study tracks and specializations

Mathematics and Statistics Master's Programme has the following study tracks:

1. Mathematics
2. Applied mathematics
3. Statistics

The study tracks have the following specializations from academic year 2023-2024 onwards:

Mathematics:

• Analysis
• Mathematical logic
• Geometry, algebra and topology
• Mathematical Physics and Probability

Applied mathematics:

• Inverse Problems and Imaging
• Mathematical biology
• Insurance and financial mathematics

Statistics:

• Statistics

Courses and teaching

The Master’s programme consists of courses in mathematics, applied mathematics and 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 program have been widely recognised in the media.

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.

Master's 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.

Planning your studies

When studying in the Master's Programme in Mathematics and Statistics, you will have a personal teacher who will support you with building your own personal study plan at the beginning of your studies. Once you have proceeded in your studies so that it's time to start planning your Master's thesis, the personal teacher will help you with finding a supervisor.

International scope and co-operation

The international nature of the programme is implemented in many ways:

• Research within the disciplines of the degree programme is of high international standard and is highly regarded
• Teaching staff and research collaboration within the programme are international
• The atmosphere of the programme is international, several international students are admitted each year
• Theses and projects may be completed within international projects
• There are opportunities for a student exchange period in many universities abroad

Doctoral education

After graduating from the Master’s programme, you can apply for a doctoral programme either at the University of Helsinki or other international universities.

Why Mathematics and Statistics?

The Master’s Programme in Mathematics and Statistics is based on top research. The teaching at the University of Helsinki follows a high standard and is highly valued, not just within Finnish academia but in global university rankings. Some of the best mathematicians and statisticians in the world will be your instructors.

Studies in this programme will give you a solid basis for maths and statistics applications. Upon graduating, you will:

• Be an expert in the methods of mathematics or statistics
• Have mastered the basics of another scientific discipline
• Be able to apply scientific knowledge and methods
• Be able to follow developments in mathematics and statistics
• Know how to think critically, argue a point, and solve problems
• Have excellent interaction skills and be assertive and creative
• Understand the principles of ethical and sustainable development
• Be well prepared to work as an expert and developer in your field
• Be prepared for scientific postgraduate studies

Graduates find employment as researchers, teachers, and in demanding expert posts in the public and private sectors in Finland and abroad.

The programme gives 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.

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.