Master in Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences

The scope of the Master’s programme is 120 credits (ECTS), which can be completed in two years. The degree consists of:

• 90 credits of Master’s studies, including a Master’s thesis (30 credits)
• 30 credits of other studies from the Master’s programme or other degree programmes

In addition, your studies include a personal study plan as well as career orientation and planning. You might also take part in a traineeship, elective studies offered by the Master’s Programme in Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences, or studies offered by other degree programmes.

The Master’s programme includes two study tracks:

• Elementary Particle Physics and Cosmology
• Astrophysical Sciences

Courses and teaching

Basic research forms the main part of teaching in the Master's Programme in Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences. Basic research conducted at the University of Helsinki has received top ratings in international university rankings. The in-depth learning offered by international research groups will form a solid foundation for your lifelong learning.

The programme includes two study tracks: elementary particle physics and cosmology and astrophysical sciences. The courses have been compiled into course packages and both study tracks contain a mandatory core package that includes a research seminar. The study tracks are divided into specialisations that focus on astronomy, space physics, particle physics or cosmology. Courses typically include lectures, exercises, group work and research literature and end in examinations and/or final assignments. In addition, some studies can be completed as book examinations.

You can find the course packages of each study track with information about the structure, content and study tracks of the programme. Check out courses in the online course catalogue for students at the University of Helsinki in the Studies service.

The Master’s programme is multilingual. The primary language of instruction is English. You can also complete courses and your thesis in Finnish or Swedish unless the nature of the teaching requires otherwise. In this programme, you will be part of an international student and research community.

Master's thesis

The Master’s degree programme culminates in a Master’s thesis, which demonstrates your familiarity with scientific thought as well as your command of the necessary research methods, knowledge of your thesis topic and ability to communicate scientifically in writing in accordance with the practices of the scientific community. The scope of the Master’s thesis is 30 credits.

In your thesis, you will define and formulate relevant scientific questions, place the research problem in the appropriate context by reviewing the relevant research literature, and answer the research questions using theoretical, numerical, observational and/or experimental methods. You can also complete your thesis as part of a larger research project, provided that your independent input can be clearly verified and assessed. However, you must complete the written component of your thesis independently.

Your thesis project will be supervised by your appointed supervisor, who will meet with you regularly to ensure that your work is progressing on schedule. The target duration of the Master’s thesis project is one term. Many students complete their theses as part of a research group, which enables you to participate in top-level research during your Master’s studies.

International scope and cooperation with other parties

As a student in the Master’s programme, you can complete elective studies in disciplines offered by the Faculty of Science or other faculties at the University of Helsinki. If necessary, you can also complete studies at other Finnish universities under the Flexible Study Right Agreement (JOO). Some of the courses included in the programme, for example, are provided in cooperation with the University of Turku.

Why Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences?

After completing the programme, you will:

• Have wide-ranging knowledge of particle physical and/or astrophysical phenomena.
• Have good analytical and computational skills and the ability to make sophisticated deductions.
• Be able to apply theoretical, computational and/or experimental methods to the analysis and understanding of various phenomena.
• Be able to apply your knowledge of particle physical and astrophysical phenomena as well as identify their interconnections.
• Be able to formulate hypotheses and test them based your knowledge

Career

As a graduate from the Master's Programme inParticle Physics and Astrophysical Science, you will have excellent qualifications to continue with postgraduatre studies or for a career in diverse positions outside Academia both in Finland and abroad.