The Master's Degree Programme in Environmental Policy and Law is an interdisciplinary two-year programme that combines group teaching and independent research with the objective of providing participants with professional skills in environmental law and policy. The programme consists of advanced study of law and policy in relation to the environment, climate change and natural resources.
All students will complete basic courses on environmental law and environmental policy. They will choose between two alternative majors:
- Environmental Policy and Natural Resources Governance: The scientific background for the major is environmental policy which offers the social scientific perspective to current environmental problems and their solutions. Within the major, you can specialise in global and local governance issues and in policy formulation and implementation. The target degree is a Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc).
- Environmental and Climate Change Law: Environmental law includes a number of specialized areas of legal practice, such as climate change law and natural resources law. Environmental lawyers can also specialize in international legal issues, EU law or national environmental legislation. The target degree is a Master of International and Comparative Law (MICL). In Finland, the MICL degree does not qualify the graduate for positions in the judiciary or to practice law (e.g. as a judge or a lawyer). These positions require a Finnish Master of Laws degree (oikeustieteen maisteri, OTM).
Students also have the possibility to minor in the opposite major (recommended) or complete minor studies in the subject area of their choosing if they complement the degree.
For instructions on how to apply and a direct link to the application form on Studyinfo, please scroll down. The application period is in January.
Key information
- Level of degree: Master's degree
- Programme duration: 2 years / 120 ECTS credits
- Language of instruction: English
- Application period: January
- Programme start: Beginning of September
- Tuition fee: EU/EEA nationals no tuition fee; non-EU/EEA nationals 10,000 €/academic year
- Study campus: Joensuu
- Modes of study: on-campus learning
Why study with us?
- Environmental policy and law are often intertwined, and our programme offers a unique opportunity to familiarise yourself with both aspects.
- The flexible degree structure allows you to design your own study path and focus on areas that match your interests.
- Teaching is based on state of the art research supported by UEF’s research communities CCEEL and RESOURCE.
- The programme has a strong international focus and prepares you for the global employment markets. It also equips you with knowledge to work as an expert in environmental policy and natural resources governance, and environmental and climate change law.
- Read our student and alumni stories!
Studies
The programme combines various teaching and learning methods bridging theory with practice. Students will also learn to conduct independent research, critical thinking and reasoned argumentation throughout their studies. Studies are offered primarily as contact teaching on-campus in Joensuu.
Our graduates pursue careers with various international institutions such as the Nordic Development Fund and European Forest Institute, national and local governments, non-profit organisations such as Greenpeace and the Centre for International Environmental Law, think tanks such as the International Institute for Sustainable Development, and the private sector, including sustainability-focused organisations and consultancies. Many graduates also pursue academic careers, securing PhD positions at UEF and other institutions.
The Environmental Policy and Law master's programme is a two-year course totalling 120 credits, with students expected to complete 60 credits each academic year, or 30 credits per semester. The autumn semester begins in early September, while the spring semester usually starts during the second week of January. Some UEF Summer School courses are held in August. Students choose their major at the end of the first year.
The master’s degree is structured in four parts. All students complete 30 credits of common compulsory studies and 55 credits of major-specific compulsory studies, including the master’s thesis and seminar. In addition, students choose 20 credits of advanced courses from a predefined list to deepen their expertise in environmental policy or law. The degree also includes 15 credits of electives, which can be e.g. language studies or courses offered by other UEF departments.
The current curriculum and information on courses is available in the Study Guide. Students receive guidance on planning and scheduling their studies at the start of their studies by participating in the Introduction to Master’s Degree Studies, Environmental Policy and Law course.
The language of the programme is English. Students are required to complete at least 80 % of the courses in English.
One year of full-time studies requires about 1600 hours of work. Lectures, exercises, seminars, independent studies and examinations have been included in this estimate of required workload of a student.
The Finnish national credit point allocation and accumulation system is equivalent to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).
The grading of courses at the University of Eastern Finland follows two basic practices: 1) Pass or Fail, or 2) applying a numerical scale with grading from 0-5 for passed courses. (5 - excellent, 0 - fail)
Students of Master's Degree Programme can apply for exchange programmes (e.g. Erasmus and Nordplus). For more information of the possibilities and practicalities, please see the university's instructions for exchange studies.
The Master’s Thesis and Thesis Seminar are compulsory components of the programme. Each student selects a thesis topic related to their major and is appointed a supervising professor who will guide the student throughout the seminar and writing process.
The Master’s thesis, which should be an independent research assignment of approximately 60–100 pages, must adhere to the seminar’s specific instructions. The seminar teaches academic research skills, methods, and peer feedback, while guiding students in choosing and refining their topics. Active participation in the seminar is mandatory.
The thesis is assessed on a scale of 0 to 5, with written feedback covering research scope, argumentation, use and presentation of sources, structure, linguistic quality, conclusions, and data accuracy. Practices and instructions may vary slightly between UEF Law School and the Department of Geographical and Historical Studies.
Recent Master's Thesis Topics
Environmental and Climate Change Law:
- Future Generations’ Rights in Climate Action: The Role of the Principle of Progressive Realization and Non-Regression
- Litigating a Just Transition: Legal Disputes Over Wind Energy in Finland
- Translating International Rules on Climate Adaptation Finance into Practice: Case Study of Multilateral Adaptation Financing through the Nordic Development Fund
- Toxic Remnants of War - Exploring the Limits of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention
- Sustainable Finance in the EU – Implications for the Operation and Compliance of Financial Institutions
Environmental Policy and Natural Resources Governance:
- The Long Debate Around Short-Lived Climate Pollutants: History of a Policy Concept and its Impact on Global Environmental Governance
- Evaluation of Companies' Motives, Values, and Views Impact on Collaborative Cross-sector Climate Action: Case Study Imatra
- Social Capital in Community Forestry: Findings from a Quick Scoping Review about Oaxaca State, Mexico
- Assessment of Mongolian Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations
- How Uncertainty Shapes Access to Resources for Local Communities: Lessons from Inhabited Forest Concessions in the Miombo Woodlands in Central Mozambique
You can find previous thesis topics in the UEF e-publications. You can also search for Master's theses in UEF Primo.
Programme coordinators, Raihanatul Jannat and Heli Siponen, offer counselling on academic matters, personal study plans, graduation paperwork, and the recognition of studies. At the start of the academic year each student will also have a one-on-one counselling session with the programme coordinators to make a personal study plan.
Student feedback is welcomed and can be shared with the responsible teacher (for course feedback), programme coordinators and directors (for semester feedback), and the department vice-head or coordinators (for general teaching and guidance).
If unsure whom to contact, the programme coordinators can provide the appropriate information.
How to apply?
Admission Criteria: The Master's Degree Programme in Environmental Policy and Law
The application period opens on 7 January 2027 and closes on 21 January 2027 at 3 PM (UTC+2). Applicants must submit their application through the national Studyinfo portal at studyinfo.fi. Each applicant may complete and submit only one application form in the first joint application round.
Eligibility criteria
A previous Bachelor's degree corresponding to at least 3 years of full-time academic studies from an institution for higher education is required from all Master's degree applicants. The degree must be awarded by an internationally recognized university. The degree must also give the right to apply for university-level master's studies in the country concerned.
- A Bachelor's degree or equivalent university degree with good academic results corresponding to at least three years of full-time study in law, public policy or another appropriate field in social sciences, interdisciplinary environmental studies, or environmental science.
- You must apply to our programme with your Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree.
- You may submit other higher educational documents (degree certificates and transcript or records) that support your application.
- You must apply to our programme with your Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree.
- The cumulative grade point average (CGPA) must be at least 3,5/5 on a scale of 0-5 (where 0 = fail, 1 = pass/sufficient and 5 = excellent).
- The CGPA and the grading scale must either be given in the degree certificate, transcript of records, or a separate, certified calculation, otherwise the application will not be considered. If the applicant’s CGPA does not follow the ECTS grading system, it will be converted accordingly during the evaluation process.
- The programme accepts applications from students who have not completed their degree by the application deadline. Such applicants must indicate their anticipated graduation date in their application and submit their latest official transcript of records. Applicants obtaining their degree certificate and the final transcript of records during the application period should send copies of the documents as soon as possible. Successful applicants are required to deliver officially certified copies of the final degree certificate and the transcript of records to the programme coordinator by 30 July 2027.
Language requirements
Applicants must demonstrate the required level of language proficiency for admission by either (1) achieving at least the minimum required results in one of the approved language tests or (2) meeting the language proficiency criteria outlined below. These requirements apply to all applicants. No exceptions or waivers of language proficiency requirements will be given.
(1) Applicants must complete one of the following language tests, with at least the minimum scores listed:
- TOEFL iBT
Total score: 92, with a minimum of 22 in writing (the test was completed before January 21, 2026)
Overall score: 4.5, with a minimum of 4.0 in each component (the test was completed on or after January 21, 2026) - IELTS Academic
Overall score: 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component - PTE Academic:
Total score: 68, with a minimum of 61 in writing - Cambridge C1 Advanced
Overall grade: C - Cambridge C2 Proficiency
Overall result corresponding to level C1 - National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI-test)
Level 5 in all subtests (reading comprehension, writing, listening comprehension, and speaking). Results from different examination sessions may be combined.
TOEFL, IELTS and PTE certificates are valid for two years from the day they are issued, i.e. the language test needs to be in effect during the application period, from 7 January 2025 onwards. The language test results must be verifiable from the online verification service of the organiser.
Kindly note the University of Eastern Finland also accepts the following tests:
- IELTS Academic online and UKVI tests, IELTS One Skill Retake test results.
- PTE Academic online and UKVI tests.
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition tests, MyBest Scores.
OR
(2) Applicants who hold one of the following do not have to take an English language test
- 2. a) A language test is not required if the applicant has completed Finnish Matriculation Examination, English language (A-language, advanced syllabus) with a minimum grade of magna cum laude approbatur (M)
- 2. b) A language test is not required if the applicant has completed their secondary education in English language in EU/EEA -countries, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand or in Switzerland. The applicants from EU/ETA -countries and Switzerland must prove the language of instruction. The medium of instruction must be clearly stated on the educational documents. If your documents do not explicitly mention English as the medium of instruction, you must provide an additional official statement issued by a representative of your educational institution confirming this.
- 2. c) A language test is not required if the applicant has completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or higher degree in an English-taught programme in EU/EEA -countries, or in one of the following countries:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South-Africa, Switzerland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
The applicants from these countries must prove the language of instruction. The medium of instruction must be clearly stated on the educational documents. If your documents do not explicitly mention English as the medium of instruction, you must provide an additional official statement issued by a representative of your educational institution confirming this.
- 2. d) A language test is not required if the applicant has completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or higher degree in an English-taught programme in Australia, Canada, Ghana, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, the United Kingdom or the United States. The applicants prove their language skills with a university degree.
The degree/programme must be taught and assessed in English (at least 50 % of the degree must be completed in English). When language proficiency is demonstrated through the education degree, the language of instruction must be clearly indicated in the educational documents.
Online studies or studies completed on offshore campuses outside the accepted countries/area cannot be used to indicate language skills, even if the degree-awarding institution is in one of the accepted countries.
A language test is not required if the applicant has completed a degree at a Finnish university or university of applied sciences, provided that the degree includes the mandatory foreign language studies in English required by Finnish degree regulations (Government Decree on University Degrees 794/2004 or Government Decree on Degrees of Universities of Applied Sciences 1129/2014).
No other degrees or statements of language proficiency will be accepted.
Attachments
The required enclosures need to be uploaded electronically to the application by 28 January 2027 at 3 PM (UTC+2) at the latest. UEF does not process application documents that have arrived after the given deadline.
General instructions concerning the certificates are available on UEF’s website: How to apply? | University of Eastern Finland in the Types of documents section.
Certificates
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- In case the required original documents are not in English, Finnish or Swedish, a complete, word-by-word literal translation into one of these three languages by an official translator is required.
- Applicants holding provisional (temporary) degree certificates may also apply for the programme. That is, the degree must be verifiably completed and the required documents of the completion of this degree must be submitted.
- An official transcript of academic records
- In case the required original documents are not in English, Finnish or Swedish, a complete, word-by-word literal translation into one of these three languages by an official translator is required.
- Cumulative grade point average and the grading scale used must be given on the degree certificate, transcript of records or a separate, certified calculation.
- English language certificate (if needed)
- Certificate of name change (You need to submit a document proving the name change if the name on your educational documents differs from the name on your passport)
Motivation video in English
- Please answer all three of the following questions in the video:
- Why are you applying for the Master's Degree Programme in Environmental Policy and Law at UEF? (max 1 minute)
- How does the programme link with your experience (studies, work or otherwise) and future career goals and aspirations? (max 1 minute)
- Discuss the legal or policy perspective of an environmental problem of your choosing. Introduce the environmental problem briefly before discussing it. (max 2 minutes)
- The maximum duration is 4 minutes, within which the applicant must answer all the above questions. Please record the video in Recright. The video must have both good quality sound and image to be considered. Please send the Studyinfo application before you submit the motivation video.
- The link to the Recright recording platform will be available in the Studyinfo application and the programme website at the beginning of the application period. You have until the Jan. 28, 2027 at 03:00 PM UTC+2 to record the video. Applicants will not receive a separate invitation to submit the Motivation Video.
- This video is an introduction video of the applicant. Please speak naturally in your own words, do not read from a screen, notes, or AI-generated text. A candid, imperfect answer that is truly yours will always be more compelling than a polished one that is not.
All required enclosures, including the motivation video, are compulsory for the admission process. Without all the compulsory enclosures the applicant cannot be selected for the studies. It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit all the required enclosures within the deadline and make sure that all the enclosures are of good quality (e.g. clear scans, motivation video includes both image and sound). Enclosures submitted after the deadline
Application Process Step by Step
1. Search for a Suitable Programme
Browse available study programmes on the Studyinfo portal and identify the options that best match your educational background and goals. Applications can only be submitted during the official application period. The application period for 2027 intake opens on 7 January 2027 and closes on 21 January 2027 at 3 PM (UTC+2). Applicants must submit their application through the national Studyinfo portal at studyinfo.fi. Each applicant may complete and submit only one application form in the first joint application round.
2. Carefully Review the Admission Requirements
Before applying, read the admission criteria for your chosen programme thoroughly. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all eligibility requirements are met.
If English language proficiency test is required, make arrangements to take the necessary language test well before the application period, as test results may take time to become available.
3. Gather All Required Documents
Applicants are responsible for obtaining and submitting all required application documents by the stated deadline.
- Degree certificate (and graduation certificate) in the original language*
- Official transcript of records in the original language*
- CGPA calculation and grading scale
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Certificate of name change (if applicable)
- Copy of passport photo page
- Motivation video in English recorded in Recright
* Official translations of degree certificates, graduation certificates, and transcripts are required if the original documents are not issued in English, Finnish, or Swedish.
Please note that obtaining official documents and translations may take time. Applicants should start gathering their documents well in advance of the application deadline.
4. Submit Your Application and Documents
Complete the online application and upload all required documents as original electronic documents or high-quality scanned copies.
Documents must be submitted through the online application system by the specified deadline. Documents sent by email will not be accepted.
After submission, you will receive a confirmation email containing a link that allows you to edit your application during the application period.
5. Record and Submit Your Motivation Video
Applicants are required to record and submit a motivation video through Recright as part of the application process.
- The link to Recright will be available during the application period. It is the applicant's responsibility to follow the instructions carefully and submit the motivation video by the deadline.
- Applicants will not receive a separate invitation to record and submit the Motivation Video.
- Use the same email address for Recright that you used for your application in Studyinfo.fi and write your Studyinfo.fi Application ID
- The video is an introduction video of the applicant. Please state your name and introduce yourself briefly in the beginning of the video.
- Make sure your device meets the requirements for Recright to be able to record the video. Make sure that the camera and microphone are enabled. Supported operating systems and browsers.
- The video must have both good quality sound and image to be considered.
- If you experience issues with Recright please see their Help Center or contact them at [email protected].
- We recommend recording your motivation video early to be able to solve any issues before the deadline passes.
Important
Applications are evaluated only on the basis of the information and documents submitted by the applicant. Incomplete applications, missing documents, unreadable files, or documents submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all application requirements are met and that all required materials are submitted on time.
Verification of educational documents
The University of Eastern Finland will assess the eligibility and authenticity of educational certificates for all applicants. This process includes verifying information with previous educational institutions and language test providers.
Evaluation of applicants (the selection process)
The admission process in the Master's Degree Programme in Environmental Policy and Law aims at a selection of high-quality applicants. Student selection is based on the application documents, motivation video and evaluation of how the applicant’s skills and competences gained by the previous academic studies correspond to the Master's studies applied for. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered and will be automatically rejected. Meeting the minimum application requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the programme.
Applicants will be ranked according to the selection criteria. The best 25 applicants are accepted to the programme and the rest of the applicants are rejected. The programme may accept more applicants by discretion to fulfil the available study places in the programme. Applicants are not placed on the waiting list.
The applications will be graded using the following criteria:
Eligible applicants will be evaluated and ranked based on their cumulative score in accordance with the selection criteria outlined below.
The assessment consists of two components:
- Educational Background (maximum 7 points)
- Relevance of previous degree(s)
- Academic performance
- Motivation Video (maximum 11 points)
The maximum total score is 18 points.
Applicants must achieve at least 6 points in the motivation video component. Applicants who receive fewer than 6 points for the Motivation Video will be automatically rejected.
Final selection will be based on the total combined score from both the educational background and motivation video components.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the programme.
Selection results
Results for studies starting in September 2027 will be published on 31 May 2027 at the latest. When the selection decision has been made, the results will be posted immediately to the applicants by e-mail.
Applicants must confirm their study place electronically in Studyinfo by latest on 13 July 2027 at 3 PM (UTC+3). Applicants without a Finnish personal identity code use the confirmation link sent by email. Applicants with a Finnish personal identity code must log into My Studyinfo with Finnish online banking credentials, a mobile certificate, or a certificate card. If you encounter any issues, you may request a separate confirmation form from the programme coordinator.
Conditional acceptance and document verification
Admission is conditional if the applicant applies to UEF with 1) a degree that is not completed during the application period or if 2) the degree cannot be electronically authenticated (verified) at the time of application. In such cases, applicants must submit officially certified copies of the final degree certificate and transcript of records by the deadlines specified by the UEF. Applicants remain conditionally admitted until the required certified documents have been provided.
Electronic verification of educational documents is strongly recommended; paper documents by mail are also accepted. Applicants must use the document submission methods specified by the UEF. For detailed instructions, please see the webpage Verification of official educational documents.
Deadlines for document verification:
Verified educational documents must be submitted to UEF by 31.5.2027. Graduating students: The final educational documents must be submitted by 30.7.2027. If the applicant does not deliver their documents by the given deadline, their study right will be cancelled.
The granted right to study
If you are admitted to the programme, you will gain the right to complete a Master of International and Comparative Law (MICL) or Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc) determined by your major. The students choose their major at the end of first year between Environmental and Climate Change Law (MICL) and Environmental Policy and Natural Resources Governance (MSocSc).
You may accept only one study place leading to a higher education degree that begins in the same academic term. Furthermore, under the one study right rule effective from 1 August 2026, you may hold only one study right leading to a bachelor's or master's degree at a time. Accepting a new bachelor's- or master's-level study right will automatically terminate any existing study rights at the same or a lower degree level.
You cannot be granted a new right to study resulting in a Master of International and Comparative Law (MICL) or Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc) degree if you already have a valid right to study in the Master’s Degree Programme in Environmental Policy and Law leading to a Master of International and Comparative Law (MICL) or Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc) degree at the University of Eastern Finland.
Appeal procedure
If you disagree with the student selection decision, you may apply for a rectification of the decision after the results have been published, no later than 20 July 2027. Appeal instructions
Tuition fees and waivers
The annual tuition fee for non-EU/EEA students is 10,000 EUR. There are no tuition fees for students who are citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland.
The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) offers an Early Bird discount and tuition waivers for tuition fee-paying students. The discounts and tuition waivers available at UEF generally cover up to 30% of the tuition fee.
Please note that UEF's tuition waiver programme is designed to provide partial support towards tuition fees. Applicants cannot apply for full (100%) tuition waivers. UEF also does not offer scholarships on humanitarian grounds. Students are expected to have sufficient personal funds to cover the remaining tuition fees and living expenses throughout their studies in Finland.
For the first academic year, eligible students admitted to the 2027 intake may benefit from a 30% Early Bird discount. There are no other tuition waivers or scholarships that can be applied for during the application process for the first academic year. For subsequent years, students may be eligible for a 30% tuition waiver based on academic progress, as well as Finnish Proficiency Tuition Waivers that reward achievements in Finnish language studies. Tuition fees, waivers and scholarships | University of Eastern Finland.
Additionally, degree students are required to pay the Student Union membership fee and the Kela student healthcare fee.
Applicants who are not citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland are also required to pay an application fee.
Application period 2027
The application period for 2027 will be open from 7 January 2027 to 21 January 2027. Applications are to be completed and submitted online.
Application period 2026
The application period for 2026 was open from 7 January 2026 to 21 January 2026. Applications were completed and submitted online.
Applications are only accepted during the application period and it is not possible to apply for the 2026 intake anymore.
Apply via Studyinfo
Studyinfo.fi is the official national admissions portal with all the up-to-date information about study programmes leading to a degree in Finland.
Environmental Policy and Law, Master of Laws, Master of International and Comparative Law (MICL), Master in Social Sciences (MSocSc)
Apply via studyinfo.fi
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