Program structure

The Master's Degree Programme in Environmental Policy and Law at the University of Eastern Finland is a two-year, full-time program comprising 120 ECTS credits. The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental law and policy, with opportunities for specialization.

Programme Structure:

1. Core Courses (25 ECTS):

   • Introduction to Master's Degree Studies, Environmental Policy and Law (5 ECTS): An overview of the program, including its structure, study methods, and graduation requirements.
   • Introduction to Environmental Law (5 ECTS): Fundamental principles and frameworks of environmental law.
   • Sustainability and Natural Resources (5 ECTS): Exploration of sustainable management and utilization of natural resources.
   • Academic Legal Writing (3 ECTS): Development of advanced legal writing skills.
   • Environmental Policy Instruments and Natural Resources Governance (5 ECTS): Examination of policy tools and governance structures in environmental management.
   • Climate Change Law and Policy (5 ECTS): Analysis of legal and policy responses to climate change.

2. Major Studies (75 ECTS):

   • Students select one of the following majors:
     • Natural Resources Governance:
       • Compulsory Courses (15 ECTS):
         • Theories and Methods for Social Studies of Environmental Issues (5 ECTS)
         • Community Engagement and Conflict Resolution in Natural Resources (5 ECTS)
         • Natural Resource Governance (5 ECTS)
       • Elective Courses (20 ECTS):
         • Options include courses on environmental collaboration, conflict resolution, global environmental politics, and more.
       • Master's Thesis (40 ECTS):
         • Comprehensive research project culminating in a thesis.
     • Environmental and Climate Change Law:
       • Compulsory Courses (25 ECTS):
         • Public International Law (5 ECTS)
         • European Environmental Law (5 ECTS)
         • International Environmental Law I (5 ECTS)
         • Public EU Law (5 ECTS)
         • Seminar on International and European Environmental Law (5 ECTS)
       • Elective Courses (20 ECTS):
         • Options include courses on international energy law, WTO and environmental issues, international water law, and more.
       • Master's Thesis (30 ECTS):
         • In-depth research project leading to a thesis.

3. Elective Studies (20 ECTS):

   • Students can choose courses that complement their major, including:
     • Courses offered by the Law School
     • Courses from the Department of Geographical and Historical Studies
     • Practical Training
     • Courses from other faculties or departments

This structure ensures a balanced education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in environmental policy and law.

For detailed information and specific inquiries, please visit the official UEF website or contact the programme coordinator.

Fees and Funding

The Master's Degree Programme in Environmental Policy and Law at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) has the following tuition fees and funding options:

Tuition Fees:

• EU/EEA Nationals: No tuition fee.
• Non-EU/EEA Nationals: €10,000 per academic year.

Funding Opportunities:

• Tuition Waivers: UEF offers tuition waivers to all non-EU/EEA students admitted to the program. These waivers cover 50% of the tuition fee, reducing the annual fee to €5,000.

• Early Bird Discount: A one-time €500 discount on the first year's tuition fee is available for applicants who accept their study place and pay the tuition fee within two weeks of the admission results being published.

Additional Considerations:

• Scholarships and tuition waivers do not cover living expenses or travel costs to Finland. Applicants should ensure they have adequate funds to cover these expenses.

• Erasmus Mundus and Joint Degree programmes have separate scholarship schemes. Applicants interested in these should consult the specific programme's website for more information.

For detailed and up-to-date information, please refer to UEF's official Tuition Fees, Waivers, and Scholarships page.

Scholarship Guidance

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) offers several funding opportunities for students enrolled in the Master's Degree Programme in Environmental Policy and Law:

1. UEF Scholarship:

• Coverage: 100% tuition waiver for the entire duration of the studies (2 years for Master's programmes).
• Eligibility: Awarded to the highest-ranked tuition fee-liable student based on admission results.
• Application: Applicants subject to tuition fees can apply for this scholarship during the university application process by completing the relevant section on the application form.

2. Tuition Waiver:

• Coverage: Up to 50% of the tuition fee.
• Eligibility: Granted to a limited number of applicants based on academic merit.
• Application: Applicants can apply for this waiver during the university application process by completing the relevant section on the application form.

3. Finnish Language Scholarship:

• Coverage: Specific details are provided during the studies.
• Eligibility: Available to students who demonstrate progress in learning the Finnish language during their studies at UEF.
• Application: Information on applying for this scholarship is provided after enrollment.

Additional Considerations:

• Early Bird Discount: A one-time deduction of €500 for the autumn semester is available to students who accept their study place and pay the tuition fee within three weeks of the result publication.
• Living Expenses: Scholarships and tuition waivers do not cover living expenses or travel costs to Finland. Applicants should ensure they have adequate funds to cover these expenses.
• Financial Planning: Prospective students are advised to finalize their financial plans well in advance, as scholarships and waivers are limited and competitive.

For detailed and up-to-date information, please refer to UEF's official Tuition Fees, Waivers, and Scholarships page.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Master's Degree Programme in Environmental Policy and Law at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Educational Background:

• Bachelor's Degree: A completed bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as law, social sciences, environmental sciences, or a related discipline.

2. Language Proficiency:

• English Language Skills: Proficiency in English is mandatory. Applicants can demonstrate this by:
  • Language Tests: Achieving the minimum required scores in recognized English language tests, such as:
    • TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 92, with a minimum of 22 in writing.
    • IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in writing.
    • PTE Academic: Overall score of 62, with a minimum of 54 in writing.
  • Previous Education: Completing a bachelor's, master's, or higher degree in English in EU/EEA countries, or in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States. The degree must be taught and assessed entirely in English.

3. Application Documents:

• Degree Certificate and Transcript: Officially certified copies of the bachelor's degree certificate and transcript of records, along with English translations if the originals are not in English, Finnish, or Swedish.
• Proof of English Proficiency: Valid language test results or documentation of exemption.
• Motivation Letter: A letter outlining the applicant's reasons for applying to the programme and how it aligns with their career goals.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV highlighting educational background, work experience, and other relevant information.
• Copy of Passport: A copy of the information page of the applicant's passport.

4. Application Process:

• Application Period: The application window is from January 8 to January 22, 2025.
• Submission: Applications are submitted online through the Studyinfo.fi portal.
• Document Submission Deadline: All required documents must be uploaded by January 29, 2025, at 15:00 (Helsinki time, GMT+3).

For detailed information and specific inquiries, please visit the official UEF website or contact the programme coordinator.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Master's Degree Programme in Environmental Policy and Law at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), please follow these steps:

1. Application Period:

• Start Date: January 8.
• End Date: January 22, at 15:00 (UTC+2)

2. Application Portal:

• Submit your application through the national Studyinfo portal: studyinfo.fi

3. Required Documents:

• Degree Certificates and Transcripts: Officially certified copies of your bachelor's degree certificate and transcript of records.
• Proof of English Proficiency: Valid language test results or documentation of exemption.
• Motivation Letter: A letter outlining your reasons for applying to the programme and how it aligns with your career goals.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV highlighting your educational background, work experience, and other relevant information.
• Copy of Passport: A copy of the information page of your passport.

4. Document Submission Deadline:

• All required documents must be uploaded to the application form by January 29, at 15:00 (UTC+2).

5. Application Instructions:

• Ensure all documents are in PDF or JPEG format, with a maximum file size of 1.0 GB.
• Upload each document to the appropriate section of the application form.
• Scanned copies of original documents are accepted; paper copies are not required during the application period.
• Late submissions will not be processed.

6. Contact Information:

• For assistance, contact UEF Admissions Office: admissions@uef.fi

For detailed information and specific inquiries, please visit the official UEF website or contact the programme coordinator.