Studies in geosciences and geography

Our diverse study opportunities encompass bachelor’s and master’s programmes in geosciences and geography. The Department is also responsible for the master’s programmes in geography, geology and geophysics, as well as urban studies and planning.

After completing their master’s degree, many of our students continue with postgraduate studies in the Department’s research groups.

At the Department of Geosciences and Geography, you can complete a bachelor’s degree in the Bachelor’s Programme in Geosciences or in the Bachelor’s Programme in Geography.

In the Bachelor’s Programme in Geosciences, students study geology and geophysics, focusing on the structure, composition and evolution of the surface of Earth. The Bachelor’s Programme in Geosciences qualifies students for careers as groundwater geologists, bedrock researchers, ore geologists, environmental geologists, solid earth geophysicists, researchers of ancient life and climate researchers.

The Bachelor’s Programme in Geography introduces you to the many dimensions of geography research. Geography examines various natural systems, as well as the organisation and change of society. It also explores the interaction between humans and the environment. Geography is a multidimensional discipline that combines topics in natural sciences and social sciences into modules that produce the latest research-based knowledge about urban development as well as the impacts of climate change.

The Department of Geosciences and Geography offers master’s programmes in geography, geology and geophysics, as well as urban studies and planning. Our master’s programmes are offered in English.

The Master’s Programme in Geology and Geophysics educates geoscientists who can answer burning questions about the evolution of our home planet, its role as the source of raw materials for our modern society and the state and changes of our environment. The programme offers four study tracks: petrology and economic geology, hydrogeology and environmental geology, palaeontology and global change, as well as solid earth geophysics.

The master’s programme is multilingual, but teaching is provided in English. Courses and theses can also be completed in Finnish or Swedish, unless reasons related to teaching require otherwise.

The Master’s Programme in Geography provides excellent skills and knowledge for researcher and specialist positions in the various fields of geography. The programme offers three study tracks: physical geography, human geography and geoinformatics.

The master’s programme is multilingual, but teaching is provided in English. Courses and theses can also be completed in Finnish or Swedish, unless reasons related to teaching require otherwise. 

The Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning trains top professionals capable of understanding and addressing complex urban development challenges. The multidisciplinary programme is organised jointly by the University of Helsinki and Aalto University. The master’s programme has three study tracks: 1) urban planning and design, 2) urban life, economy and cultures and 3) urban ecologies and systems.

The master’s programme is multilingual, but teaching is provided in English. Courses and theses can also be completed in Finnish or Swedish, unless reasons related to teaching require otherwise.

The Master’s Programme in Atmospheric Sciences will help you understand key questions related to climate change, air quality and changing weather patterns. The programme is also the only degree programme educating meteorologists in Finland.

The master’s programme is multilingual, but teaching is provided in English. Courses and theses can also be completed in Finnish or Swedish, unless reasons related to teaching require otherwise.

The Nordic Master in Environmental Changes at Higher Latitudes (EnCHiL) is a joint programme offered by leading universities in Nordic countries. High latitude ecosystems and societies are changing at an accelerated rate and there is an increasing need for experts having multidisciplinary training in environmental sciences. EnCHiL programme will present the student with different physical, biological, and social processes operating at high latitudes, and how they interact to shape arctic environments. EnCHiL is a hands-on programme and the curriculum contains a mandatory mobility period in other Nordic university.

Doctoral education

The doctoral education provided by the Faculty of Science creates next-generation top researchers, which is why we recruit the most talented and motivated doctoral students. The degree qualifies graduates for an international research career in the best universities and for demanding specialist positions in society. The doctoral education is based on research carried out by the Faculty’s numerous highly esteemed international research groups, including several Academy of Finland centres of excellence.

At the Faculty of Science, studies for the doctoral degree are carried out within doctoral programmes, which require a separate application. Kumpula Campus is home to the Doctoral School in Natural Sciences. The Faculty’s doctoral degree can also be completed in one of eight doctoral programmes run by other doctoral schools.

Learn more about studying at the Faculty

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