The unique Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes offer new insight into planetary health, faith and wellbeing, and data engineering.
The University of Eastern Finland is expanding its offering of degree programmes taught in English with the launch of three new programmes in autumn 2026. These include the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Human and Planetary Health, the Master’s Degree Programme in Faith, Crises, and Existential Wellbeing, and the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programme in Data Engineering.
The programmes respond to current challenges in wellbeing, society and technology. For students, they offer students unique opportunities to combine scientific expertise with societal impact and an international outlook. The programmes are available for application via the spring’s first joint application procedure, from 7 to 21 January 2026.
“These new degree programmes taught in English significantly enrich the University of Eastern Finland’s international education portfolio, and they rely on the university’s strengths as the most multidisciplinary university in Finland. The themes of the new programmes address areas with global demand and a need for new talent. We hope that the professionals growing and building their expertise within these programmes will also integrate well into the Eastern Finland region,” says Laura Hirsto, Vice-Rector for Education at the University of Eastern Finland.
The three-year Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Human and Planetary Health boasts a unique combination of human biology, global and planetary health, and research-based health promotion. The programme will be delivered on the Kuopio Campus, with graduates earning a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree.
“This internationally unique and multidisciplinary programme examines health beyond the level of an individual, approaching it from the broader contexts of society and the environment. The scope of the programme ranges from the molecular level all the way to planetary health. Elective studies, projects and internships provide students with flexible opportunities to delve into different areas of health sciences that are aligned with their career goals, such as toxicology or public health. International students will also be offered opportunities to enhance their Finnish language and transferable skills,” Training Officer Mari Honkanen says.
The Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Human and Planetary Health is the University of Eastern Finland’s first Bachelor’s degree programme offered in English in health sciences.
The two-year Master’s Degree Programme in Faith, Crises, and Existential Wellbeing provides students with skills to explore how religions, worldviews and fundamental beliefs intersect with crises and societal changes. The curriculum addresses themes such as meaningfulness, suffering and hope at both individual and societal levels. The programme will be delivered on the Joensuu Campus, with graduates earning a Master of Theology degree.
This Master’s Degree Programme in Faith, Crises, and Existential Wellbeing is the university’s first English-taught programme in theology.
“This programme is particularly well suited for students interested in combining theological expertise with an analytical approach to crises and societal changes. The programme delivers transferable skills and provides academically motivated students with tools to pursue doctoral studies,” says Suvi-Maria Saarelainen, Deputy Head (Education) of the School of Theology.
The five-year Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programme in Data Engineering covers the entire scope of data engineering, ranging from data collection to storage and data analysis. The Bachelor’s and Master’s curricula integrate computer science, mathematics and engineering with legal and ethical perspectives.
“This is the University of Eastern Finland’s first degree programme in the field of information and communication technology. It strengthens our existing education in technology and computing, and supports our robust research in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science. Already now, data collection, storage and analysis are of major significance in all sectors of society, and this will only continue to grow,” Professor of Data Science Pauli Miettinen says.
The programme is the university’s first English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programme leading to a Master of Science in Technology degree. The programme will be delivered on the Joensuu and Kuopio campuses.
