Structure of studies

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:

• advanced studies in geography (a minimum of 60 credits, but may be up to 120 credits, depending on your optional course choices)
• MSc thesis (30 credits)
• optional studies (30 credits, from geography or other programmes at the university of Helsinki, or other universities)
• working-life orientation and career planning
• personal study plan (PSP) and study guidance

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.

Joint studies (10 credits)

Joint studies provide an overview of the discipline, its traditions and pluralism, as well as the topical research in the full breadth of geography. Also includes the master’s thesis examination seminar.

Start modules (15 credits)

Start modules provide the key contents for physical geography, human geography, geoinformatics or geography education (subject teacher).

Thematic modules (minimum of 30 credits)

Thematic modules are based on the central themes of geographical research conducted at the University of Helsinki. The students may choose from 15 modules, depending on their interests, and build their personal study paths flexibly.Thematic modules (15 credits each) are:

• Automating and visualizing GIS
• Conservation geography
• Conservation practice and planning
• Development geography
• GIS and bid data for social good
• High-latitude landscapes and ecosystems
• Implementing research in physical geography
• Mixed module (optional course collection)
• Political geographies of regional development
• Remote sensing of environment
• Spatial inequalities and sustainability policies
• Spatial planning (in co-operation with Aalto university)
• Technical geoinformatics (in co-operation with Aalto university)
• Urban dynamics and diversity
• Urban geography and land use planning

Advanced seminar (5 credits) and MSc thesis (30 credits)

You’ll start your MSc seminar and thesis planning on the first study year. The three alternate seminars focus primarily on physical geography, human geography and geoinformatics and are designed to support you in your thesis writing process.