MSc in Forest and Nature Management
Forests and nature have many important functions. They protect the biological diversity, provide pure drinking water, produce trees and give us experiences such as hunting, fishery and recreation. Forests are important for the well being of the entire earth – animals, plants, humans, the climate and the environment rely on them.
Content
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About the programme
Study programme
In touch with real life
Career opportunities
Admission criteria and admission
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As MSc in Forest and Nature Management you are involved in finding a sustainable balance between ecology, economy and society. The programme gives you a basic knowledge about the biology, soil and ecological cycle of forests. You learn how to think strategically, holistically and in long terms. You will become capable of taking responsibility and put ideas and visions into action. And you are going to work with economy, management and rules and regulations that control the use of our forests and nature.
The first year is a theme on the management and ecology of forest and nature areas. You will learn about the mechanisms of forests and nature and you will apply your knowledge by studying current cases. Later in the programme you will follow the theme course Sustainable Management of Forests and Natural Resources. You will work on a long term plan for the management of a given area.
Additionally the programme will teach you about management and planning and you will develop your abilities to cooperate, to solve conflicts and negotiate. Half a semester is reserved for elective courses which allow you to personalise your education. For instance you can enhance your education with courses on economy, tropical forestry, management and human resources, landscape management or communication.
Excursions and field trips are part of the programme and give you the chance to experience real problems and how they are solved. You also have to opportunity to work as a volunteer or to study abroad during your education. Once you have completed your thesis you will get the degree MSc in Forest and Nature Management.
The structure of the programme depends on which courses you choose to follow. One year is divided into block 1, 2, 3 and 4. One block is equal to 15 ECTS and 9 weeks.
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The dark fields are compulsory |
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The medium fields are MSc thesis |
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The light fields are elective courses |
*) One of the two courses must be passed
The programme is completed with a 30- or 45-credit thesis within the disciplines of the programme. In connection with a thesis of 45 credits, experimental work must be included.
The compulsory courses and the thesis constitute the core subjects of the programme (at least 90 credits).
There are at least 15 credits for elective courses and other study activities.
The programme may include trainee service.
Theme courses
In block 1 you will follow the theme Management and Ecology of Forest and Nature Areas. You will learn about the mechanisms of forests and nature and you will apply your knowledge by studying current cases and work on a long term plan for sustainable management. Excursions and field trips are part of the programme and give you the chance to experience real problems and how they are solved.
Later in the programme you will follow the theme course Sustainable Management of Forest and Natural Resources. The course gives you a chance to apply all the knowledge you have obtained to work on a long term plan for the management of a given area.
Obligatory courses
You have to follow the courses:
- Applied Forest and Natural Resource Economics
- Natural Resource Sampling and Modeling
- Conflict Management
- Project Management and planning
These courses give you the tools to solve problems on a high professional level.
Elective courses
The elective courses are your opportunity to create you own academic profile. You can choose courses which either elaborate on or expand your professional competency. You can follow the courses either on LIFE, on one of the other faculties at the University of Copenhagen or at other Danish and international universities. The elective courses are equal to two blocks or 30 ECTS.
For instance you can enhance your education with courses on economy, tropical forestry, management and human resources, landscape management or communication.
Thesis
The thesis is the final part of your degree. It is your opportunity to concentrate on an academic problem which interests you over half or three quarter of a year (30 - 45 ECTS). You can choose to write the thesis independently or in a group.
There are plenty of opportunities to achieve an international profile, for instance by taking courses at some of the partner universities which LIFE has in e.g. Europe, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. LIFE has a well established collaboration between students and the private sector which provides you with great opportunities to make your thesis in collaboration with a private company or to have an internship. You will get in touch with real life as you are going to work with some of the challenges which are important outside the university and it will provide you with unique experience and a good network.
- You can work with forests, nature and the environment either in the public or private sector, e.g. on a strategic level (planning) or a practical level (management of a forest).
- Others choose to work as researchers, teachers or counsellors or to work in organisations and companies of varies kind in Denmark or abroad.
Read more about the specific admission requirements here.
Application deadline for Danish citizens holding a BSc degree from LIFE is 1 June and 1 December.
Application deadline for applicants from other faculties or Danish universities and who are Danish or EU citizens is 1 June.
Application deadline for applicants from non-EU/EEA countries is 1 January.
The programme starts in February (only for bachelors from LIFE) and August.
Read more about application requirements, tuition fees and scholarships.
You are always welcome to contact our Student Services if you have any questions about the programme, student life etc. You can contact the Student Services by e-mail at or by calling +45 3533 3533.
Michael Guldager, - last update:10 March 2010