Master in Scientific Illustration

Diaconia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki is Finland's leading institution for applied education in social work, health care, and diaconia. Founded in 1996 and serving around 3,000 students across multiple campuses, Diak combines academic study with a strong focus on social justice and community well-being. The university's applied approach prepares graduates to respond to real-world social and health challenges across Finland and internationally.

Programs emphasize hands-on learning through placements, community projects, and collaborative research with local and international partners. English-taught options and robust research activity in inclusion, welfare, and care practices make Diak attractive to students seeking practical skills and evidence-based approaches. Faculty often come from professional backgrounds, giving classes immediate relevance to current practice.

Student support is tailored for internationals, with services that ease integration, language support, and career guidance. Networking opportunities with NGOs, health providers, and municipal services help graduates find meaningful roles in the helping professions. For students drawn to purpose-driven work, Diak offers a welcoming environment where professional competence, ethical practice, and community engagement come together to launch impactful careers.

The Master in Scientific Illustration is designed for those who want to bridge the gap between art and science. This two-year program, taught in English, is perfect for artists interested in biology or medicine, as well as professionals from the medical field with strong visual skills. Students will learn to create accurate visualizations for clinical, medical, and biological subjects, making this program unique in Europe.

The curriculum focuses on three main themes: human, animal, and surgical procedures. Students will engage in various assignments that cover different aspects of scientific illustration, utilizing both traditional and digital visualization techniques. Practical assignments, including illustrating surgical procedures, help students develop their skills in creating abstractions and schematizations that effectively communicate scientific narratives.

Graduates of this program can pursue various job titles such as Medical Illustrator, Scientific Communicator, or Visual Storyteller. They may find employment in hospitals, research institutions, or educational organizations. The skills acquired in this program are transferable across industries, allowing graduates to adapt to various roles in the fields of art and science.