Degree Programme in Sustainable Forest Management | Bachelor of Natural Resources | full-time

The bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Forest Management is a four-year programme, consisting of 240 credits. Studying takes place in beautiful Evo campus, around 40 km from Hämeenlinna city center. The campus is well known for its unique demonstration forest of 1800 ha that is located right at the campus area. The learning environment supports practical learning methods and is a great resource for students. No wonder a great deal of the studies is executed outside in the fresh air, right in the demonstration forest.

Content of the studies 

The studies are executed in modules, 15 credits each. Core competence studies, thesis work and two internship periods are mandatory for all students. In the core competence studies student learns more about sustainable forestry, forest measurement, timber harvesting and procurement, forest ecology and forest planning. Core competence studies are executed during the first study year.

In addition to core competence studies, student can choose profiling studies according to their interest during the second and third year. This a great way to mold the degree to suit your interests and future career plans. In the profiling studies, students can choose to deepen their knowledge for example in wood procurement, planning and management of forest resources and production of services in forestry, GIS, recreational usage of forests and renewable energy resources. Profiling studies can also be chosen from other degree programmes in HAMK, or other higher education institutes in Finland or abroad.

Studying outdoors

In the full-time studies, the studying happens on campus with other students. In the degree programme, students will study in classes, independently and in teams with other students. The aim is to spend less time inside in the classroom and more outside, in the demonstration forest. For example, a lecturer can give a student a task that is worked on in the demonstration forest with other students. Practical learning in the nature goes on throughout the year, but as seasons change the amount of time spent in the nature is modified. This means that in the winter when there is snow in the ground, students spend less time outdoors.

More about the role of bioeconomy 

The bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Forest Management is a part of HAMK’s School of Bioeconomy. The role of bioeconomy in controlling climate change is significant. Ecologically, socially and economically sustainable activities have a crucial influence on e.g. where and how different kinds of biomasses are produced, utilized and further processed to new innovations. The visions must turn into concrete responsible actions. This demands ability to make decisions, to research and advance development. Sustainable development is the key to sustainable bioeconomy, which enables good living possibilities for the present and future generations by using renewable natural resources in a responsible way.