University of Helsinki

Master in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics

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.

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.

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.