Over 100 Applications for a New Master’s Programme – Training Experts to Meet the Needs of the Natural Resources Sector in Finland and Globally
News
The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Helsinki will launch a new Master’s Programme in Technologies for Sustainable Use of Renewable Resources in autumn 2026. The programme responds to the growing demand for sustainability and technology experts in the food, forestry and bioeconomy sectors, both in Finland and internationally. The programme received more than 100 applications from across Finland and around the world. As part of the studies, field periods that are relatively rare in university education will be carried out, among others, in companies based in Satakunta.
The new programme expands opportunities to study natural resources technology in Finland and helps address the skills needs identified by companies in the sector. For businesses, key areas of expertise include the utilisation of side streams, the development of alternative materials, and the ability to combine responsible and efficient business solutions.
Students Learn to Solve Challenges in the Use of Natural Resources with New Technologies
The master’s programme educates experts who apply new technologies to solve challenges related to the sustainable use of natural resources. The core of the studies includes data utilisation, automation, artificial intelligence, simulations and modelling, as well as various measurement and positioning technologies. These are applied, for example, to food and forestry production chains while taking different dimensions of sustainability into account.
“To support the launch of the programme, the University of Helsinki has received strong regional partner funding for the years 2026–2029. This funding enables the implementation of the programme, the organisation of field periods in Satakunta, and the establishment of a local University of Helsinki team in the region,” says Project Manager Janne Ussa from the City of Rauma.
Field Periods Strengthen Expertise and Links to Business Life
Teaching will take place at the University of Helsinki’s Viikki Campus, complemented by field studies carried out in cooperation with companies in Satakunta. More than ten companies in the region are already involved in the programme, and additional companies and other partners are expected to join.
Satakunta is a strong region in the food and forest industries. For example, the food sector currently employs approximately 12,000 people in the region, and labour demand is expected to increase by around 10 per cent in the near future.
Each student completes a total of 4–6 weeks of field studies during the academic year, which is relatively uncommon in university master’s programmes. The University of Helsinki is responsible for the practical arrangements of the one-week field study periods, while the master’s programme designs their content in cooperation with companies and other partners.
Programme Director Ville Luoma notes that “the master’s programme has attracted a great deal of positive interest, and we received over 100 student applications in the January application round from Finland and internationally. In addition, recruitment for the University of Helsinki’s local team is now beginning.”
“Developing regional education provision is an important factor for vitality,” says Esa Mäki, CEO of Apetit Plc. Petri Toivola, Business Director at HKFoods Plc, adds that “cooperation with companies is a key part of this programme, offering good opportunities for research collaboration as well.” The new master’s programme supports regional skills and research needs, strengthens cooperation between the University of Helsinki, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences and other educational institutions, and creates a direct pathway for highly educated experts into companies in the region.
