Studying

In the Master’s Programme in Agricultural Sciences (AGRI), you can pursue studies in plant production sciences, animal science, agrotechnology, or environmental soil science, depending on your interests and previous studies. The University of Helsinki is the only university in Finland offering academic education in this field.
Why Agricultural Sciences?

Would you like to be involved in solving challenges of food and energy production, such as climate change, population growth and limited energy resources? Are you interested in animal welfare, clean soil, environmental issues or the newest methods in biological and genetic engineering? Would you like to learn about automation and robotics in agriculture?

Upon completing the Master’s Programme in Agricultural Sciences, you will:

  • be an expert in plant production science, animal science, agrotechnology, or environmental soil science.
  • be able to assess the sustainability and environmental impact of food and energy production.
  • be able to apply biosciences, ecology, chemistry, physics or statistics, depending on your study track, to the future needs of agriculture.
  • master the key issues and future development trends of your field.
  • master state-of-the-art research and analysis methods and techniques.
  • be able to engage in international activities, project work and communication.
  • be able to acquire and interpret scientific research information in your field and present it orally and in writing.

As a graduate, you will have the competence and qualifications to pursue postgraduate studies in a doctoral programme or a career as an expert or entrepreneur.

Regardless of the courses you choose, this programme gives the students the skills to look at the future of agriculture through an ecological, social and economic lens.
Language of instruction

The Master’s Programme in Agricultural Sciences is multilingual: the language of instruction is primarily English, but you can complete your studies in Finnish, Swedish or English.

Structure, content and study tracks

With a scope of 120 credits (ECTS), the Master’s Programme in Agricultural Sciences can be completed in two academic years. The degree comprises:

  • 90 credits of advanced studies in the selected study track, including your Master’s thesis (30 credits)
  • 30 credits of other studies from the curriculum of your own or other degree programmes

The advanced studies consist of joint courses (45 credits) and study track specific studies (45 credits). By choosing alternative modules inside your selected study track, you can deepen your expertise in particular areas of the selected study track. You must select your study track when applying.

Apart from studies from the curriculum of your own or other degree programmes, other studies (30 credits) can also include methodological studies, practical training, advanced training in a research group and language studies and courses in other universities.

You can also include career orientation and career planning in your personal study plan (PSP).

There's a wide range of courses and themes to choose from alongside the core modules that are compulsory for everyone.
Study tracks

The four study tracks collaborate across disciplinary boundaries to construct thematic modules around important topical issues: the bioeconomy, the recycling of nutrients, food systems, and the production and exploitation of genomic information.

During your studies in the Plant Production Sciences study track, you will have the opportunity to apply biology to the breeding, cultivation, protection and production ecology of crop or horticultural plants. Producing sufficient food is one of the great challenges facing humanity. Plant production sciences have an important mission in finding solutions to this challenge. Plants are cultivated not only for food and feed, but also for bioenergy, green landscapes and ornamental purposes; plant production sciences seek new, improved solutions for all these purposes.

During your studies in the Animal Science study track, you will become familiar with issues pertaining to the wellbeing, nutrition and breeding of production and hobby animals as well as with the relevant biotechnology. In this study track, you will apply biochemistry, animal physiology, genetics and molecular biology for the benefit of sustainable animal production. The Viikki Research Farm, in urban Helsinki, provides plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning!

The Agrotechnology study track provides you with the opportunity to study technologies that are key to agricultural production and the environment, from the basics to the latest innovations. Advances in technology and automation offer new horizons to fearless inventors interested in developing machinery and engineering for the reorganisation, implementation and adjustment of production in accordance with the needs of plants and animals.

Studies in the Environmental Soil Science study track allow you literally to dig beneath the surface. The soil is a central factor in the production of renewable natural resources, the diversity of nature, and the quality of water systems. As an expert in environmental soil science, you will know how the soil serves as a substrate for plants and affects the quality of food and how it can be improved.

You can explore the degree structure, content and learning outcomes from the level of the degree programme to individual courses in the Studies service.

Courses and study modules

Various teaching methods are used in the AGRI programme, including lectures, practical exercises, practical laboratory and field courses, practical training, seminars, project work and independent study.  Your studies can include career orientation and planning.

The advanced studies consist of joint courses and study track specific studies. By choosing alternative modules inside your selected study track, you will be able to deepen your expertise in particular areas of the selected study track.

You can check out courses in the online course catalogue for University of Helsinki students. Finnish courses are offered for international students.

You can mix and match courses, and design your own degree.
Master's thesis

The Master's degree culminates in a Master's thesis of approximately 50 pages on a topic related to your study track. 

The Master's thesis contains an experimental section, which can either be an analysis of existing research material or an independent research project completed in a laboratory, greenhouse or experimental field, after which you report the results in a scientific thesis. To support the writing and oral presentation of your thesis, you will be offered academic writing courses each year.

Completing the Master's thesis demonstrates your ability to:

  • prepare a written scientific presentation 
  • use source materials critically
  • present your thesis orally and answer questions about it

The Master's thesis is typically completed within research projects of the department or campus. It could also be an assignment commissioned by a research institute or a company in the field. Upon completion of your thesis, these partners could be potential employers.

Student and alumni testimonials

The best way to know more about the Master's Programme in Agricultural Sciences 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 teaching staff are extremely committed to making sure that the students make the most of their studies.
Co-operation with other parties

The teachers and researchers of the Master’s Programme in Agricultural Sciences cooperate actively with companies and organisations in the field, and have good contacts with research institutes outside the University, e.g.: 

These partners participate in the planning of courses, comment on course contents regarding their topicality and labour market relevance, offer traineeships to students, and commission thesis research from them. They are also potential employers for graduates.

The programme also cooperates with the other Master’s programmes. Cooperation in teaching and research crosses faculty boundaries, so you can choose from a wide variety of courses outside your own programme. Examples of courses available on the Viikki Campus include environmental sciences, molecular biosciences, food sciences and business economics.

My internship at the Finnish Environment Institute gave me the chance to work with prominent people in the field of regenerative and organic agriculture in Finland.
In­ter­na­tional scope

There are many ways to broaden the international dimension of your studies in Finland or abroad. Some examples: 

  • A student exchange abroad to one of the partner institutions of the Faculty or the University. Numerous exchange options are offered around the world. 
  • A traineeship abroad or in Finland in an international research group.
  • Becoming a tutor for international students.
  • Getting involved in the International Committee of the Student Union (HYY) or other international activities by student organisations, e.g. organising excursions abroad.
  • Improving your language skills and cultural knowledge by participating in the language courses of the University of Helsinki Language Centre.

International activities provide an excellent opportunity to gain new perspectives, skills and contacts, which can be useful in your studies, future career or postgraduate education. 

Student life

Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. 

At the University of Helsinki, more than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), ranging from faculty and subject organisations to political and societal organisations, and from choirs and orchestras to sports and game clubs. Their activities include anniversary celebrations, academic dinner parties, cultural events, get-togethers and excursions.

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.

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