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 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.
Various teaching methods are used in the programme, including lectures, practical exercises, practical laboratory and field courses, practical training, seminars, project work and independent study.
The figure shows the degree structure 2023-2026 of the Agricultural Sciences (AGRI) as a simplified figure.
You can also download the following detailed PDFs:
Academic year 2025-26 (for students starting in autumn 2025):
Academic year 2024-25 (for students who started in autumn 2024):
Course descriptions:
The Master’s Programme in Agricultural Sciences comprises four study tracks, allowing you to focus on a specialisation according to your interests and previous studies.
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, sustainable solutions for all these purposes.
In the Plant Production Sciences study track, you will focus on one of the following areas: agroecology, plant breeding and biotechnology, crop science, plant pathology, agricultural entomology or horticulture.
During your studies in the Animan 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 for 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.
A total of 80 students will be admitted yearly: Plant Production Sciences (quota of 30 students), Animal Science (quota of 25 students), Agrotechnology (quota of 12 students) and Environmental Soil Science (quota of 5 students).
You can become a student either through:
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 will be able to deepen your expertise in particular areas of the selected study track.
Joint studies for all four AGRI study tracks
Choose 2x15 cr modules or 1x30 cr module
Agroecology module:
Agroecology, 30 credits
+ Choose one alternative 5 cr course here:
Plant Breeding modules:
Plant Breeding, 15 credits
+ Choose one alternative 5 cr course here:
Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, 15 credits
Crop Science module:
Crop Science, 30 credits
Plant Pathology modules:
Plant Pathology, 15 credits
Epidemiology and Control of Plant Diseases, 15 credits
Agricultural Entomology module:
Agricultural Entomology, 15 credits
Horticulture modules:
Horticulture, 30 credits
+ Choose one alternative 5 cr course here:
Viherala, 15 credits
+ Choose two alternative 5 cr courses from here :
Choose 2x15 cr modules
Animal Breeding module:
Animal Breeding Theory, 15 credits
Animal Nutrition modules:
Animal Physiology, 15 credits
Feed Science, 15 credits
Animal Welfare and Health module:
Animal Welfare and Health, 15 credits
+ Choose one alternative 5 cr course here:
Choose 1x15 cr module
Environmental Technology in Agriculture, 15 credits
Agricultural Engineering, 15 credits
Choose 1x30 credit module
Environmental Soil Science, 30 credits
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).
Orientation, sustainability, pedagogical and language courses (examples)
Methodological courses according to the study track (examples)
Other optional courses according to the study track (examples)
Career orientation and professional skills training (examples)
AGRI modules and courses offered to other degree programmes 2023-26
Search the course descriptions in Sisu by code or name (no Log in to Sisu needed for search)
AGRI-140 Environmental Technology in Agriculture, 15 cr
AGRI-150 Agricultural Engineering, 15 cr
AGRI-230 Plant Breeding, 15 cr
Alternative, choose 5 cr:
AGRI-270 Agricultural Entomology, 15 cr
AGRI-290 Viherala, 15 cr
Alternative, choose 10 cr
AGRI-310 Animal Breeding Theory, 15 cr
AGRI-330 Animal Physiology, 15 cr
AGRI-350 Animal Welfare and Health, 15 cr
Interdisciplinary AGRI modules:
AGRI-610 Agriculture and Environment, 15-25 cr
Alternative, choose 5 cr:
Optional, choose 10 cr
AGRI-620 Global South, 15-35 cr
Optional, choose 15-35 cr
The AGRI programme welcomes exchange and visiting students.