Programme syllabus

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)

Year 2 
Forest Regeneration, 7,5 credits (SV, A1N)
Forest Modelling, 7,5 credits (SV, A1N)
Master's thesis, 30/60 credits (SV, A2E)
Elective courses

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.