Master in Environmental and Ecosystem Ecology
Kuopio, Finland
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Are you passionate about the environment? The Master’s Degree Programme in Environmental and Ecosystem Ecology (EEE) is a research-oriented program that aims to increase students’ knowledge of biogeochemical and ecological aspects of the environment.
This 2-year program offers advanced knowledge in environmental science, with a focus on biogeochemistry and environmental ecology. It is ideal for students who wish to pursue a career in environmental change research, consulting, or environmental institutes, or for those interested in pursuing doctoral studies in environmental sciences.
Why study with us?
- This program of 120 ECTS credits gives you a solid foundation of knowledge in environmental science, including biogeochemistry and environmental ecology.
- As a graduate student, you can create a career in many different fields, according to your interest: environmental change research, consulting, or in environmental institutes, and for those who are interested in pursuing doctoral studies in environmental sciences.
Studies in environmental and ecosystem ecology will provide the student with advanced knowledge of the effects of environmental change on ecosystems and their bioprocesses, especially the interactions between the atmosphere and ecosystems.
The studies are divided into the following study modules:
The Biogeochemistry module focuses on studying the effects of climate change and land use change on the biogeochemical cycles and on the dynamics of gases important in the atmosphere. The conducted research spans various scales from molecules to ecosystems to landscapes.
The environmental ecology study module focuses on studying environmental ecophysiology, chemical and microbial ecology, and applied ecosystem ecology.
Advanced studies provide a good understanding of the research activities on biological impacts of environmental change at universities and research institutes and act as leading experts in environmental monitoring.
Structure of studies
MSc studies in EEE programme, a total of 120 Cp (ECTS), include the following:
- Advanced studies in Environmental science, min. 80 Cp
- Personal study plan 1 Cp
- Alternative studies, min. 25 Cp
- Language and Communication Studies 6 Cp
The curriculum of the EEE programme consists of 120 credit points (Cp, ECTS), which includes general skills studies, advanced level courses in environmental science plus a master's thesis (40 Cp), as well as alternative studies of biology, environmental law and policy, statistics, or sustainable development.
The programme consists of lectures, exercises, book exams and hands-on training in research groups. Students will achieve comprehensive knowledge in at least one specialized area of research (e.g. biogeochemistry, environmental ecology), generic core competencies for scientific research, and skills to apply field-specific methods in the laboratory.
The Master's thesis includes an experimental element. The aim is to improve the student's skills in data collection, and data analysis and to evaluate the student's ability to report and discuss the observed results scientifically in relation to existing data and knowledge.
At the beginning of the studies, a personal study plan (PSP) shall be prepared for each student with the assistance of the teacher tutors. In order to facilitate the preparation of the PSP, the courses are organised in modules based on their subject and level (basic/advanced).
Practical training in research institutes or other relevant workplaces (max 10 Cp) can be included in the degree.
