The Master’s degree in geography comprises 120 credits (ECTS) and you’ll be able to graduate as a Master of Science in two academic years.
The following are included in your degree:
Studying takes many forms. A large part of our instruction is contact teaching. Methods and specialization courses are usually implemented in groups of 10–20 students, where it is easy to discuss professional issues and gain deeper insights. Independent study is supported through workshops and reading circles, supervised by older students.
The Master’s programme in geography is not divided into study tracks. On the contrary, you will gain deeper understanding about geography as a discipline with many research traditions. Along with that, you will have the freedom to plan your own study path by choosing a certain start module, thematic modules and a seminar. Our students may choose the modules to build a deep specialization in a certain subfield of geography or pick modules that support a broad knowledge base in geography.
The main teaching language in the programme is English, but single courses could be in Finnish or Swedish too. The degree can be accomplished either in English, Finnish or Swedish. A student chooses the language when applying to the programme but is allowed to change the language of the degree by the end of the first semester.
If you are taking an English-language degree, you are required to complete at least 75% of your studies in the English language. Your thesis must then also be written in English.
The Master’s programme in geography is not divided into study tracks. On the contrary, you will gain deeper understanding about geography as a discipline with many research traditions. Along with that, you will have the freedom to plan your own study path by choosing a certain start module, thematic modules and a seminar. Our students may choose the modules to build a deep specialization in a certain subfield of geography or pick modules that support a broad knowledge base in geography.
Teaching in geography programme
MaO ry is the Geography student organisation at the University of Helsinki, established in 1971. Our aim is to activate and bring our members together as well as promote our rights at the department, in the Student Union and at the University in general. Anyone studying geography or geosciences at the University of Helsinki is eligible to join MaO!
We organise various kinds of activities for our members from parties to sporting events and overseas excursions. Freshman tutoring plays also an important role in MaO. To integrate students into the world of university our tutors keep the new arrivals busy with hang out nights, parties and other events such as Freshman baptism and Academic dinner party for freshmen. Apart from the help of tutors, MaO supports new students in their studies by organising an info lecture on the vast variety of subjects ideal to study alongside of geography and geosciences as a minor subject.
More information about MaO and the European Geography Association (EGEA) on the MaO website.
The MSc thesis is a supervised final research project in which you deepen your knowledge in geography and develop your skills as a researcher. The thesis yields 30 credits. The purpose of the thesis work is to develop your abilities in independent information seeking, analysis of existing information, and critical interpretation of it. In your MSc thesis, you demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of a central issue or phenomenon within your subject and your ability to employ scientific research methods. A meritorious MSc thesis will produce new knowledge about geographical phenomena and report the findings clearly and according to good scientific practices.
After completing the Master’s degree, you can apply for a PhD programme, either at the University of Helsinki or another international university. Suitable doctoral programmes at the University of Helsinki include: