Degree Programme in Forestry

Qualification Awarded and the Level of Qualification

Bachelor of Forestry, EQF 6

Contact Information

Timo Parkkinen, Manager +358 40 548 0036
Ari Vanamo, Head of Degree Programme + 358 40 561 6873

Special Admission Requirements

General admission criteria, see TAMK’s websites.

Recognition of Prior Learning

It is possible for students to have their prior competence recognised.
See TAMK’s credit transfer guidelines

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

Completion of curriculum studies and achievement of related competence objectives.
Further information:
TAMK Degree Regulations
Ministry of Education and Culture

Profile of the Programme

The degree is a bachelor-level professional higher education degree.
The degree complies with the criteria set by the Finnish national degree system as well as with the European framework for degrees and other competence.
Ministry of Education and Culture

Key Learning Outcomes

The main learning objectives in this program are; understanding the forest as an ecosystem, knowing how to measure trees and estimate stand characters, using GIS data, making and realizing different silvicultural and logging plans, understanding the importance of private forestry in Finland and learning to know forest owners and their objectives, knowing the principles of different enterprises on the forestry sector, knowing the basics of project work
During the first year studies the students get a general understanding of the forest as an ecosystem and learn also the principles of silviculture. At the same time they get to know the basics of logging and harvesting, the products and processes where wood is used and also the requirements for different wood qualities. The second study year is more concentrated on harvesting and harvesting planning. Also forest bioenergy issues are studied. The role of forests and forestry in the society is also one topic, as well as the use of GIS in forestry, silvicultural alternatives and their economical comparison and making and updating a forest management plan.
The third study year concentrates on business, forest owners and their objectives, forestry extension and project management. All students realize a little working-life project during their third study year. Between the third and fourth study year the students have their training period, in different forestry organizations. During the fourth year the students deepen their competence on some special areas and also make their final thesis

Occupational Profiles of Graduates with Examples

Bachelors of forestry work in different fields of forestry. They can for example make and realize silvicultural plans and make forest inventories. Many are specialists in wood supply – for example buying timber from private forest owners or planning and realizing timber harvesting or timber transport operations. Some work with private forest owners advicing and training them.
Graduates often get their first placement in some kind of project work. Work placements can be found both in private sector, such as forest industry and forest owners´associations, and also in the public sector. Some bachelors of forestry establish their own enterprise.

Access to Further Studies

After the bachelor studies the graduates can apply to master studies to universities or universities of applied sciences. In order to apply to master studies in a university of applied sciences, at least 3 years of working life experience after graduation in the related field is a prerequisite.

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

Assessment of study performances is based on See arviointi
The detailed assessment criteria can be found in course implementation plans. The teaching and assessment methods are agreed on with students at the beginning of each course.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of studies and achievement of competence objectives in the extent set by the curriculum (240 cr.)

Mode of Study

4- year program, 240 credit units.

Development of the Programme

During the preparation of the curriculum the comments of the advisory board have been made use of. The advisory board consists of working life members. Also the alumni who have graduated earlier of this programme, have been interviewed.