Studying

The Dual Master's Programme in Green Business focuses on both economics and green innovation. Research and study topics include economics, sustainable resource use, green energy, natural resource management, green business models, and bioproduct marketing for international markets.
What is a dual degree?

The Dual Master's Programme in Green Business is a joint programme between the University of Helsinki (UH) in Finland and the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada. You study the first year at UBC in Canada and the second year at the UH in Finland.

Upon graduation, students receive two degrees: a Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry (MSc AF) from UH, and a Master of Forestry (MF) from UBC. To earn both degrees, students must fulfill the individual programme requirements for both institution’s degrees.

Obtaining both these degrees would normally take 3 years to complete separately. However, in the Master's Programme in Green Business, the dual degree is attainable in just two years.

Why Green Business?

As the world is searching for greener solutions, the development of natural resource-based products and services becomes increasingly essential. You can find answers to these problems when you study Green Business.

Upon completing the Dual Master’s Programme in Green Business, you will:

  • Gain employable leadership and business skills such as critical thinking, project management and communication;
  • Develop analytical skills to evaluate socio-environmental impacts of various natural resources used in the bioeconomy;
  • Learn to identify factors that affect bio-based investments and innovations;
  • Understand and evaluate strategic, technological, and operational aspects of running a bio-based business;
  • Apply participatory methods and community-based approaches to access and develop renewable enterprises
  • Understand the basics of bio-based materials and their conversion to useful products and services;
  • Create business and marketing strategies in a bio-based economy;
  • Design and evaluate bio-based supply chains using quantitative methods;

In addition, the programme allows you to experience two different cultures and build professional networks internationally as you study the 1st year in Canada and the 2nd year in Finland.

With the demand for renewable natural resource production expanding, graduates have career opportunities that are central to the ongoing bioeconomic transition. Potential employers include private companies, research and educational institutes, and public agencies. You can also continue with PhD studies.

Language of instruction

The entire course programme is taught in English.

Structure, content and courses

The Dual Master’s Programme in Green Business is split across two universities: Year 1 at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and year 2 at the University of Helsinki (UH). The programme uses already existing courses in both universities.

The programme consists of 120 ECTS credits and can be completed in two academic years. It is divided into two parts:

  • Year 1: 30 credits/60 ECTS at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Forestry (Conversion 1 Canadian Cr. = 2 European ECTS)

    • Mandatory studies (27 credits/ 54 ECTS)

    • Electives (3 credits / 6 ECTS)

  • Year 2: 60 ECTS at the University of Helsinki, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry 

    • Mandatory studies at UH (50 ECTS)

    • Electives (10 ETCS)

The first year at UBC introduces students to various bioproducts and their production and the policy and economic framework for bioeconomy. 

In the second year at UH, the emphasis of the studies is the business and marketing of bioproducts (sales management, business models) and the thesis work. 

Preliminary courses for 2025-26:

Year 1 at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Faculty of Forestry (30 credits) * 
*(Conversion 1 Canadian Cr. = 2 European ECTS)

MANDATORY STUDIES  (27 credits/ 54 ECTS)

  • Major Essay (6 Cr/12 ECTS). (Note: Students start the Major Essay at UBC, but finalize it during year 2 at UH)

  • Technical Communication (3 Cr/6 ECTS)

  • Forestry in BC (3 Cr/6 ECTS)

  • Biobased Polymers and Bioproducts (3 Cr/6 ECTS)

  • Integrated Strategies for Bioproduct Innovation (3 Cr/6 ECTS)  

  • Lifecycle Analysis and Industrial Ecology (3 Cr/6 ECTS)

  • Choose 2 of these 5 courses (6 Cr/12 ECTS).

  • Climate Change Communications and Engagement (3Cr/6 ECTS)

  • Land Extraction and the Corporation (3 Cr/6 ECTS) 

  • Transformative Environmental Research (3 Cr/6 ECTS)

  • Climate Adaptation in Socio-Ecological Systems (3 Cr/6 ECTS)

  • Landscape Planning for Sustainability (3 Cr/6 ECTS)

+ ONE ELECTIVE 500 LEVEL COURSE (3 Cr/6ECTS): this can be at any Faculty in UBC (upon approval)

Year 2 at the University of Helsinki (UH), Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry (60 ECTS).

MANDATORY STUDIES (50 ECTS)

  • Master´s thesis seminar (5 ECTS)

  • Master´s thesis (30 ECTS)

  • Sales management and business models (5 ECTS)

  • Responsible business management in global forest bioeconomy (5 ECTS)

  • One Scientific Methodology Course (5 ETCS): for e.g. Scientific Methods in Marketing and Social Sciences

ELECTIVES (choose a total of 10 ECTS):

  • International Forest Policy 2 (5 ECTS)

  • Behavioural change and sustainability (5 ECTS)

  • Sustainable Entrepreneurship (5 ECTS)

  • Sustainable Finance (5 ECTS)

  • Production and Cost Theory (5 ECTS)

You can check out all the courses at the University of Helsinki in the UH online course catalogue

In addition, there are Finnish courses for international students

Master's thesis

Your Master’s thesis, 30 ECTS, is an integral part of your degree. You will begin developing your thesis during your first year and complete it in your second year while studying at the University of Helsinki. Supervisors from both universities will guide you throughout the process.

Completing your Master’s thesis demonstrates your knowledge and understanding of the functional development of bioindustries, partnered with technological processes that make it all possible.

Student life in Helsinki

The 2nd year of your studies will take place in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, where the student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse.

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.

Study environment in Helsinki

The University of Helsinki has four campuses. During your time in Helsinki, you will primarily study at the Viikki Campus, with opportunities for company excursions, bootcamps, and events at the City Centre Campus, Hyytiälä Forest Station and other locations around the Helsinki area.

The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry 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.

More about the programme