Master's Degree Programme in Wood Materials Science

MSc in Wood Materials Science provides you with state-of-the-art knowledge on wood based materials. As our student, you will learn to master the material properties of wood and wood products in relation to their chemical and physical composition and ultrastructure, and to understand how to select, modify and convert materials for various applications. 

MSc Wood Materials Science is a two-year programme (120 ECTS) and upon graduation you will receive a globally recognised Master of Science degree certificate. MSc Wood Materials Science is a taught programme and during your studies you will benefit from lectures, exercises and excursions run by our professors and senior lecturers. You will be studying in a multicultural environment and learn intercultural collaboration skills that are highly appreciated by your future employers.

MSc Wood Materials Science curriculum 2022-24

MSc WOOD MATERIALS SCIENCE CURRICULUM 2021-23
Compulsory studies, 94 ECTS
3513061 Academic skills in forest sciences 1.5 cp
3513142 Basics of wood materials science 4 cp
3622111 Basic statistics in English 5 cp
3514017 Industrial forest biotechnology and biorefining 6 cp
8020270 Information skills and sources in science and forestry for international students 1 cp
3513135 Innovation management 4 cp
3513162 Laboratory practices and methods for wood material science 5 cp
3513139 M.Sc. thesis 30 cp
3513141 Maturity test 0 cp
3513130 Organic and biomass chemistry 6 cp
3513147 Perspectives to bioeconomy 6 cp
3513136 Practical training in wood material science 10 cp
3513148 Research methodology in forest sciences 3.5 cp
3513159 Structure and properties of wood-based materials 5 cp
3513166 Thesis seminar in wood material science 2 cp
3352578 Wood-based solid and composite materials 5 cp

Alternative studies, choose 18-26 ECTS
3312073 Applications of photonics 4 cp
3410316 Basic principles of mass spectrometry 4 cp
3513019 Bioenergy markets and policies 6 cp
3410364 Biological mass spectrometry 3 cp
3410365 Chemistry of biofuels 4 cp
3513150 Co-management of natural resources 5 cp
3513040 Economics of multiple-use forestry 3 cp
3513057 Fibrous products 5 cp
3513055 Forest products mechanics 6 cp
3513151 International forest governance and environmental policy 5 cp
3352572 Material techniques 5 cp
3513058 Measurement, scaling and instrumentation 5 cp
3123186 Optical methods in plant biology and environmental research 5 cp
3312039 Paper and printing optics 4 cp
3410369 Polymers and nanomaterials 4 cp
3513129 Supply and energy use of lignocellulosic biomass 6 cp

Additional studies, choose 0-8 cp
8015013 Academic writing skills for students in the international master's degree programmes of the school of forest sciences 3 cp
1130007 Career planning - international students seeking a job or traineeship in Finland 2 cp
3352573 Characterization of materials 5 cp
3513127 Current issues in forest conservation and biodiversity 3 cp
3122324 Book examination, plant physiology 1-7 cp
3123198 Function of plants in changing environment 8 cp
3513149 Intensive forest management and production of forest biomass 3 cp
3310306 Numerical methods in photonics 2 cp
1131003 Orientation for international students 1 cp
8031006 University computing skills 2 cp
8031003 University study skills 1 cp

See WebOodi study register for more information on the courses

What you should do before your studies begin?

Please familiarize yourself with the new students' material carefully. We have complated an extensive information site for all the new students: Kamu Student Handbook - New Students Orientation

BEFORE ARRIVAL

1. Confirm your study place.
2. Sign and return your Student Agreement.
3. Find out if you need a visa and residence permit for your studies in Finland and if needed, submit your application immediately.
4. Apply for housing as soon as possible.
5. Get an insurance.
6. Have your degree certificates attested and legalized and sent according to the country specific requirements to your programme coordinator. 
7. Plan your travelling schedule and arrival.
8. Non-EU/EEA students: pay the first instalment of your tuition fee unless you have been given an exemption from it.
9. It is possible to register as a student at UEF at this point if you can pay the Student Union membership fee on-line. If you cannot pay the fee on-line, you can register as a university student after your arrival on campus. Student Union information for new students.
10. Keep in touch with your programme coordinator and your student tutor. Your student tutor will contact you during summer. Inform your student tutor about your arrival details.

AFTER ARRIVAL

1. Register as a student at UEF.
2. Activate your UEF user account.
3. Participate in the Orientation for International Students.
4. Participate in the School's and WMS's welcoming, see Smart Start for schedule.
5. Register for the courses in WebOodi.
6. You can download the mobile app for students: Tuudo. Tuudo includes for example course registration, timetable generator, menus for campus restaurants, schedules for local buses.
7. Submit your original degree certificate to your study coordinator for verification. See country specific requirements for more information. 
8. Start studying and enjoying the active student life at UEF. See for example the UEF sports services SYKETTÄ.

1. Wood is the material for the future

Wood materials science sector in the world is in constant demand for new experts and innovators. MSc in Wood Materials Science provides you with state-of-the-art knowledge on wood based materials and opens you doors internationally. As our student, you will learn to master the physical and mechanical properties of wood in relation to its chemical composition and ultrastructure, and to understand how to select, modify and convert materials for various applications.  Our graduates have found job opportunities in many walks of life, for example as technology specialists, researchers, and project managers in the development organisations and R&D departments of bio-based mechanical and chemical industry or energy cluster. After graduation you will become a member of this alumni network, which supports you in your endeavours.

2. Finland is among the world leaders in forest bioeconomy

Finland is known for its forests and the industrial cluster built around it. The field is evolving rapidly with new products and companies entering the market continuously, while also the traditional materials such as print papers, tissues and packaging boards are economically significant. You are also likely to be surrounded by wood derived materials and chemicals, at home, in the car, at the office... everywhere! It's not always that obvious but it is continuously growing in significance. Your cosmetics, healthcare products, furniture, house interior and heat energy can originate from the forest, as may the diesel in your car. Pretty soon you may wear wood-derived clothing or have a prescription for wood-based medicine. Wood will replace a lot of plastics and metals, but also come up with totally new renewable products with the help of chemistry and nanosciences. 

3. University of Eastern Finland is one of the best universities in the world

The University of Eastern Finland is among the best universities in the world ranking #53 according to the Times Higher Education that publishes a list of the world's top universities under 50 years of age. UEF Faculty of Science and Forestry is among the best higher educational units globally in the field of forest sciences and it is in close cooperation with universities such as:  University of British Columbia, Canada University of Freiburg, Germany University of São Paulo, Brazil Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden Wageningen University, the Netherlands Federal University of Paraná, Brazil Northwest A&F University, China and institutes such as  European Forest Institute, Finland (Europe) Natural Resources Institute Finland, Finland Innventia, Sweden Max Planck Institute, Germany TERI Institute, India VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Finland

4. Joensuu is the HUB for forest sciences

University of Eastern Finland is located in Joensuu, which is the European HUB for forest and wood science. Joensuu is also called the Forestry Capital of Europe because of it is home to many internationally recognised forest and wood cluster organisations.  Did you know that:  the head quarters of European Forest Institute are located right off the UEF campus in Joensuu John Deere factory in Joensuu is the biggest producer of cut-to-length forest harvesting machines Finnish Fortum Ltd operates the world's first industrial scale bio-oil pyrolysis plant near our Joensuu campus Natural Resources Institute Finland is known for its world class research in e.g forest bioeconomy and its Joensuu Unit is located just across the street from UEF Faculty of Science and Forestry

5. Finland is a safe country

Finland is a safe, clean, high-tech country where most of the people speak English. Finland is a good place to live and study. It is one of the Nordic countries where personal safety, clean environment, equity of genders and high technology are taken for granted. Finland is one of the least corrupted countries in the world, its people speak English as a second language widely which makes it easy for international students to get by in the society. This is Finland!