In the Master’s Programme in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics (AGERE), you will become a professional in applied economics in agricultural, environmental and resource-focused fields. You will be well versed in topics such as climate policy, sustainable agriculture and food security.
As a graduate of the study track in Agricultural Economics, you will have the ability to:
As a graduate of the study track in Environmental and Resource Economics, you will have the ability to:
Upon graduating, you can find employment in the national or international market, for example at universities, research institutes, the public sector or in business, or you can become a self-employed entrepreneur.
The study track in Environmental and Resource Economics is taught only in English. The study track in Agricultural Economics is taught mainly in English, but also in Finnish and Swedish. It is also possible to complete courses, write a Master's thesis and get supervision in Finnish or Swedish.
The scope of the studies is 120 ECTS credits, including both field-specific advanced studies and optional studies in the field or from other degree programmes.
The minimum scope of field-specific advanced studies is 60 credits, 30 of which are accounted for by the Master’s thesis. You are recommended to focus on your Master’s thesis during your second year of Master’s studies. The scope of optional field-specific studies and studies offered by other degree programmes is 0 -29 credits.
In addition, your studies must include at least five credits of entrance studies and 15-30 credits of methodological and theoretical studies, such as mathematical studies, econometrics or other methods courses. The studies also encompass career orientation and career planning, a practical training period and seminars. You will need to complete a personal study plan (PSP).
Some of your studies depend on your chosen study track: Agricultural Economics or Environmental and Resource Economics. You select your study track when applying.
Teaching in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics is based on active cooperation between students and teachers. Situated in Viikki Campus, one of the four campuses of the University of Helsinki, the programme offers an international and active learning environment in which teaching includes both traditional and modern practices such as lectures, group works, projects, seminars and workshops.
The teachers are actively developing the best teaching practices for example as members of the University of Helsinki Teacher's Academy.
You can check out courses in the online course catalogue for University of Helsinki students. Finnish courses are offered for international students.
For your Master's thesis (30 credits), you research and analyse a significant topic in your area of interest. You are recommended to focus on your Master’s thesis during your second year of Master’s studies.
You can write your thesis in connection with a larger research project, in collaboration with companies and public institutions, or independently. It will serve as a good reference for your future career, as you will have enhanced your field-specific expertise during the research and writing process.
The thesis project will also develop your abilities in scientific thinking and project management.
The best way to know more about the Master's Programme in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics is through our students and graduates!
In the student and alumni stories and testimonials, they share their insights about the programme, their studies and life in Helsinki, career paths or plans and much more.
The AGERE programme co-operates with the Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Pellervo Economic Research (PTT), the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Environment, the Pellervo Cooperative Society, producers’ organisations (including the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners and the Central Union of Swedish-speaking Agricultural Producers in Finland), NGOs, banks, insurance institutions and various companies within the food sector.
As a student in the programme, you have opportunities for internships, visits and study exchanges with partner universities. Visiting foreign lecturers give intensive courses as part of the thematic modules. You will also be able to join our international research networks.
Our partner universities include:
Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland.
More than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY). They range from faculty and subject to political and societal organisations, and from choirs and orchestras to sports and game clubs. Activities include anniversary celebrations, academic dinner parties and excursions.
In the AGERE programme, both study tracks have their own student associations. Below you will find greetings from one of them:
"Vuorovaikeutus, more familiarly known as VV, is the student association for Environmental and Resource Economics students. We call ourselves a student association, but we are more than that! VV is for the alumni too. We have plenty of events connecting past and present students, ranging from discussions on current environmental topics to after-work drinks. Student life in Viikki is community-spirited. You won't be stuck alone with your schoolwork or last-minute cramming. There are always fellow students to work with. VV organises lunches every week, where you can chat and get to know people attending the same courses as you.
During the semester, VV members spend time together outside lectures and libraries too. We organise game nights, sports events like beach volleyball and bubble soccer, parties with other student associations, and excursions in Finland and abroad. Recent trips include St Petersburg, Tallinn, Krakow and the Western coast of Finland, where we did sightseeing and visited businesses and organisations related to our study field. There is always a warm welcome wherever VV turns up!"
Students in Finland are also entitled to many benefits and services. For example, affordable student housing, low-cost sports services and student-priced meals. You also get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country.
The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry is located at Viikki Campus, an international hub of life sciences hosting several faculties, institutes, research projects and network organisations. There's also a veterinary teaching hospital, a research farm, an arboretum, a greenhouse and a research field.
The faculties of Viikki Campus have several research stations in Finland offering excellent facilities and support for research and teaching.