Questions & Answers

On this page, you will find answers to frequently asked questions as well as information about the studies in the Master's Programme in Technologies for Sustainable Use of Renewable Resources.
General topics
Why was the master’s programme established? How does it differ from other degree programmes at the Viikki Campus?

Finland and the world need experts who can tackle the sustainability challenges associated with the use of renewable resources. Progress towards a green transition and a circular economy can be achieved through efficient technological processes and the responsible, comprehensive utilisation of raw materials. This master’s programme educates technology and sustainability professionals to meet these pressing needs. 

The programme takes a multidisciplinary approach to integrating technology, sustainability and business into the agri-food and forestry sectors. It combines the strong existing expertise of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry with new and advanced technologies. 

One of the unique features of the programme is collaboration with the working world, which provides students with opportunities to gain practical experience and connect with companies during their studies. 

What is the structure of the studies of the programme?

The degree structure in the Master’s Programme in Technologies for Sustainable Use of Renewable Resources is the following:  

  • Advanced studies (75 cr), including mandatory courses, a specialisation module (25 cr) and a master’s thesis (30 cr)
  • Other studies (30 cr), including worklife courses (10 cr) and language or communication courses (10 cr) and courses on the key themes of the programmes (10 cr)
  • Elective studies (15 cr), including any courses you choose from the programme’s offering or other programmes 
What are the career path opportunities after graduation?

New multiskilled professionals are needed to enhance sustainable solutions in food and forest systems, which this programme addresses.  

Graduates of the master’s programme will work in the renewable resources sector, focusing on themes related to technical expertise, business, and sustainability. For example, you could become a technology or data professional, or a sustainability manager in industry or public organisations in the agri-food or forest sector.

The programme’s strong ties with diverse organisations and businesses offer valuable opportunities for networking in the agri-food and forest industries during your studies.

After completing your master's degree, you can also pursue a position in University of Helsinki’s doctoral programmes and work as a researcher or lecturer in the academic field. 

How do I get to know the student committees of the University of Helsinki?

The University of Helsinki includes lively student activities. Student Union of the University of Helsinki () is the main student union of the entire university and provides events as well as student services.  

On the Viikki campus, the main student association for students in the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry is , which collaborates with the student associations of various study programmes. In addition to this, the Viikki campus has several special student associations focusing on, for example, food, forest, and agriculture. You can also apply to be a board member of these associations. Find more information on  

Moreover, as a student you can apply for the board committees acting under the University of Helsinki such as acting as student representative in the programme’s steering group. The next call for applications will be in autumn 2026. 

You can learn more about “Participation in administrative and student organisation activities as part of studies” at  

Modules and Courses
Where can I find the course information?

You can find the information about the modules and courses of the Master’s Programme in Technologies for Sustainable Use of Renewable Resources on . The course schedule will be published at the end of June at the latest, after which you can browse the courses offered in 2026-2027 at the University of Helsinki also  

  

How do I select the specialisation module in the master’s studies?

You will choose at least one specialisation module in your advanced studies (STE-100). There are three specialisation modules in the master’s programme: 

We recommend familiarising with the modules through the Study Services website before you start your studies. You will learn more about the modules during the orientation week, when the course introductions and registrations also take place. 

What kind of topics are studied during the intensive courses? Can you give an example of industry partners?

Project courses are a relevant part of the entire master’s programme. Collaboration companies are operating in the renewable resources sector in the Satakunta region.

During the field and project courses, the topics are integrated into the themes of the programmes which include circular economy, sustainability, technologies and data as well as resource efficiency. They are based on the real-world challenges of the organisations.

You can find more information about the partners on

Do the students need to find an internship position on their own, or will there be support from the university?

You will primarily look for internship opportunities by yourself to complete the STE-201 Practical Training course. However, the teachers of the programme will always provide you with support when needed.

You can find opportunities in the public or private sectors, including positions at the University of Helsinki. Also, the programme’s collaboration companies may have available opportunities that can be inquired about from the responsible person for the course. 

Can you tell more details about Finnish language courses?

Your studies include 10 cr mandatory language and communication courses. If you are an international student and still learning Finnish, you will take Finnish courses depending on your level. 

The Finnish language courses are organised primarily on the Viikki campus as contact teaching. Different levels of Finnish language courses are offered and some of them may also be available online. The recommended competition time for the courses is in the first study year. and courses will be organised in the periods 1 and 2 in autumn 2026 on the Viikki campus. 

If you are a Finnish or Swedish speaking student, you can choose other language and communication skill courses.  

Enrolling and Participation in Courses
How can I sign up for the “Introduction to Sustainability’ MOOC (3 ECTS) during the summer?

You can start your studies before autumn 2026 by enrolling in the online voluntary course. You can use any email to register for the course. Read more about the course at   

When will the course schedule be available?

The preliminary study schedule will be available online by the end of June, but there may still be minor changes to it. 

How do I make a personal study plan? When can I enroll in the courses?

You will make a personal study plan (PSP) in the Sisu system. It will be created during the orientation week of the programme day, 26 August before the studies start. On the day, you can also sign up for the courses with the help of our teachers and tutors.  

You can find more information on Study planning and PSP guidance on  

Can I enroll in courses from other modules in addition to my own?

Yes. Each student selects their own specialisation module of three options, but you can also include other courses in your studies. In your degree, you can select 15 credits from any courses in your own or other programme’s course selection. 

How can I find the specific attendance dates for the courses?

The course schedule will be published by the end of June, for example on .  

The dates for the intensive courses are in the academic year 2026-2027: 

  • 19.10.–23.10.2026​
  • 11.1.–15.1.2027​
  • 8.3.–12.3.2027​
  • 10.5.–14.5.2027
Do we have lectures scheduled every day from 9 AM to 4 PM?

No, lectures are scheduled on a course-by-course basis. The lecture time varies typically between 8 AM to 4 PM, sometimes also until 6 PM. However, during the intensive weeks in the field courses, the programme will be organised throughout the week from Monday to Friday in Western Finland. 

How much in-person attendance is required in the courses of the programme?

Most of the courses are carried out with contact teaching, but also remote participation may be possible depending on the course content and teachers pedagogical solutions. The field courses, for example, in the introductory course (STE-101), cannot be participated remotely and require in-person attendance.

Are we required to attend all four field trips, and what happens if we can't attend some? Do we need to make them up?

Yes, the field weeks and intensive courses are unique events, and all of them are mandatory components of the master’s programme. Therefore, replacing them is challenging. However, in the case of illness or similar circumstances, the situation and need for alternative completion methods will be evaluated case by case by the responsible teacher.

How can I learn more about work-life courses and research projects?

You will learn more about the courses and research during the orientation week and from our website before your studies begin. 

Professional skills and career planning are relevant in the following courses:  

  • STE-101 Finnish Renewable Resources and Sustainability: Theory and Practice​ 
  • STE-103 Master’s Seminar 
  • STE-201 Practical Training​ 
  • STE-202 Hands-on Projects for Sustainable Technological Solutions 

We will update the information about work-life courses as soon as we can. 

Information on the research topics is accessible through . You can also contact our teachers to ask for more about the research topics.  

More about the programme