Structure, content and study tracks

Through state-of-the-art studies in Agricultural Economics, you will learn to apply theories and empirical methods to analyze the economics and management of agricultural and rural enterprises. You will understand the operation of agri-food markets, gain the ability to assess agricultural and food policies, and develop expertise in the analysis of global food systems. You will also learn to understand the basics of entrepreneurial thinking and the foundations of social scientific entrepreneurship research.

The studies include practice-oriented assignments that will develop your decision-making and career skills. The programme will also give you the self-confidence to put theoretical knowledge into practice.

The structure of the studies consists of three parts, or core modules:

1. at least one 15 credit core module out of three alternative 
2. one 15 credit core module AGERE Methods;
3. one 15 credit thematic module AGERE Module.

Part 1 comprises at least one of the following 15 credit modules: Agricultural Markets and Policy, Production Economics and Farm Management or Entrepreneurship. Part 2, the core module on methods, can be compiled through various methodological courses. Part 3 finally is a 15 credit thematic module on Agricultural Economics and Environmental and Resource Economics. You can include and combine to this study module all the other AGE and ERE Study track module courses, which you have not already chosen in the other Study track modules The studies encompass a practical training period and seminars, and they can include career orientation and career planning. The Master’s Thesis project will enable you to apply and develop your theoretical and methodological skills. It develops your abilities in scientific thinking and project management and will serve as a good reference for your future career.

Study structure of Agricultural Economics (small changes are possible)

You will develop a state-of-the-art expertise in environmental and natural resource economics. The wide selection of courses offered in the study track will give you the tools to solve key challenges in environmental and resource management and policy. Most of the courses are divided into modules. The core modules are Environmental Economics, Natural Resource Economics and Methods. In addition to these modules, you will study a thematic module with the purpose of applying the learned theory and methods to real-world problems. You have also the freedom to choose optional studies. For instance, your professional skills and networks will develop further through the optional Project Course or during your possible internship either in Finland or abroad.

For your Master's Thesis, you research and analyse a significant topic on environmental and resource economics, which can be either policy or theory-orientated. You can write your thesis in connection with a larger research project, in collaboration with companies and public institutions, or independently.

In your studies, you have the opportunity to follow our Research Track. In this track. you will take extended studies in the above subjects, which will prepare you for postgraduate studies and a career in research.

Study structure of Environmental and Resource Economics (small changes are possible)

Research Track: If you choose the Research Master track, then the Research Master courses substitute the Methods and Theories module. In this track, the Core Module courses will include PhD level exercises, which give you a total of 15 additional credits to be used for PhD studies.