Food Export and Gastronomy

The planning of an international master's programme to strengthen food export and gastronomic expertise involves preparing a new two-year master's programme at the University of Helsinki, within the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. The three-year project includes pilot teaching and the implementation of the first academic year.

In the broader context, the master's programme project is connected to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's food industry growth programme and the government's goal to double Finland's food exports by 2031. To achieve this goal, one approach is to develop food export experts in Finland who also possess gastronomic and business expertise, along with an understanding of the entire food system.

The master's programme project seeks partnerships with food industry companies, various regions and provinces in Finland, as well as foreign and domestic universities. Thesis projects, project courses, and internships will be conducted in collaboration with companies.

Project duration: 1st December 2024 – 30th November 2027

The pilot students of the project and graduates of the future master's programme will become multidisciplinary experts who develop business in the food industry. Graduates will be capable of operating in international business networks within the food industry and willing to tackle challenging research topics in both corporate and university sectors.

During the project, a comprehensive understanding of the master's programme will be formed: planning the educational programme content, marketing, funding, and partnerships necessary for launching and implementing a permanent master's programme.

The master's programme offers a new application option for individuals interested in a sustainable food system and its related economy, export, legislation, food culture, and gastronomy – as well as the internationalisation of businesses in general.

Applications for the future master's programme are open to those who have completed a lower university degree in Finland or at foreign universities or polytechnics.

Detailed selection criteria will be published later on Studyinfo.fi.

The language of instruction for the degree is English, comprising 120 credits, and the duration is two years of full-time study.