How trees grow and are processed from seedlings to products sustainably and efficiently? How the diverse ecosystem services produced by forests benefit all of us? Would you like to influence the future of one of the most important natural resources? The forest sector offers extensive career opportunities both in Finland and abroad.
Forests are our most important natural resource. They produce and maintain vital ecosystem services, such as water filtration and carbon sequestration. In Finland, forests cover more than three quarters of the land area, and the freedom to roam gives everyone the right to enjoy forest nature for recreation.
In the Master’s Programme in Forest Science, you will learn how forests are both sources of renewable raw materials and complex ecological entities connected to their environment. Studies highlight the relationship between humans and nature as well as the role of society and natural resources. The programme offers several specialization options and provides a broad interdisciplinary foundation. The studies include interdisciplinary topics such as ecology, technology, economics, and social sciences. You also have the opportunity to explore subjects such as applied biology, environmental science, geoinformatics, business economics and environmental policy.
On-site studies and blended teaching
Studies in the programme are mainly on-site studies. One specialization module in the Forest Ecology and Management track (Business-Oriented Forest Resource Management) is delivered through blended teaching (both on-site and online) and is especially suitable for students who are already working. The details of the module are in the
Join the University of Helsinki and study in a highly regarded Forest Sciences programme. Gain interdisciplinary knowledge and professional skills that prepare you for a career in forestry and natural resource management.
The Master’s Programme in Forest Sciences comprises 120 ECTS credits and offers two study tracks: Forest Ecology and Management, and Forest Economics, Business and Society. You will choose one of these tracks when applying.
The specialisations in forest ecology and management focus on various types of forest and peatland ecosystems and their exploitation, examine the planning of forest use and the relevant collection of information, examine forest inventory models, wood harvesting and logistics as well as the processing of wood into bioeconomy products.
Studies in the forest economics, business and society are based on the sustainable use of a renewable natural resource and on the development of responsible business activities in a global environment. The focus of studies is on the globalisation of forest-based industry and business and its structural redevelopment into the bioeconomy and circular economy. You will become familiar with forest-based issues of the bioeconomy in production, marketing and policy as part of the global operating environment.
List of specialisations in the study tracks:
Most of the courses are taught in English, and some in Finnish. In all courses, you can choose to complete your examinations and presentations, as well as your Master’s thesis, in Finnish, English or Swedish.
Completing your Master's thesis will demonstrate your ability to solve a well-defined research problem of interest to your field of specialisation in accordance with the principles of scientific research. When writing the thesis, you will examine the research problem and background literature, apply different research methods, analyse the results and draw conclusions from them. The objective of the thesis project is for you to demonstrate that you have mastered the key terminology and theories of the field as well as academic writing (in Finnish, Swedish or English).
The Master’s thesis is typically completed within a research project of the degree programme in forest sciences or as an assignment commissioned by a research institute or company. Hence, the Master’s thesis project also offers excellent opportunities to establish networks and contacts with potential employers.
Upon graduating from the Master’s Programme in Forest Sciences you will be eligible for doctoral education in Finland or abroad. A doctoral degree, which takes about four years to complete, opens doors to academic careers at universities and research institutes as well as to professions requiring a doctoral degree. The University of Helsinki has four doctoral schools with a total of 32 doctoral programmes.
As a graduate of the Master's Programme in Forest Sciences you can pursue studies, for example, in the Doctoral Programme in Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources or the Doctoral Programme in Atmospheric Sciences.
The best way to know more about the Forest Sciences programme is through our students and alumni!
In the testimonials, they share their insights about the University, studies and student life in Helsinki as well as career plans and paths, and how they have applied the skills and knowledge acquired during their studies in their working life.
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.
Take a peek into the different study environments where you will be studying. Most of the studies are located in the Viikki campus, one of the four campuses of the University of Helsinki, just a 15-minute bus ride from the city centre. The Viikki campus has over 6000 students across a variety of environmental linked fields close to nature and agricultural fields. In the Hyytiälä field station, you can complete field courses and enjoy the benefits of the countryside.