Food Sciences

The Food Sciences MSc course from the University of Helsinki covers the whole food production chain from primary production via food processing to consumers. You explore innovations in food and how to improve the healthiness, safety, ecology and ethics of food and food processing. You also learn laboratory working skills and increase your knowledge of food composition, processing, structure and legislation.

Food Sciences is an internationally appreciated field of education and food research at the University of Helsinki has been highly ranked. The food industry is the 4th most important employer both in Finland and internationally. This industry is constantly looking for experts to solve new problems.

As a master in Food Sciences, you will be able to help the food industry develop and renew itself since you will possess know-how on:

• Raw materials and processes, including their theoretical basics
• Different food constituents and their impact on food quality
• Factors that ensure good quality and food safety

With a Master’s degree in Food Sciences, you can embark on a career in the food industry; in a food, agricultural or environmental control laboratory; as a teacher, researcher, or self-employed entrepreneur; or as an expert in government ministries or other expert organisations.

Career opportunities:

Studies are part of your career. At the University of Helsinki, all degrees include career planning.The Career Services at the University of Helsinki, in cooperation with degree programs, supports the growth of your expert identity as part of your studies and with separate services.

From the start of your studies until one year after the completion of your degree, the Career Services supports your career path.

Career Services

• gives career counselling and job seeking support,
• arranges info sessions, workshops and events,
• provides suitable job and traineeship offers for students,
• shares university’s subsidy for traineeships and

• facilitates group mentoring programs.

With a Master’s degree in Food Sciences, you can find work as a product quality manager in the food industry; as an inspector in a food, agricultural or environmental control laboratory; as a teacher or researcher at a university;as self-employed entrepreneur; or as an expert in a government ministry or other expert organisation.

Courses included:

• Food Chemistry

• Food Technology

• Meat Science and Technology

• GrainScience and Technology

• DairyScience and Technology

• Food Safety