This programme is a top choice for you who are open minded and wish to get profound understanding in forest management, ecology, planning and policy that goes beyond certain national traditions.
Forestry is changing quickly. Euroforester is a global education environment where students from around the world meet, share knowledge and discuss differences in forestry and culture. Students are prepared to work in an international environment with broad perspectives on issues in forestry and beyond.
Euroforester is an MSc programme at SLU's Alnarp campus focusing on forests and forestry in the Baltic Sea region and central Europe. The education is targeted to an international student audience and delivered by a diverse teacher team. The programme integrates many subjects giving students an in-depth knowledge and transferrable skills, preparing them for a career in the international forest sector.
While it focuses on the Baltic and central Europe, the programme addresses issues of worldwide importance, making it relevant to students everywhere. Because forest management has changed fundamentally in recent years, instruction takes a holistic view, much wider than mere production and profit.
The Euroforester programme has been developed in cooperation between 14 forest faculties in Europe. With guidance provided by an international research and teaching team, Euroforester courses include numerous study trips in Sweden and abroad.
As a student at the program you have the opportunity to apply, in competition, to the exchange program TRANSFOR-M for your second year of program studies. Within TRANSFOR-M, you have the opportunity to study for a year at one of three partner universities; University of British Columbia, University of Alberta or Lakehead University. After completing your studies, you meet the requirements to apply for a double degree, one from SLU and one from the Canadian university.
As shown by our graduate surveys, Euroforester graduates are competitive in the job market. After graduation you will have knowledge and skills for variety of jobs such as specialist or advisor in a governmental authority, municipality or forestry company, or to proceed with an academic career as PhD student.
FACTS & REQUIREMENTS
Name:Euroforester (MSc)
Level:Master
Language:English
Programme scope:2 year, 120 credits
Next start:Autumn semester 2025
Tuition Fees:Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees.
First semester:SEK 78000
Total:SEK 312000
Application deadline for international students:2025-01-15
Application deadline for Swedish students:2025-04-15
Study location:Alnarp
Pace of study:Full-time
Teaching form:On-campus
Application code for Swedish students:81062
Application code for international students:81008
Selection:Högskolepoäng
Requirements:
To be admitted to the Euroforester Master’s Programme (120 credits), the following criteria must be met: general entry requirements: first cycle (Bachelor's) qualification comprising a minimum of 180 credits or a corresponding qualification from abroad specific entry requirements: a minimum of 60 credits from specialist study within one of the following subjects:
- forestry science - forest management - forest science - biology - environmental science - natural resources management. In addition, knowledge equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6 is required. This requirement is met by those holding a Degree of Bachelor (180 credits) from a Swedish higher education institution. There are specific rules for applicants from certain English-speaking countries. The specific entry requirements stated above can also be met by someone who has obtained equivalent knowledge through a corresponding qualification from abroad, or in some other way. There are specific entry requirements for each course included in the programme. These are described in the relevant course syllabus.
Degree:
Degree awarded upon completion of the programme
The Euroforester Master’s Programme leads to the Degree of Master with forestry science as the main field of study. A Degree of Master is a general qualification.
Students who fulfil the qualification requirements for a degree will be issued a degree certificate upon request, with the title Degree of Master of Science with a major in Forestry Science.
Other qualifications may be awarded provided that the requirements for them are fulfilled. See SLU’s system of qualifications.
The programme contains courses which, depending on choice of courses and combination with previous studies in forestry at first-cycle level, may enable students to fulfil the requirements for the professional qualification Degree of Master of Science in Forestry, 300 credits. The outcomes for a Degree of Master of Science in Forestry are stipulated in the Ordinance for the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The requirements for a Degree of Master of Science in Forestry are defined in SLU’s system of qualifications.
Degree requirements
The Degree of Master of Science with forestry science as the main field of study will be awarded once 120 credits have been obtained, of which 90 must be from second cycle courses that meet the following requirements:
a minimum of 30 credits from courses of specialised study within the main field of study forestry science (A1N; A1F);
a minimum of 30 credits from a degree project/independent project within the main field of study forestry science (second-cycle level degree project A2E).
Additionally, students must have successfully completed a Degree of Bachelor, a professional qualification comprising a minimum of 180 credits, or have an equivalent qualification from abroad.
The Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) may contain a maximum of 30 credits from first-cycle courses, provided these credits were not included in a Degree of Bachelor or its equivalent. All courses included in a degree must be at university level, have been successfully completed and may not overlap/have similar content.
Admission: There are two admission rounds for this Master's programme. The first admission round is open to all international applicants at www.universityadmissions.se. SLU strongly encourage all international students to apply in this first admission round.
CONTENT
Euroforester focuses on sustainable forestry in the Baltic Sea region – the hub of European forest resources. The natural conditions around the Baltic Sea region are similar, however national forestry practices and traditions vary considerably. Hence, this provides an excellent setting for international studies in forest management. In addition, students also form their own international network with their peers and the international teaching team, further aiding their acquisition of up-to-date knowledge and wide perspective.
The programme starts with a one-year course package focusing on silviculture, ecology, planning and policy.
The first course focuses on conifer-dominated forestry and examines the influence of silviculture on forest development, in-depth at stand level.
The second course addresses the principles and practices of sustainable forest management. Students prepare long-term forest management plans for a large estate in the region.
The third course addresses forest policy at the regional, national, and global level. A great deal of attention is given to comparative policy analyses between the home countries of the participating students.
The fourth course studies the ecology and usage of broadleaved forests. The impact of modern forestry on biodiversity is discussed together with strategies for preserving a rich flora and fauna within production forests.
During the second year, students work on their Master’s thesis and will take elective courses at partner faculties. Students based at Campus Alnarp can specialise in advanced silviculture in temporal and in tropical forests. In many cases, the Master’s thesis is conducted in co-operation with other faculties, with several international supervisors.
Euroforester graduates are very competitive in the job market. Many students find employment with a variety of organisations within a few years of graduation. Employers range from forest owner associations to Greenpeace, and multinational companies.
Degree awarded
Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a Major in Forestry Science.
Programme Code: SM008
Finalized by: Utbildningsnämndens ordförande, 2023-06-15 SLU ID: SLU.ua.2023.3.1.1-2273 Education plan valid from: Autumn 2024 Responsible programme board: The programme board for education in forestry
Entry Requirements
To be admitted to the Master’s programme Euroforester, the following criteria must be met:
general entry requirements: first-cycle qualification comprising at least 180 credits or a corresponding qualification from abroad.
specific entry requirements: specialisation comprising at least 60 credits in one of the following subjects/disciplinary domains:
Forestry Science
Forest Management
Forest Science
Biology
Environmental Science
Natural Resource Governance.
In addition, knowledge equivalent of English 6 is required. SLU regulations state that applicants may meet this requirement if they were awarded a first-cycle degree from a Swedish university, or have completed 120 credits at SLU. For applicants from some English speaking countries certain rules may apply.
The specific entry requirements can also be met by someone who has acquired the equivalent knowledge through a corresponding qualification from abroad or in some other way.
For admission to the courses included in the programme, there are specific entry requirements for each course; these are described in the course syllabus.
Content
Programme description
Overall description
The master's programme Euroforester has an international profile and focuses on sustainable management of forest ecosystems and the forest landscape, as well as on adapting forestry to global environmental changes. The programme gives students the opportunity to specialize in the temperate and boreal forests of Europe. The core of the programme consists of profiling courses given during the first year. During the second year, students can choose eligible courses with the possibility of deepening or broadening their knowledge, as well as a degree project.
Content and implementation
Broad knowledge and understanding within the main subject is given in the first year´s profiling courses with a focus on management and climate adaptation, ecology, restoration, and forest policy.
The programme courses during the first year contain a progression of subject knowledge as well as generic skills. Analyses of established and new forest management systems, in terms of their consequences for both forest production and other ecosystem services, form a key part of the programme. The interface between forest and society is studied in forest policy. Ethical issues such as the global challenge of balancing the use and conservation of forest resources with the societal development are discussed, among other things. Effects of modern forestry on biodiversity are discussed together with strategies for conservation and restoration of forest ecosystems. Understanding the ecology, diversity, history and management of forests as well as their economic, recreational and societal potential in general is an important part of the programme.
The eligible courses during the second year provide the opportunity to specialize in self-selected subject areas, for example forest regeneration, modelling and management of urban forests and trees. Elective courses can be taken at SLU or at another university in or outside Sweden. In the degree project, the opportunity is given to synthesize and apply acquired subject knowledge in the form of a small research project.
Pedagogy
The pedagogy within the programme focuses on student-activating learning processes. Learning-by-doing is a fundamental principle, not at least during field excursions and study trips that are included in the programme. Examples of teaching methods are student-led seminars and analysis of scientific articles, as well as field studies and modelling exercises. Examination takes place mainly in the form of individual assignments, reports, and individual exams. Students develop skills in climate adaptation strategies, forest inventory and modelling using different planning tools, such as production and landscape simulators. Increased understanding of complex problems is provided through discussions of current issues with representatives from forest owners, forest managers, authorities, nature conservation, the timber industry and non-profit organizations (NGOs). Throughout the programme, students train their ability to explain and discuss their knowledge in local, regional, national and international contexts. Great emphasis is also placed on comparative analyses between different countries. These activities contribute to developing students’ ability to handle uncertain decision situations in their future professional role.
Miscellaneous
A well-functioning study environment is characterized by openness, equality, and an inclusive approach. SLU works actively for gender equality and equal conditions, which promotes a workclimate that takes advantage of the diversity that employees' and students' different backgrounds, life situations and skills bring.
SLU's profile is focused on knowledge of biological natural resources, and societal challenges such as raw material, water and energy supply as well as climate change have connections to our areas of responsibility. The UN's goals for sustainable development concern, among other things, these societal challenges, but also man's use and management of biological natural resources.
The program is given in English.
Programme courses
Main fields of study: SV = Forestry Science, BI = Biology
Course (main field of study, level)
Year 1
Silviculture of Temperate Forests, 15 credits (SV, A1N)
Advancements and Adaptations in Forest Management, 15 credits (SV, A1N)
National and International Forest Policy, 15 credits (SV, A1F)
Broadleaves - History, Ecology and Management, 15 credits (SV/BI, A1N)
The range of courses offered may change during the programme. This may result in a new version of the syllabus with transitional regulations. Decisions on the courses offered are taken well in advance of the next academic year.
Each course in the programme has its own syllabus with specific requirements. The SLU student web provides detailed information about when the courses are given.
Some study periods (part of a semester) SLU may offer multiple courses to choose between within the programme. Programme students are guaranteed one of these courses, provided that the entry requrements are fullfilled and that the student have applied in time.
Objectives
General objectives
The general learning outcomes for first- and second-cycle courses and programmes are specified in the Higher Education Act (Chapter 1, Sections 8–9).
Qualitative targets
The Annex to the Ordinance for the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences stipulates that for the Degree of Master (120 credits), the student shall have:
Knowledge and understanding
demonstrated knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
demonstrated specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.
Competence and skills
demonstrated the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
demonstrated the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake specialised tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work
demonstrated the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
demonstrated the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.
Judgement and approach
demonstrated the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical considerations and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
demonstrated insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
demonstrated the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.
Qualification Requirements
Degree awarded upon completion of the programme
The Master’s programme Euroforester aims at a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Forestry Science as the main field of study, a general qualification.
Students who fulfill the qualification requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) will be provided with a degree certificate upon request. The degree certificate will specify the qualification as Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Forestry Science (masterexamen med huvudområdet skogsbruksvetenskap).
Other qualifications may be awarded if the necessary requirements are fulfilled. See the SLU System of Qualifications.
The programme contains courses that, depending on courses taken and combination with previous studies within certain bachelor programmes at SLU, may provide the necessary requirements of 300 credits in total for the professional degree Jägmästarexamen (Master of Science in Forestry). See the SLU System of Qualifications.
Degree requirements
A Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Forestry Science is awarded to students who have successfully completed 120 credits, of which at least 90 credits are from second-cycle courses, from the required courses as follows:
a minimum of 30 credits from courses with specialised study in forestry science (A1N, A1F)
a minimum of 30 credits from a degree project in forestry science (A2E).
There is additional requirement of a completed Degree of Bachelor, professional degree comprising a minimum of 180 credits, or a corresponding qualification from abroad.
A maximum of 30 credits from first-cycle courses may be included, provided these credits were not included in a qualifying Degree of Bachelor, or equivalent. All courses included in a degree must be at university level, have been successfully completed and may not overlap/have similar content.
OtherInformation
General regulations for first- and second-cycle courses and programmes
For more information about semester dates, examinations and credit transfer at first and second-cycle level, see the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Possibilities for further study
Students who complete the MSc Euroforester and are awarded a degree may continue onto doctoral studies.
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