University of Joensuu

The University of Joensuu was established in 1969. It includes six faculties and nine independent units.

The University relies on its strengths and areas of expertise. Among these are a multi-disciplinary teacher education programme preparing teachers for all levels of the educational system, research and teaching pertaining to forests, other renewable resources and the environment, and proficiency in the development and application of high technology. The University is also a recognised centre for research on the social and cultural development of the European peripheral areas and border regions.

The Faculty of Forestry opens a door to the world of forests. Research of the faculty concerns forests and their natural resources especially in the boreal zone. The faculty trains experts in research and the use, management and protection of forest resources. The Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council has nominated the Faculty of Forestry to a National Quality Unit of Higher Education for the years 2004-2006.

MSc European Forestry studies at the University of Joensuu

The University of Joensuu hosts a significant number of the common and elective courses that are taught during the first academic year of MSc EF studies, in addition of organizing a final seminar with the presentation of the students' Master Thesis. Thus, all MSc EF graduates will obtain, upon satisfactory completion of the studies, a MSc European Forestry double degree provided by the University of Joensuu together with that other MSc EF Partner University where the student completes the required studies.

MSc EF students can also choose to take at the University of Joensuu either Elective Courses or Master Thesis during their second academic year of studies, therefore splitting the second year between Joensuu and another Partner University [This option must be discussed by the student and the 2 involved Partner Universities, in order to elaborate a comprehensive study plan for the whole academic year].

The University of Joensuu offers a wide range of courses in English linked to Forestry. Below you can see the list of courses offered to MSc European Forestry students during Autumn 2007 (ECTS credits are indicated in brackets):

• Bioenergy Markets and Policies (8)
• Biotechnology in Forestry (3)
• Current Trends in Ethical Business Practices and Human Rights (3)
• Forestry in Russia (5)
• Literature in European Forestry (5)
• Peat Production and Use of Cut Away Peat Bogs (5)
• Production and Energy Use of Wood Biomass (6)
• Selected Literature in Forest Economics (3)
• Structure and Properties of Wood-Based Materials (8)
• Intensive Course on Sustainability of Forestry in Finland and Russia (7) (Mekrijarvi Research Station; 2 last weeks of August)

Other courses may also be taken if accepted by the MSc EF coordinator. You can find detailed and updated information on these and other courses and their schedule at the following link:

International Study Programme in Environmental Sciences and Forestry

For more information regarding the studies at the University of Joensuu, please contact Professor Paavo Pelkonen or Javier Arevalo.