The Master's Degree Program in Environmental Policy and Law at the University of Eastern Finland offers a comprehensive education designed to prepare students for addressing the complex environmental challenges faced by society today. This program focuses on the development, implementation, and analysis of policies and legal frameworks aimed at promoting sustainable development and environmental protection. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the legal principles that underpin environmental governance, both nationally and internationally, as well as the policy-making processes that influence environmental decision-making at various levels.

Throughout the program, students explore a wide range of topics including environmental law, climate change policy, resource management, biodiversity conservation, and the role of public participation in environmental decision-making. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling students to critically analyze environmental issues, develop policy proposals, and navigate the legal landscape related to environmental protection. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from law, political science, economics, and environmental studies to equip students with a holistic perspective.

Students benefit from a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, case studies, and practical projects, often in collaboration with governmental agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. This collaborative approach enhances real-world understanding and prepares graduates for careers in policy advisory roles, environmental consultancy, legal practice, and positions within governmental and non-governmental organizations.

The program also offers opportunities for international exchange and collaboration, reflecting the global nature of environmental issues and the need for international legal and policy solutions. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to contribute to the development of sustainable solutions that reconcile economic development with environmental preservation. Overall, the Master's Degree in Environmental Policy and Law from the University of Eastern Finland is an ideal choice for students interested in making a tangible impact on environmental policies and laws that shape the future of our planet.

Students successfully completing the programme are awarded with one of the following degrees, depending on their previous degrees and major:

1) Master in Social Sciences (MSocSc)
2) Master of International and Comparative Law (MICL)
3) Finnish Master of Laws (OTM) in accordance with specified criteria*

• Master's degree comprises 120 ECTS credits (cp) and takes approx 2 years of full-time studying.
• The degree consists of a major subject (100 cp) and elective studies (20 cp). Also some orientation studies and a Master's thesis are included.
• There are no restrictions concerning the maximum amount of credits.
• The language of the programme is English. Students are required to complete at least 80 % of the courses in English.

Students whose right to study commences on 1 August 2014 will be awarded a Master's Degree in Social Sciences (MSocSc) after successful completion of the Programme.

Students whose right to study commences on 1 August 2015 and who major in Environmental and Climate Change Law will be awarded the degree of Master of International and Comparative Law (MICL) after successful completion of the Programme.

Students whose right to study commences on 1 August 2015 and who major in Natural Resources Governance will be awarded the degree of Master's in Social Sciences (MSocSc) after successful completion of the Programme.

In Finland, the MICL degree does not qualify for positions in the judiciary or to practice law (e.g. as a judge or a lawyer). For such positions, a Finnish Master of Laws degree (oikeustieteen maisteri, OTM) is required.  

*If the student has completed a Finnish Bachelor of Laws degree (ON, oikeusnotaari) the student completes a Finnish Master of Laws (OTM, oikeustieteen maisteri) degree.

Eligibility

A previous Bachelor's degree corresponding to at least 3 year's of full time academic studies from an institution for higher education is required from all Master's degree applicants. The degree should entitle the applicant to apply to Master's studies in the country where the degree has been awarded and it should be from the same or similar field of study as the studies the applicant is applying to.

Some programmes accept a temporary degree certificate if it was awarded no more than five years earlier. The five-year validity period begins from the date on which the degree was conferred and must not expire prior to the application deadline. In other words, a temporary degree certificate is not accepted if it was awarded more than five years ago. In such cases, the applicant must present his or her final degree certificate.

It is possible to apply to some programmes even if you have not yet graduated. This depends on the programme so always check the website and the admission requirements of each programme. If you have not graduated by the time the application period for the programme begins, you are required to submit an officially certified copy of your latest transcript of records (please also note Country-specific requirements). If you receive the degree certificate and the final transcript of records during the application period, it is recommended that you submit them as well.

In most cases, a conditional acceptance is possible if the applicant finishes the Bachelor's degree and submits the officially certified copy of the Bachelor's or Master's degree certificate (in original language and as translations, if applicable) by August 15, 2017.

The University of Eastern Finland will have a substantial number of scholarships available for students who are required to pay tuition fees in Master’s degree programmes offered in English. The scholarships will be available for the most talented fee-paying students. The scholarship can cover the tuition fee either in full (100%) or partially (80%).

Scholarships are awarded for two academic years on the condition of completing 55 ECTS credits per academic year. Students who were not awarded a scholarship when applying for admission to the university may still be eligible for a scholarship in their second year, provided that they have applied for a scholarship and completed the required 55 ECTS credits during the first academic year as detailed in the personal study plan.

In addition to the scholarship for studies, the faculties can grant an annual scholarship to cover the student’s living expenses during the two-year Master’s degree programme. In Finland students must be able to cover all their own living costs. Own finances are also one of the requirements for the Finnish residence permit, and finances need to be available permanently on the student's bank account for the whole period the permit is applied for. Financing one's stay and studies in Finland by working is not possible. For more information about residence permit, please see Migri.fi.

The Master’s degree program in Environmental Policy and Law at the University of Eastern Finland offers students a comprehensive education in the legal, political, and societal aspects of environmental issues. Designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to address complex environmental challenges, the program combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Students gain an understanding of international, European, and national environmental policies and legislation, allowing them to analyze and develop effective legal frameworks for sustainable development. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, integrating insights from law, political science, environmental science, and economics, enabling graduates to approach environmental problems from multiple perspectives.

Throughout the program, students engage with current environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution control, and resource management. They learn to interpret and apply environmental legislation, participate in policy-making processes, and assess the legal implications of environmental decisions. The curriculum includes courses in international environmental law, policy analysis, environmental governance, and conflict resolution, providing a well-rounded skill set. Practical training opportunities, such as internships with governmental agencies, NGOs, or international organizations, are integral parts of the program, offering students real-world experience and professional networking opportunities.

The program is delivered in an international context to prepare students for careers in global environmental institutions, government ministries, law firms specializing in environmental law, or research organizations. The language of instruction is primarily English, facilitating international collaboration and communication. Graduates of the program are typically well-equipped to contribute to the development of sustainable policies and legal solutions that address some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world today. The University of Eastern Finland's strong focus on research and its connections with environmental organizations further enhance the educational experience, ensuring students are at the forefront of the latest developments in environmental policy and law.