The University of Helsinki economics unit is known as the leading provider of education for economists in Finland. It offers a wide range of opportunities for study in a demanding, rapidly internationalising environment. The high-quality education is based on top-level research. In the research assessment exercise of University of Helsinki departments in 2012, two of the discipline’s research groups (Economic Analysis and Theory, and Time Series Econometrics) were the only groups in the Faculty to be awarded for high-quality research.

Students can begin their studies in economics in the Bachelor’s Programme in Economics (in Finnish) or the Study Track of Econometrics in the Bachelor’s Programme in Mathematical Sciences (in Finnish). They can then continue to the Master’s Programme in Economics, to which students can also apply from other Bachelor’s programmes, provided that their Bachelor’s degree includes sufficient studies in economics and methodological sciences.

The Master’s Programme in Economics offers two study tracks: the general track provides excellent knowledge and skills for a career as an economist, while the research track prepares students particularly for postgraduate studies in economics as well as for especially demanding economist positions.

Teaching in the Master’s and doctoral programmes in economics is partly provided in cooperation with the economics departments of Aalto University and the Hanken School of Economics, which enables the most extensive provision of education in Finland as well as a wide range of specialist fields in economics. However, the content of the economist education at the University of Helsinki is more mathematical and quantitative than at other Finnish universities, and the University offers diverse opportunities to study the different methods of economics. Consequently, an economics degree from the University of Helsinki is highly valued in the job market, and a considerable number of graduates enter employment as economists in positions that require good analytical skills.

The most important employers in recent years have included the Bank of Finland, various research institutes, Statistics Finland, other public sector organisations as well as banks. Typical work duties include the drafting of economic reports for decision-making as well as the analysis of economic data. Those interested in such duties should complete the requisite studies in statistics and econometrics. The degree also provides excellent knowledge and skills for other specialist work in public administration and the private sector.