Programme syllabus

Entry 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.

Content

Programme description

Overall description

The Euroforester Master’s Programme has an international profile, and focuses on the sustainable management of forest ecosystems and landscapes while adapting forest management to global climate change. The programme enables students to specialise in temperate and boreal forests in Europe. The courses given during the first year form the core of the programme. Students then select programme courses to either specialise or broaden their subject knowledge and complete an independent project.

Content and implementation

In the first year, the programme’s profile courses will provide a broadened understanding of the main subject. These courses focus on the silviculture and climate adaptation of temperate and boreal forests, ecology, restoration and forestry policy.

During the first year, the programme courses involve a progression in both subject knowledge and general skills. A considerable component of the programme will involve analyses of established and novel forest management systems and how they impact both production and ecosystem services. Policy forms the interface between forest and society. The course discusses elements such as ethical issues and the global challenge involved in balancing the use and preservation of forest resources and societal development. The effects of modern forestry on biodiversity are discussed together with strategies for conserving, managing and restoring of forest ecosystems. An important element of the programme involves understanding the ecology, biodiversity, history and management of forests, together with their financial, recreational and societal potential.

During year two, elective courses enable specialisation within the student’s chosen subject areas that include forest regeneration, modelling and management of urban forests and trees. It is possible to take the elective courses at SLU or at another university either in Sweden or abroad. The degree project enables students to create a smaller research project in which they synthesise and apply the subject knowledge they have gained.

Teaching and learning

The programme focuses on student-activated learning processes. Learning by doing is a basic principle that is realised through the field excursions and study trips included in the programme. Teaching forms include working with system models and student-led seminars, field exercises and analysing scientific articles. Individual written assignments make up the majority of summative assessments, as well as presentations and individual examinations. By using planning tools and production and landscape simulators, students develop skills in various strategies for climate adaptation, forest inventories and modelling. An increased understanding of complex problems is generated following discussions on the latest issues together with representatives from public authorities, conservationists, the timber industry and non-governmental organisations. The course’s content and pedagogical methods train the student’s ability to present and discuss their knowledge, as well as presenting arguments in local, regional, national and international contexts. Great emphasis is also placed on analyses between different countries. These activities aim to develop the student’s ability to manage uncertain decision-making situations in their future careers.

Additional information

A successful study environment is characterised by openness, gender equality and inclusiveness. SLU works actively with gender equality and equal opportunities to promote a climate that draws upon the diverse backgrounds, lives and skills of students and staff.

SLU’s profile focuses on knowledge of biological natural resources. Societal challenges such as the supply of raw materials, water and energy, and climate change tie in with our areas of responsibility. These challenges, and humankind’s use and management of biological natural resources, form some of the UN goals for sustainable development.

The programme is taught in English.

Courses on the programme

Main fields of study: SV = Forestry science, BI = Biology

Course (main field of study, specialisation)

Year 1 
Silviculture of Temperate Forests, 15 credits (SV, A1N)
Sustainable Forest Management - Analysis and Adaptations, 15 credits (SV, A1N)
National and International Forest Policy, 15 credits (SV, A1N)
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 in Forestry science, 30/60 credits (SV, A2E)
Elective courses

The courses offered may change during the programme. This may result in a new version of the programme syllabus containing transitional provisions. Decisions on the courses offered are taken well in advance of the next academic year.

For each course on the programme, there is a course syllabus which specifies the details of the course. Information on when the courses are offered is available on the SLU student web.

During certain study periods (parts of a semester), SLU offers several programme courses from which the student can choose. Students are guaranteed a place on one of these courses, provided they meet the admission requirements and have applied before the deadline.

Objectives

General outcomes

The general outcomes for first and second-cycle courses and programmes are specified in the Higher Education Act (Chapter 1, Sections 8–9).

Objectives for a Degree of Master (120 credits)

In accordance with the annex to the Ordinance for the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, for a 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 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.

OtherInformation

General regulations for first and second cycle courses and programmes

For more information about semester dates, examination, credit transfer and admissions to the latter part of programmes, see the Education Planning and Administration Handbook on the SLU student web.

Possibilities for further study

Students who complete the Euroforester Master’s programme and are awarded a degree have the opportunity to continue their studies at doctoral level.