Studying

Are you looking forward to a future as an expert in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics? Upon graduating from the Master's Programme in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics (AGERE), you will be 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. The Master's programme comprises two study tracks:

  • Agricultural Economics
  • Environmental and Resource Economics
Why Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics?

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:

  • Be an expert in business management and economics with knowledge of the special features of agriculture, rural enterprises, the food market and related policies
  • Apply economic and management theories and appropriate methodologies, such as econometrics, numerical modelling to issues in the field

As a graduate of the study track in environmental and resource economics, you will have the ability to:

  • Identify the socio-economic drivers of natural resource use and environmental degradation
  • Analyse the effects of policies on the environment and on natural resource usage
  • Formulate recommendations to support decision-making in both the public and private sectors 
  • Apply microeconomic theory and quantitative methods (econometrics, analytical and numerical dynamic modelling, and game theory).

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.

Studying in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics - Student point of view.

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Master's Programme in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics - trailers on the left.

Structure and content

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 (in both study tracks) 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 field-specific advanced studies can be found behind the following links according to study track.

Language of in­struc­tion

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 the Master's thesis and get supervision in Finnish or Swedish.

Courses and teaching

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 of the programme have been awarded multiple teaching awards, for example, the Lecturers of the Year 2010 was awarded for the Environmental and Resource Economics teachers by Palmenia (University of Helsinki). In addition, the teachers are actively developing the best teaching practices for example as members of the University of Helsinki Teacher's Academy.

Check out courses in the University of Helsinki online course catalogue for students in the Studies service.

Teachers of Agricultural Economics & Environmental and Resource Economics.

The University of Helsinki also offers Finnish courses for international students.

Master's thesis

For your Master's thesis, you research and analyse a significant topic of your area of interest. 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.

International cooperation

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 such as NorMER (Nordic Centre for Research on Marine Ecosystems and Resources under Climate Change).

Our partner universities include:

  1. University of Kiel
  2. Norwegian School of Economics
  3. Norwegian University of Life Sciences
  4. University of Southern Denmark
  5. University of Algarve
Doctoral education

Upon successfully completing Master’s level studies, you get general eligibility for postgraduate studies. You will have excellent qualifications to enter PhD programmes in environmental and resource economics as well as in agriculture economics both in Finland and abroad. One possibility is to apply for the Doctoral Programme in Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources (AGROFEE) at the University of Helsinki.

Read more about doctoral education at the University of Helsinki.

Student life

More than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY). Also both of the study tracks in the programme have their own student associations. Below you will find greetings from one of them:

"Vuorovaikeutus, or VV as it is more familiarly known, is the student association for students of Environmental and Resource Economics. Even though we call ourselves a student association, we are more than that! VV is for the alumni too, and 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 very community-spirited. You will never be stuck alone with your schoolwork or last-minute cramming since there are always loads of your fellow students there to work together with. VV organises lunches every week, where you can easily have a chat together 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 have games nights, sports events like beach volleyball and bubble soccer, plenty of parties together with other student associations, and also excursions in Finland and abroad. Recent trips include St Petersburg, Tallinn, Krakow and the Western coast of Finland, where we did lots of sightseeing and visited businesses and organisations related to our study field. There is always a warm welcome where ever VV turns up!"

As a student and member of the Student Union (HYY), you are 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. 

Read more about student life, services and benefits when studying at the University of Helsinki.

Do you have questions about studies or student life? You can get answers to your questions by chatting directly with University of Helsinki students. Chat with our students!

Your campus

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.

More about the programme