Master in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics
Helsinki, Finland
DURATION
2 Weeks
LANGUAGES
English, Finnish, Swedish
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
EUR 18,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for non-EU/EEA countries
Introduction
Are you looking forward to a future as an expert in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics? Upon graduating from the Master's Program in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics (AGERE), you will be a professional in applied economics in agricultural, environmental and resource-focused fields. You will be well-versed in topics such as climate policy, sustainable agriculture and food security. The Master's Program comprises two study tracks:
- Agricultural Economics
- Environmental and Resource Economics
This program is also available in Finnish and Swedish.
How are oceans restored as oceans?
The community at the University of Helsinki works together towards making the world a better place. We link research and education closely together to provide students with topical, high-level and distinguished Master’s programs. By studying in the Master’s Programme in Agricultural, Environmental, and Resource Economics (AGERE), you qualify as an expert with a set of skills needed to address tomorrow’s questions today. Which question will you solve?
The Master's program comprises two study tracks:
- Agricultural Economics
- Environmental and Resource Economics
Admissions
Curriculum
The scope of the studies is 120 ECTS credits, including both field-specific advanced studies and optional studies in the field or from other degree programs. The minimum scope of field-specific advanced studies (in both study tracks) is 60 credits, 30 of which are accounted for by the Master’s thesis. You are recommended to focus on your Master’s thesis during your second year of Master’s studies.
Environmental and Resource Economics
In this study track, you will receive a state-of-the-art economic education in environmental and natural resource economics. The courses, which are all taught in English, include theoretically focused courses in which you will gain a deep understanding of static and dynamic models and applications of game theory, courses focusing on quantitative methods in which you will gain the ability to run numerical simulations and apply econometric methods, and thematic courses focusing on relevant challenges in environmental and resource policy. Courses are taught by experienced teachers and active researchers, and course contents are built on the most recent research findings.
Most of the courses are divided into modules. The core modules are Environmental Economics, Natural Resource Economics, and Methods. In addition to these modules, you will study at least one thematic module such as Climate Studies and Baltic Sea Studies with the purpose of applying the learned theory and methods to real-world problems. You have also the freedom to choose optional studies. For instance, your professional skills and networks will develop further through the optional Project Course or during your possible internship either in Finland or abroad.
For your Master's Thesis, you research and analyze a significant topic on environmental and resource economics, which can be either policy or theory orientated. You can write your thesis in connection with a larger research project, in collaboration with companies and public institutions, or independently.
In your studies, you have the opportunity to follow our Research Track. In this track, you will take extended studies in the above subjects, which will prepare you for postgraduate studies and careers in research.
Agricultural Economics
The study track of Agricultural Economics combines expertise in Business Administration and Economics with knowledge of the special features of agriculture, rural enterprises, the food markets, and related policies. Through studies in Agricultural Economics, you will learn to apply theories and models used to define the profitability and competitiveness of agricultural and rural enterprises and to recognize the factors contributing to them. You will examine the operation of food markets and assess various policy options. The studies include practice-oriented assignments that build your decision-making and career skills, and your self-confidence to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. Courses are taught either in Finnish, Swedish or English.
The structure of the studies consists of three parts or core modules:
- at least one 15-credit core module out of three optional
- one 15-credit core module AGERE Methods;
- one 15-credit core module AGERE Module.
Part 1 comprises at least one of the following 15 credit modules: Agricultural Markets and Policy, Production Economics and Farm Management or Entrepreneurship. The Entrepreneurship is lectured in Finnish. Part 2, the core module on methods, can be compiled through various methodological courses. Part 3 finally is a 15 credit module on Agricultural Economics and Environmental and Resource Economics. The studies encompass a practical training period and seminars, and they can include career orientation and career planning. The Master’s Thesis project will enable you to apply and develop your theoretical and methodological skills. It develops your abilities in scientific thinking and project management and will serve as a good reference for your future career.
Courses and teaching
Teaching in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics is based on active cooperation between students and teachers. Situated in Viikki Campus, one of the four campuses of the University of Helsinki, the program offers an international and active learning environment in which teaching includes both traditional and modern practices such as lectures, group works, projects, seminars, and workshops.
The teachers of the program have been awarded multiple teaching awards, for example, the Lecturers of the Year 2010 was awarded for the Environmental and Resource Economics teachers by Palmenia (University of Helsinki). In addition, the teachers are actively developing the best teaching practices for example as members of the University of Helsinki Teacher's Academy.
Master's thesis
For your Master's thesis, you research and analyze a significant topic of your area of interest. You can write your thesis in connection with a larger research project, in collaboration with companies and public institutions, or independently. It will serve as a good reference for your future career, as you will have enhanced your field-specific expertise during the research and writing process. The thesis project will also develop your abilities in scientific thinking and project management.
International cooperation
As a student in the program, you have opportunities for internships, visits and study exchanges with partner universities. Visiting foreign lecturers give intensive courses as part of the thematic modules. You will also be able to join our international research networks such as NorMER (Nordic Centre for Research on Marine Ecosystems and Resources under Climate Change).
Our partner universities include:
- University of Kiel
- Norwegian School of Economics
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- University of Southern Denmark
- University of Algarve
Doctoral education
Upon successfully completing Master’s level studies, you get general eligibility for postgraduate studies. You will have excellent qualifications to enter PhD programs in environmental and resource economics as well as in agriculture economics both in Finland and abroad. One possibility is to apply for the Doctoral Programme in Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources (AGROFEE) at the University of Helsinki.
Gallery
Program Outcome
Why Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics?
In the Master’s Programme in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics (AGERE), you will become a professional in applied economics in agricultural, environmental and resource-focused fields. You will be well-versed in topics such as climate policy, sustainable agriculture and food security.
As a graduate of the study track in agricultural economics, you will have the ability to:
- Be an expert in business management and economics with knowledge of the special features of agriculture, rural enterprises, the food market, and related policies
- Apply economic and management theories and appropriate methodologies, such as econometrics, numerical modeling to issues in the field
As a graduate of the study track in environmental and resource economics, you will have the ability to:
- Identify the socio-economic drivers of natural resource use and environmental degradation
- Analyze the effects of policies on the environment and on natural resource usage
- Formulate recommendations to support decision-making in both the public and private sectors
- Apply microeconomic theory and quantitative methods (econometrics, analytical and numerical dynamic modeling, and game theory).
Upon graduating, you can find employment in the national or international market, for example at universities, research institutes, the public sector or in business, or you can become a self-employed entrepreneur.
Scholarships and Funding
Our scholarship program is for students who are applying to the University of Helsinki. These scholarships are intended for excellent students from outside the EU/EEA, who wish to complete a Master's program at the University of Helsinki. Grants can be applied while applying to the University of Helsinki’s Master’s programs.
For more information about scholarships, please visit the university website.
Career Opportunities
Students of the Master's Programme in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics (AGERE) find employment in both national and international markets.
Our graduates have had success in finding meaningful employment and have secured careers in a variety of fields, for example:
- At universities
- In research institutes
- Through the public sector
- In private businesses
- As self-employed entrepreneurs
If you are interested in further developing your expertise, you can pursue postgraduate studies through the doctoral programmes offered by the University of Helsinki, another university in Finland, or abroad.
Agricultural Economics
According to the labour market surveys conducted by the Finnish Association of Academic Agronomists, graduates from the study track in Agricultural Economics have been successful in finding employment – often before graduation. The programme alumni have found positions in various organisations in the public and private sectors in Finland. Many have also pursued international careers in Europe or further afield. This study program provides you with wide-ranging skills for starting a business and for serving in various expert or managerial positions, even if the focus of studies is on applied agriculture. Consequently, possible job titles are numerous: specialist, teacher, entrepreneur, researcher, senior officer, product manager, head of finance, etc.
Environmental and Resource Economics
The study tracks Environmental and Resource Economics and offers promising career paths in government, research, consultancy, industry, NGOs, and international organisations. Based on the recent career monitoring data covering the years 2003-2016 the main work assignments of graduates from the study track are related to the:
- Research (33 %)
- Planning, development and government (31 %)
- Consulting and education (10 %)
Students of the Master's Program in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics find employment in the national or international market, for example at universities, research institutes, the public sector or in business, or they become self-employed entrepreneurs.
Program Tuition Fee
Program Admission Requirements
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