Biomedical Imaging

With an ever-increasing dependency on technological processes in science, biomedical imaging has become a popular choice for those with a background in subjects ranging from biosciences to engineering. New imaging technologies are developed constantly, and imaging has become anessential tool for cutting-edge discoveries in the biotech industry, as well as in areas such as biomedical research. Throughout the duration of this master’s program, students will gain an understanding into the theoretical and practical processes of a wide range of biomedical imaging technologies, with a heavy focus on the interdisciplinary nature of the field.

The courses are given by the two universities in Turku (Åbo Akademi University and University of Turku), with well-equipped laboratories and state-of-the-art facilities. Lecturers and experts from a broad international network of top-ranking experts in imaging will be invited to participate in ongoing workshops, laboratory courses, seminars and symposia.

Upon successful completion of this programme, our students have gone on to work in a number of diverse roles within the biomedical and scientific sectors. Many of our students have continued to study at PhD level with success in a wide variety of fields ranging from biosciences to dentistry. Additionally, our students have obtained roles as imaging core facility personnel and lab technicians. A small sample of the titles obtained by our students include Multimedia Producer at the Institute of Biomedicine, Euro-BioImaging Node Technician, and Coordinator at Turku BioImaging.

The mandatory courses in the biomedical imaging programme cover a range of subjects from microscopic applications to cell biology, anatomy and physiology, nanomedicine or biophysics – depending on the area of imaging specialization. In addition, students are given the opportunity to specialize in targeted areas of biomedical imaging through their choice of minor subject studies. Students will also gain practical experience in working in a research group while doing an internship and writing their master’s thesis. All of these components will provide students with a strong basis for further studies in an academic and professional context.

You are an eligible applicant for Master’s-level studies if

• you have a nationally recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education,
• you meet the language requirements
• your degree is in a relevant field for the Master’s degree programme that you’re applying to

The programme is open to those who have completed a lower university degree equivalent to a Finnish B.Sc. degree (180 ECTS) in Life Sciences or in a relevant field (biomedical sciences, physics, engineering, medicine or chemistry). Applicants to the Master’s degree programmes taught in English must always prove their knowledge of the English language and fulfill the general academic requirements.

The scoring of the applicants is done based on compatibility of the background studies, previous academic success and study history, laboratory working experience, motivation stated in the application and the interview performance.

You can prove your level of language proficiency in English by submitting one of the following English-language test scores to your application:

• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System): Scores in the Academic test with an average of 6.5, with no individual scores below 5.5. Even if you have the minimum score required in the different sections, you will not be eligible if the required total score is not achieved. Note that the IELTS General Test score is not accepted.
  You can attach a copy of the test report form to your application. The test report form must be verifiable. The results are valid for two years. 
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Total scores of at least 575 points in the paper-based test (PBT), or 90 in the Internet-based test (iBT). The Test of Written English (TWE) is required for those taking the paper-based TOEFL test.
  In addition to this it is recommended that applicants from China and East Asia, unless they take the iBT test, take the TSE (Test of Spoken English) if they have not studied in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand or USA. The required score in the TSE is 45.
  The TOEFL reporting code for Åbo Akademi University is 9880. The results are valid for two years. 
• PTE Academic (Pearson’s test of English): Total score of at least 62 points. Once you receive your test score send it to Åbo Akademi University from your PTE account. Choose Finland as the “Country” and  Åbo as the “City”, then select the university you want to send your results to and confirm your order. After this, ÅAU should have access to your test results within 48 hours. Be advised that online language test results will only be accepted from the test organiser. The results are valid for two years.

Fee-paying students can apply for a scholarship to cover a part or the whole tuition fee.

There are three scholarship categories:

1. Full Scholarship, covering the tuition fee and includes a annual scholarship to cover the student’s living expenses (6 720 €), awarded for 2 years (second year conditional)
2. Tuition Fee Scholarship, covering 100 % of the tuition fee, awarded for 2 years (second year conditional)
3. Tuition Fee Scholarship, covering 50 % of the tuition fee, awarded for 2 years (second year conditional)

The decision to grant a scholarship is based on

• the academic performance of the student in his/her previous studies,
• how well the applicant meets the programme requirements
• the answers the applicants have given in the application form

When applying to Åbo Akademi University, applicants can indicate on the application form their wish to apply for a scholarship. In the application form the applicants are asked to answer a set of questions related to motivation and future goals. The answers to the questions will be assessed by the scholarship committee who makes the decision on granting the scholarships. In the assessment the following is evaluated: communicative skills, academic goals and general interest in the field.

The decision on the granted scholarship is given to the applicants together with the admission letter. In order to accept the scholarship the applicant must have accepted the study entitlement offered (binding acceptance).

Scholarships for the second year of study

The scholarships are awarded for two years. However, the second year is conditional depending on the progress of the studies. In order to qualify for the scholarship in the second year, a scholarship holder must earn at least 55 credits during the first academic year (the progress of the studies is checked in the end of May).

In addition to the scholarships listed above there will also be a chance to apply for a scholarship for the second year. This opportunity is open for all those students who have paid their fees during the first year or who have received a tuition fee scholarship covering 50% of the tuition fee in the first year. The requirement to receive this scholarship is excellent study records (GPA over 4), 55 earned credits during the first academic year and a good motivation to continue the studies.