UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI MURE

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1 UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI MURE Master s Degree Programme in Multidisciplinary Studies on Urban Environmental Issues a two-year programme in Lahti and Helsinki, Finland

2 2 MURE Become an expert in multidisciplinary urban environmental issues Multidisciplinary expertise in urban environments is in demand throughout the world. More than half of the world s population lives in cities and urbanisation is an ever-spreading global phenomenon. Consequently, problems related to infrastructure, pollution, destruction and fragmentation of the natural environment and ecological processes, as well as social issues have come to a head. The programme is organised by the Department of Environmental Sciences (in the cities of Lahti and Helsinki). Teaching is closely linked to research at the University of Helsinki. International research groups in Lahti and Helsinki provide good student support and guarantee up-to-date and high-quality teaching. The first group of students started in the fall of You can find some of their comments and experiences on our website (see below). Programme website:

3 What will you learn? 3 MURE will provide you with multidisciplinary knowledge on ecology as well as on socio-ecological and technical problems and solutions. The focus is on sustainable development: how to create multidisciplinary and sustainable urban planning and policy strategies. The programme nurtures skills for participating in discussion across sectors as well as to utilise the latest research-generated knowledge. The programme consists of three parts; General Studies, Major Subject Studies, and Free Choice Studies. Studies are based on your personal study plan, which gives you an opportunity to modify your studies according to your own interests. General Studies include courses on writing skills, while Major Subject Studies include an obligatory part (various courses such as Urban Ecosystem Ecology, Hydrology and Water Reserves, and Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, a written MSc thesis and a book exam) and an elective part (e.g., Landscape Ecology, Environmental Ethics). Your thesis is a central part of the Major Subject Studies and provides you with the skills needed to carry out scientific research. Free Choice studies include a wide variety of courses provided by the University of Helsinki and by other university units in Lahti. Multidisciplinary Studies on Urban Environmental Issues (120 ECTS is required to complete the programme) General Studies (5 ECTS) Major Subject Studies Obligatory Studies (78-84 ECTS) & Elective Studies (min. 6 ECTS) Free Choice Studies (min. 10 ECTS)

4 4 Where will the programme take you? Cities offer excellent opportunities to study and manage various anthropogenic environmental effects. We need multidisciplinary expertise and understanding in order to find sustainable and people-friendly solutions to urban environmental problems. MURE provides you with an excellent basis for a career as an expert in, for instance, public and private non-governmental environmental organisations, city administration, civil service and private companies. After completing this MSc, it is possible to start a scientific career and become a PhD student in Environmental Ecology. The multidisciplinary and international approach provided by this programme qualifies you for a broad range of employment opportunities both in Finland and abroad.

5 5 How to get in? Admission requirements A Bachelor s degree in an appropriate subject (e.g., ecology, hydrology, geography, environmental engineering or a related environmental science degree) Proficiency in English Proven interest in urban environmental issues by writing a motivation letter The programme is aimed at fulltime students Fee There is no tuition fee Further information

6 6 When to apply and study? The application period starts in November and closes at the end of January the following year. More information regarding the application period is available on our website: fi/urban. To apply go to www. helsinki.fi/admissions. The Master s Degree Programme in Multidisciplinary Studies on Urban Environmental Issues (MURE) lasts two academic years. The first two semesters (autumn-spring) are carried out in Lahti. During the third and fourth semesters, courses can be taken in Lahti and/or Helsinki, depending on your course selection and interest.

7 Why the University of Helsinki? 7 The University of Helsinki is the oldest, largest and most multidisciplinary institution of higher education in Finland. It is also the only Finnish member of the League of Research Universities in Europe. The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences is a prominent scientific and educational unit in the life sciences. It is located at university campuses in the cities of Lahti and Helsinki, which provide a stimulating environment to study, combining the attractions of city life in close proximity to nature. The Environmental Campus in Lahti is a remarkable environmental research, education and company cluster in Finland. There, courses are provided in collaboration with other local university units. The Viikki Campus in Helsinki is an internationally recognised centre for life sciences in Europe and provides a dynamic and innovative environment for education and research.

8 University of Helsinki Established in faculties: Agriculture and Forestry, Arts, Behavioural Sciences, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, Social Sciences, Theology, Veterinary Medicine degree students, international students degrees per year, of which 450 are doctorates employees, of whom are researchers and teachers Organising unit Department of Environmental Sciences (Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences), Lahti and Viikki Campuses (primarily in Lahti) MURE website: Lahti in the centre of southern Finland Over inhabitants in Lahti, in the region Offers all the services of a big city Wide range of cultural services and a varied terrain with unique nature and waterways (to be opened in Spring 2011) Helsinki the capital of Finland Over inhabitants in Helsinki with 1.3 million in the region Centre of government, business, culture and science