The Master’s degree in Geography comprises 120 credits (ECTS) and you’ll be able to graduate as a Master of Science in two academic years.

The following are included in your degree:

• advanced studies in geography (a minimum of 60 credits, but may be up to 120 credits, depending on your optional course choices)
• MSc thesis (30 credits)
• optional studies (30 credits, from geography or other programmes at the university of Helsinki, or other universities)
• working-life orientation and career planning
• personal study plan (PSP) and study guidance

Studying takes many forms. A large part of our instruction is contact teaching. Methods and specialization courses are usually implemented in groups of 10–20 students, where it is easy to discuss professional issues and gain deeper insights. Independent study is supported through workshops and reading circles, supervised by older students.

The Master’s programme in geography is not divided into study tracks. On the contrary, you will gain deeper understanding about geography as a discipline with many research traditions. Along with that, you will have the freedom to plan your own study path by choosing a certain start module, thematic modules and a seminar. Our students may choose the modules to build a deep specialization in a certain subfield of geography or pick modules that support a broad knowledge base in geography.

Language of instruction:

The main teaching language in the programme is English, but single courses could be in Finnish or Swedish too. The degree can be accomplished either in English, Finnish or Swedish. A student chooses the language when applying to the programme but is allowed to change the language of the degree by the end of the first semester.

If you are taking an English-language degree, you are required to complete at least 75% of your studies in the English language. Your thesis must then also be written in English.

Courses and teaching:

The Master’s programme in geography is not divided into study tracks. On the contrary, you will gain deeper understanding about geography as a discipline with many research traditions. Along with that, you will have the freedom to plan your own study path by choosing a certain start module, thematic modules and a seminar. Our students may choose the modules to build a deep specialization in a certain subfield of geography or pick modules that support a broad knowledge base in geography.

Teaching in geography programme

• is science-based and continuously developing
• supports experimentation and questioning
• is socially and environmentally relevant and topical  
• supports individuality and communal feeling
• encourages critical thinking and scientific argumentation 
• supports diversity and pluralism 
• is transparent and open 
• is pedagogically fresh and positively bold