How old are MSc students in Finland?

AnalystTherapist · Post by **AnalystTherapist** » Tue Jan 28, 2014 11:07 pm

In the US, Master's students can be quite old because we end up working after our Bachelor's degree. How old are students that enter into the MSc programs in Finland? I read in other threads that military service is compulsory so students take some time off. I'm in my late 20s and I would feel a bit awkward if my peers were very young.

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betelgeuse · Post by **betelgeuse** » Tue Jan 28, 2014 11:43 pm

Most people continue to their master's right from bachelors (in many (most?) schools when you apply for to get in you automatically get to track to bachelors + masters). However people generally take their time to get bachelors + masters (6-7 years). Military service is only compulsory for males. The average age depends on the field. In some fields it can take many years before people get in and in some other (engineering) people tend to go there directly from upper secondary school.

AnalystTherapist · Post by **AnalystTherapist** » Tue Jan 28, 2014 11:56 pm

betelgeuse wrote:Most people continue to their master's right from bachelors (in many (most?) schools when you apply for to get in you automatically get to track to bachelors + masters)...

I'm in Economics - Hanken hasn't posted a class profile so I don't have any statistics. I'm 28 - is this very old for an MSc student in Finland?

betelgeuse · Post by **betelgeuse** » Wed Jan 29, 2014 1:26 am

AnalystTherapist wrote:
betelgeuse wrote:Most people continue to their master's right from bachelors (in many (most?) schools when you apply for to get in you automatically get to track to bachelors + masters)...
I'm in Economics - Hanken hasn't posted a class profile so I don't have any statistics. I'm 28 - is this very old for an MSc student in Finland?

Hard to say what qualifies as "very old". Older than average for most likely.

Pursuivant · Post by **Pursuivant** » Wed Jan 29, 2014 10:29 pm

Ha ha, you'll be very wanted person on cruises as they want a "over 25" responsible adult

AnalystTherapist · Post by **AnalystTherapist** » Fri Jan 31, 2014 1:48 am

Pursuivant wrote:Ha ha, you'll be very wanted person on cruises as they want a "over 25" responsible adult

I only meet the age part of that requirement

AnalystTherapist · Post by **AnalystTherapist** » Fri Jan 31, 2014 1:53 am

anna.g wrote: Why? A Master's degree isn't high-school. People (of all ages) are there to study, not to make new best friends.

I remember when I was getting my BA, I had a mature student (above 40) in my math courses and she was kind of alone - and I don't want to be the only one in that situation. I wouldn't act that way but I would still feel alone inside. So, being comfortable is important to me.

You're right - I'm there for the opportunity to get an MSc/PhD! I will keep that in mind.

browndude · Post by **browndude** » Mon Feb 03, 2014 10:22 am

Well the 40 year old probably has his her own friends, family and kids and has no interest in interacting socially with the rest of the class and does not probably care for making friends. The older one get the more comfortable one is with oneself. Do not waste any time worrying about how old you are or what not. Just have confidence in yourself.

Pursuivant · Post by **Pursuivant** » Mon Feb 03, 2014 10:44 am

I was 22 when I went to study in college (with 16-18 year olds) and 28 when I went to study for my bachelors. Though in both schools there were "mature students" in their 40's doing career change or getting "official paper degree". In the polytechnic there was a special "night course" with over 40-something office workers. So I don't believe you'll be "sticking out" - the Finnish "system" allows and ptomoted adult education.

AnalystTherapist · Post by **AnalystTherapist** » Mon Feb 03, 2014 11:53 am

browndude wrote:Well the 40 year old probably has his her own friends, family and kids and has no interest in interacting socially with the rest of the class and does not probably care for making friends. The older one get the more comfortable one is with oneself. Do not waste any time worrying about how old you are or what not. Just have confidence in yourself.

You are absolutely right!

Pursuivant wrote:I was 22 when I went to study in college (with 16-18 year olds) and 28 when I went to study for my bachelors. Though in both schools there were "mature students" in their 40's doing career change or getting "official paper degree". In the polytechnic there was a special "night course" with over 40-something office workers. So I don't believe you'll be "sticking out" - the Finnish "system" allows and ptomoted adult education.

You're in comp sci? I'm in finance and the kids doing internships at investment banks are getting younger and younger. The big banks like JP Morgan, etc. have internship programs for 2nd year bachelor's students (here in the US, a bachelor's is 4 years, not 3 like in Europe).

I had a friend in his early 30's who was completing his BA as well but it is rare here in the US. I don't want to get into politics again but your education model is great if it encourages adult education. Good to hear your story.

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