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.
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:
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.
The entire course programme is taught in English.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.