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:
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.
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.
With a scope of 120 credits (ECTS), the Master’s Programme in Agricultural Sciences can be completed in two academic years. The degree comprises:
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).
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 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.
There are many ways to broaden the international dimension of your studies in Finland or abroad. Some examples:
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 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.
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.