Global socio-ecological problems, such as climate change and biodiversity loss, call for multidisciplinary solutions that transcend the traditional boundaries of science and policy.
The Master's Programme in Environmental Change and Global Sustainability (ECGS) trains you in wide-ranging interdisciplinary thinking skills and provides you with the ability to:
The programme offers three different degrees – Master of Social Sciences, Master of Science or Master of Science (Agriculture and Forestry). The degree title is determined by the student’s choice of disciplinary study module when applying to the program.
Upon graduating, you will have sufficient expertise in environmental sciences, sustainability sciences, agricultural and forest sciences and environmental policy to act as a specialist in the public, private and third sectors. The Master’s programme will also prepare you for doctoral level studies and thereafter environment and sustainability related research.
Get to know the EGCS programme structure in a compact form.
This Prezi presentation compiles key information in a visual format.
The ECGS Master’s programme is taught in English. All assignments, exams and dissertations can be done in English, as well as in Finnish and Swedish.
The credit requirement for the Master’s Programme in Environmental Change and Global Sustainability (ECGS) is 120 ECTS credits, which can be completed in two years.
Your Master’s degree (120 credits, ECTS) will consist of the following studies:
When applying, you choose one of the two study tracks in the ECGS programme:
In addition, all students complete an introductory Core Module that focuses on the methodologies of environmental and sustainability science as well as the interactions between science and society.
ECGS students graduate with a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Science, a Master’s degree in Social Sciences (M.Soc.Sc.) or with a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Agriculture and Forestry. The degree title is determined by the student’s choice of disciplinary study module.
A diverse range of assessment procedures are used throughout the ECGS programme. These range from formal examinations to continuous assessment exercises. In some instances, these include working within groups and submitting group work.
Many of the courses (e.g. field courses, seminars) demand in-person attendance for activities and so full distance learning is not possible. It may be possible to complete some “lecture only” courses independently.
The courses are taught in English. All assignments, exams and dissertations can be done in English, as well as in Finnish and Swedish.
You can check out courses in the online course catalogue for University of Helsinki students. Please note that the study track modules include courses that are offered in cooperation with other programmes and thus might not appear on the lists. Finnish courses are offered to International students.
Students from other master's programmes at the University of Helsinki can also study ECGS courses.
The Master's thesis is an integral part of your degree. You will write an individual Master’s thesis of about 20-40 pages (30 credits) during your second year.
The Master’s thesis is a proving ground where you demonstrate your capabilities in scientific thinking, methodological research and scientific communication and writing. During the writing process, you will also attend a Master’s thesis seminar headed and instructed by a faculty member with expertise in your particular field.
The best way to know more about the ECGS programme is through our students, graduates and staff!
Meet ECGS students and staff as they share their insights into the programme as well as experiences with studies and life in Helsinki.
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 Biological and Environmental Sciences 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.