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The Master’s Degree Programme in Diagnostic Health Sciences will start at the Ģ��ֱ�� in September 2026. The programme will train experts in the rapidly developing field of health diagnostics, offering excellent opportunities to work in research and expert positions both nationally and internationally. 

“The programme will focus on biological sample analysis, imaging, AI solutions, quality management and safety,” explains Associate Professor Eija Laakkonen, the programme coordinator of the MDP at the Ģ��ֱ��. “The programme prepares future students to work in diagnostics planning as well as in research, development, expert and teaching duties.” 

Postgraduate opportunities are important for career development 

The field of diagnostic health sciences typically operates at the intersection of humans and technology, where it is important to know basic phenomena from physics to physiology as well as innovations in health science technology. The field is rapidly developing technologically, driven by the digitalisation of the healthcare sector and the introduction of machine learning techniques in the analysis of diagnostic samples and data collected through various imaging techniques. Currently, there are no university-level postgraduate training opportunities in Finland for graduates in bioanalysis and radiography. 

“The lack of targeted higher education slows down the development of the domestic sector,” says Laakkonen. “Diagnostic health sciences and its subfields of clinical laboratory science, radiography and clinical imaging are clearly different from, for example, nursing sciences. It is important to provide further training opportunities for educated people working in this field. This will help them to develop the field.” 

Working at the interface between people and technology 

The degree programme, located in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science at the Ģ��ֱ��, provides thorough theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a variety of biomedical imaging techniques and technologies. 

“The faculty’s research and teaching uses techniques from cell and molecular biology, physics and chemistry,” says Vice Dean Maija Nissinen from the Faculty of Mathematics and Science. “The main areas of research for the degree programme are cell and molecular biology and the development of new diagnostic methods, as well as X-ray tomography. We have a wide range of expertise in the faculty.” 

The programme is organised in cooperation with the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences. 

“The Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences is a key player in education and research in sports, health and well-being,” says Vice Dean Taija Juutinen from the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences. “The new MDP will combine our strong and diverse measurement expertise in human physiology and translational research projects at the cellular and tissue level with the in-depth basic science expertise of the Faculty of Mathematics and Science. This multidisciplinary collaboration offers students a unique opportunity to build a broad and strong knowledge base for development work.” 

Ensuring meeting the needs of the job markets 

Relevance to working life has been ensured during the design stage of the degree programme and the study modules, for example, by including the possibility of practical training. Some of the content is produced in collaboration with experts from the wellbeing services county of Central Finland. 

“We consulted the diagnostic experts of the wellbeing services county when planning the training and will continue to work closely with them also in the future,” says Laakkonen. “The planning process has also incorporated input from the Finnish Bioindustries and the Society of Radiographers in Finland.” 

Flexible study while working 

The degree programme allows some flexibility in each student’s personal curriculum. Part of the studies can be completed remotely. Part of the studies are carried out on-site in Jyväskylä. The degree programme is intended to be completed in two years of full-time study. 

“Students become part of the academic community, but there is flexibility in how they can complete their studies,” says Laakkonen. “This is important because some of the students are probably already in the world of work, and it may be difficult for them to move to Jyväskylä for family reasons. Nevertheless, it is important to participate in face-to-face teaching. Otherwise, the student experience may remain distant and integration into the community may be difficult. Skills development also takes place through various research projects.” 

Students have the opportunity to study according to their own goals. 

“In addition to compulsory studies, students can choose to specialise in clinical radiography or clinical laboratory science according to their interests,” says Laakkonen.