Goal

This Master’s degree programme is for those of you who wish to deepen your knowledge in sustainable management of natural resources. These studies have a special focus on bioeconomy, i.e., the use of renewable natural resources for producing food, energy, products, and services.

You will obtain skills in participatory processes and conflict management in the field of natural resource management. You will also gain advanced project management and leadership skills and be able to improve your communication skills. The degree title is Master of Natural Resources.

The studies comprise 60 ECTS (30 ECTS consist of 7 courses and 30 ECTS of the thesis) and are completed in two years. A major part of the studies and instruction is conducted using a learning platform. The thesis work is realized as a research and development project related to working life.

Study Contents

The studies provide means for a deeper understanding of sustainable use and management of natural resources, as well as improved leadership and communication skills. 19 ECTS consists of courses about natural resource management and 11 ECTS of leadership and communication. The theme of the thesis (30 ECTS) shall be related to these fields. The tuition within the programme is predominantly web-based.

Thesis

The thesis comprises of 30 ECTS, and often acts as a bridge between study and work, and gives students the opportunity to apply theoretical models to practical problems. The work becomes part of the student's personal skills profile. Alternatives for the thesis are:

• a research study (e.g., investigation, mapping, analysis and / or evaluation, enquiry)
• a development project (e.g., development of working methods or activities)
• product development (such as a prototype or a model)

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers in e.g., governmental departments and agencies, environmental agencies (private and public), consulting companies, producers of products from natural resources, and non-governmental organizations. A future career in research and development is also a possibility, as well as becoming self-employed.

Internationalisation

Given that the tuition language is English, the possibilities for working on an international level, both during and after the studies, are good. For example, the thesis project is perfectly suited to conduct abroad.

Language of Instruction

The programme is offered in English.

Cooperation With Other Actors

The Natural Resource Management programme works closely with the other environmental profiled degree programmes at Campus Raseborg. Cooperation with universities, state and regional authorities as well as private companies are also a part of the activities. This also includes Novia’s Bioeconomy Research Team at Campus Raseborg.

Possibility of Further Study

With a Master´s degree, students are able to continue to university post-graduate (licentiate/doctoral) studies, however universities may at their own discretion have specific admission requirements for post-graduate studies that must be met in addition to a completed Master’s degree.

Research Focus

The research focus area of Campus Raasepori is Natural Resources Management. At the Campus we have our own research team that is focused on Bioeconomy, Marine Ecology and Behavioral Ecology. The students can do their practical training together with our researchers if there is a suitable project.

Qualification

Under the Finnish legislation, a person who has completed a Master’s degree is qualified for positions for which the qualification requirement is a second-cycle higher education degree. In some cases, the qualification requirement also includes the completion of studies in certain specified fields of study. The degree falls under the Article 11 of the Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications, level e.