Environmental Change study track provides understanding of the functioning of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and gives guidance toward their sustainable use.
Global Sustainability study track provides students an understanding of the socio-cultural underpinnings of global sustainability challenges so that you can help to develop solutions that take social and environmental justice into consideration.
Find the EGCS programme structure in a compact form from the link.
This Prezi presentation compiles key information from several websites in a visual format.
Global socio-ecological problems call for multidisciplinary solutions that transcend the usual boundaries of science and decision-making. 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). When entering the programme in Master's admission, the degree is determined by the choice of your study track and the modules within the chosen track.
Upon graduating, you will have sufficient expertise in environmental sciences, sustainability sciences and environmental policy to act as a specialist in the public, private and third sectors, and you will have gained essential skills to undertake a career in sustainable business and communication. You can also advance to doctoral level studies and thereafter positions in environment-related research.
The credit requirement for the Master’s programme in Environmental Change and Global Sustainability is 120 ECTS credits, which can be completed in two years.
You can apply for one of the two study tracks in the ECGS Master’s programme: the Environmental Change (EC) study track or the Global Sustainability (GS) study track. EC students graduate with a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Science or with Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Agriculture and Forestry. GS students graduate with a Master’s degree in Social Sciences (M.Soc.Sc.) or with Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Agriculture and Forestry. Your Master’s degree (120 credits, ECTS) will consist of the following studies:
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.
In addition to the common Core Module studies, applicants choose from two ECGS study tracks: the Environmental Change study track in natural sciences and the Global Sustainability study track in social sciences. Both study tracks offer several modules of advanced studies.
Read more about the structure, content and study tracks of the programme.
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 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.
Courses for ECGS students
See the preliminary syllabus and selection of courses offered by ECGS in the Studies service. Please note that thematic and study track modules include courses that are offered in co-operation with other programmes and thus might not appear on the lists.
You can also check out courses in the online course catalogue in the Studies service.
The University of Helsinki also offers Finnish courses for international students.
Courses for students outside of ECGS
If you are a student in some other masters degree programme at the University of Helsinki, but would like to study ECGS courses, that is possible. ECGS offers study modules also for other Helsinki University students. These modules are:
If you are interested to join single courses instead of modules, see the ECGS course descriptions and contact the person in charge to find out about the possibility to join the course.
The Master's thesis is an integral part of your degree. During your second year, you will write an individual Master’s thesis of about 20-40 pages (30 credits). The Master’s thesis is a proving ground there 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.
Upon completion of your Master’s degree, you will be eligible to apply for doctoral studies in the University of Helsinki and other leading international research institutions. Examples of suitable doctoral programmes at the University of Helsinki include:
More information about doctoral education at the University of Helsinki.
Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. Also 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.
As a student and member of the Student Union (HYY), you are 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.
Read more about student life, services and benefits when studying at the University of Helsinki.
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