Program Overview

Introduction to the MSc European Forestry Program

The MSc European Forestry program is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary course of study designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to succeed in the field of forestry. This program is tailored to provide students with a deep understanding of the complex relationships between forests, society, and the environment, as well as the skills to manage forests sustainably.

Program Structure

The MSc European Forestry program is divided into three modules, each designed to achieve specific learning outcomes.

Study Module 1

• Location: Joensuu, Finland
• ECTS: 13
• Courses:
  • Trends in European Forestry, 5 ECTS
  • Academic Skills in Forest Sciences, 1.5 ECTS
  • Research Methodology in Forest Sciences, 3.5 ECTS
  • Global Virtual Seminar, 3 ECTS
• Elective Courses: A minimum of 30 ECTS must be chosen from a list of available courses, which may include but are not limited to:
  • Climate smart forest management
  • Forest policy analysis
  • Forest work science
  • Futures analysis of forest bioeconomy
  • Information skills and sources in science and forestry for international students
  • Supply and energy use of lignocellulosic biomass
  • University study skills

Study Module 2

• ECTS: 17
• Courses:
  • European Forestry Field Course (EFFC), 8 ECTS: Designed to provide in-depth knowledge on socially, culturally, and economically sustainable forestry practices across Europe.
  • Applied Period in Forest Institutions, 9 ECTS: A two-month internship offering hands-on experience in working life and project management within forest institutions.

Study Module 3

• Location: Conducted in one of the MSc EF Consortium universities in Austria, France, Germany, Spain, or Romania.
• ECTS: Variable, depending on the chosen study track and host university.
• Courses:
  • Advanced Courses: Supporting the European Forestry curriculum with specialized courses from the host university.
  • Master's Thesis and Online Thesis Seminar: 30 ECTS, focusing on independent research in forest sciences, culminating in a thesis that could be published in an international scientific journal.

Study Tracks

The program offers several study tracks, each with its unique focus and set of courses:

• Track 1: Decision Support Systems for Resource Management
• Track 2: Resource Management for Ecosystem Services
• Track 3: Spatial and Ecological Modelling
• Track 4: Resource Economics and Policy
• Track 5: Silviculture and Forest Engineering
• Track +: Global Perspective, combining a standard track with additional studies from Associated Partner Universities in Canada, China, or Brazil.

European Forestry Forum – Job Fairs and Graduation Ceremony

Participants have the opportunity to present their thesis to a wide audience of fellow students, researchers, and employers, facilitating networking and potential employment opportunities.

Language Courses

Students are encouraged to take language courses, leveraging the MSc EF Consortium's composition to learn Finnish, French, German, Romanian, and/or Spanish.

Conclusion

The MSc European Forestry program is a rigorous, interdisciplinary course of study that prepares students for careers in forestry and related fields. With its comprehensive curriculum, practical experiences, and international perspective, this program stands as a premier choice for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in sustainable forest management and environmental stewardship.