Studying

Global socio-ecological problems call for multidisciplinary solutions that transcend the usual boundaries of science and decision-making. 

The Master's Programme in Environmental Change and Global Sustainability (ECGS) trains you in wide-ranging interdisciplinary thinking skills and provides you with the ability to:

• study environmental and sustainability issues in your respective fields of expertise.
• solve problems of socio-ecological sustainability in cooperation with various social actors.

The programme offers three different degrees – Master of Social Sciences, Master of Science or Master of Science (Agriculture and Forestry). When entering the programme in Master's admission, the degree is determined by the choice of your study track and the modules within the chosen track.

Upon graduating, you will have sufficient expertise in environmental sciences, sustainability sciences and environmental policy to act as a specialist in the public, private and third sectors, and you will have gained essential skills to undertake a career in sustainable business and communication. 

You can also advance to doctoral-level studies and thereafter positions in environment-related research.

Get to know the EGCS programme structure in a compact form.

This Prezi presentation compiles key information in a visual format.

The credit requirement for the Master’s Programme in Environmental Change and Global Sustainability (ECGS) is 120 ECTS credits, which can be completed in two years.

Your Master’s degree (120 credits, ECTS) will consist of the following studies:

• Study track -specific studies, 75 credits, including your Master’s thesis (30 credits). 
• Other studies, 45 credits, including 30 credits of Core Module studies and 15 credits of elective studies to further enhance your scientific expertise and professional profile.

When applying, you choose one of the two study tracks in the ECGS programme both offering several modules of advanced studies: 

• Environmental Change (EC) study track in natural sciences provides an understanding of the functioning of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and gives guidance toward their sustainable use.
• Global Sustainability (GS) study track in social sciences provides an understanding of the socio-cultural underpinnings of global sustainability challenges so that you can help develop solutions that take social and environmental justice into consideration.

In addition, all students complete an introductory Core Module that focuses on the methodologies of environmental and sustainability science as well as the interactions between science and society.

EC students graduate with a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Science or with a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Agriculture and Forestry. GS students graduate with a Master’s degree in Social Sciences (M.Soc.Sc.) or with a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Agriculture and Forestry.

The courses in the ECGS Master’s programme are taught in English. All assignments, exams and dissertations can be done in English, as well as in Finnish and Swedish.

A diverse range of assessment procedures are used throughout the programme. They range from formal examinations to continuous assessment exercises. In some instances, they include working within groups and submitting group work.

Courses for ECGS students

See the preliminary syllabus and selection of courses offered by ECGS in the Studies service. Please note that thematic and study track modules include courses that are offered in co-operation with other programmes and thus might not appear on the lists.

You can also check out courses in the online course catalogue in the Studies service.

The University of Helsinki also offers Finnish courses for international students.

Courses for stu­dents out­side of ECGS

Students from other master's programmes at the University of Helsinki can study ECGS modules and courses. The offered modules are: 

• Food and sustainability
• Consumer citizens and sustainability transition courses  
• Environmental policy and economics

If you are interested in joining single courses instead of modules, see the ECGS course descriptions and contact the person in charge to find out if it is possible to join the course.

The Master's thesis is an integral part of your degree. You will write an individual Master’s thesis of about 20-40 pages (30 credits) during your second year. 

The Master’s thesis is a proving ground where you demonstrate your capabilities in scientific thinking, methodological research and scientific communication and writing. During the writing process, you will also attend a Master’s thesis seminar headed and instructed by a faculty member with expertise in your particular field.

The best way to know more about the EEB programme is through our students, graduates and staff!

Meet ECGS students and staff as they share their insights into the programme as well as experiences with studies and life in Helsinki.

Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. 

At the University of Helsinki, more than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), ranging from faculty and subject organisations to political and societal organisations, and from choirs and orchestras to sports and game clubs. Their activities include anniversary celebrations, academic dinner parties, cultural events, get-togethers and excursions.

Students in Finland are also entitled to many benefits and services. For example, affordable student housing, low-cost sports services and student-priced meals. You also get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country.