Nutrition Science

Would you like to play a part in creating a sustainable future where nutrition and well-being go hand in hand? Are you interested in what people eat and how you can influence it? Do you want to understand how nutrition affects the functions of the body and maintains health? Interested in learning how research evidence on nutrition and health accumulates and how it is evaluated?   Nutrition issues are complex. Nutritional science takes a multidisciplinary approach to understand nutrition and eating, drawing on the life sciences and behavioural sciences, for example. The Master's Programme in Nutrition Science (NUTR) at the University of Helsinki focuses on human nutrition and related phenomena at individual and population levels. We train experts who can study and solve nutrition- and food-related questions in different contexts. Ecological and social sustainability are cross-cutting themes in the programme.  Starting on 1 August 2026, the Master's Programme in Nutrition Science will replace the Master's Programme in Human Nutrition and Food-related Behaviour (HNFB).  The programme's main themes are the biological effects of food and the public health aspects of nutrition. You can focus your studies according to your interests and background. You can delve into nutritional physiology and molecular nutrition, or population nutrition and health promotion. We use a variety of teaching and learning methods that make learning engaging and hands-on. The studies also include practical courses and career skills to prepare you for your future career.  By the time you graduate, you have gained mastery of the key methods and research designs of nutrition science. You are able to search for, interpret, and produce scientific information on food and nutrition issues. You can articulate and update your knowledge. You recognise your social responsibility as an expert, and you are able to contribute to different aspects of sustainability. A variety of career paths are open to you, including roles as a specialist in non-governmental organisations, food services, the food industry, communications, or research.  Further information about the studies can be found on the Master's programme website.