Teaching in the Master's Programme in Forest Sciences at the University of Helsinki is based on top level research. The goal of our teaching is to educate students to become experts in the field of forest sciences.

Studies in the programme provide a strong basis that spurs on independent and critical thinking. Multidisciplinary thinking and problem-solving skills are emphasized in teaching. Students learn to evaluate forest-related phenomena that influence ecological, economical and social issues.

Why Forest Sciences? 

Do you want to affect the future of forests, a key natural resource and the wellspring of biodiversity? Have you ever wondered why forests are called the lungs of the Earth and how climate change relates to forests? Or how trees are grown and processed into products in a sustainable and efficient manner? And how are the economy and forests interrelated?

You can find answers to these questions when you study forest sciences. You will come to view forests not only as a setting for jogging trails or as a source of wood, but rather as a source of versatile renewable resources and as complex ecological systems that are closely connected to their environment. The relationship between humans and nature and between society and natural resources is a strong feature of these studies.

The Master’s Programme in Forest Sciences offers a broad and versatile perspective on forests and their use. The studies focus on and apply knowledge in biology, business economics, environmental sciences, logistics, geoinformatics and information technology. As a graduate in forest sciences you will be a professional in forest ecology, the management and use of forest resources, forest bioeconomy business and policy, with ample career opportunities in Finland and abroad.

Structure, content and courses:

The scope of the Master's Programme in Forest Sciences is 120 credits (ECTS). It comprises two study tracks: forest ecology and management and forest economics, business and society. You will select one of the two study tracks when applying.

The specialisations in forest ecology and management focus on various types of forest and peatland ecosystems and their exploitation, examine the planning of forest use and the relevant collection of information, examine forest inventory models, wood harvesting and logistics as well as the processing of wood into bioeconomy products.

Studies in the forest economics, business and society are based on the sustainable use of a renewable natural resource and on the development of responsible business activities in a global environment. The focus of studies is on the globalisation of forest-based industry and business and its structural redevelopment into the bioeconomy and circular economy. You will become familiar with forest-based issues of the bioeconomy in production, marketing and policy as part of the global operating environment.