Education
Objectives
The Master's Programme in Environmental Sciences educates environmental specialists that hold an extensive view of environmental issues. All students are given the basic knowledge in environmental problems and multilateral environmental agreements, and they also achieve advanced scientific knowledge and practical skills in data management and environmental analysis. Education is given in English, and the students of this international programme learn to work together with associates from different countries and cultures.
Employment
Graduates of the programme are competent in basic and applied research, and will also find employment in tasks related to environmental assessment and administration as well as in commercial activities and economic life. The Master of Science (MSc) degree also gives eligibility for scientific postgraduate studies. In case you are planning on a career in Finland, it is important to include also Finnish language studies in your degree. The university also arranges a mentoring programme in spring 2011 to facilitate the graduates' employment in Finland.
The Master's Degree
Graduates of the programme are awarded a Master of Science (MSc) degree. In the Finnish University degree system, the Master's degree is a continuation of the Bachelor's degree. The total amount of ECTS credit units required is 160 for the Bachelor's' degree, and 120 to complete the Master's degree. Please find more information about educational system in Finland here.
University fee
There are no tuition fees at Finnish Universities. Students studying for a basic University degree, however, must be members of the Student Union, the annual fee of which (year 2011-2012) is 90 €. The membership fee also entitles students to many benefits, such as cheap lunches and discounts in public transportation.
The curriculum
The studies encompass many aspects of environmental sciences and consist of lectures, seminars, book exams and experimental field and laboratory courses.
The MSc degree is attained in two years. In the beginning of the programme, each student will formulate a personal study plan with the help of an advisor. The study plan including a schedule facilitates success in studies and graduation within the two-year programme. Most of the courses in the curriculum are compulsory. The curriculum includes common studies (25 ECTS), advanced studies in the specialisation field (about 55 ECTS), an extensive Master's Thesis (40 ECTS) and possibly also some auxiliary studies to attain 120 ECTS.
Recommended supplementary studies
Please note that previous knowledge or supplementary studies are required in Statistics.
All foreign visitors and international students are also welcome to participate an orientation course for foreign students in the beginning of September and a lecture series on Finnish history that is arranged by the International Office. The Language Centre (Kielikeskus) of the University of Turku offers Finnish language courses for foreign students and scholars.
Specialisation fields
The applicants choose the preferred specialisation field already in pursuance of the application procedure. The students are elected directly into the specialisation fields, and become registered as a student of the coordinating Department. The programme includes three alternative interdisciplinary specialisation fields. The research topics and the ongoing projects within the specialisation fields are among the strong areas in environmental sciences at the University of Turku. The specialisation fields are:
- Ecotoxicology
- Quaternary Paleoecology and Environmental Change
- Spatial and Ecological Interactions
Photo: Jani Ruotsalainen