RA20SP Degree Programme in Agriculture and Rural Industries

This curriculum is a translation of the curriculum of the Finnish degree program.

Curriculum responsibility: Petri Kainulainen

Basis of Education

The Finnish countryside and rural entrepreneurship are constantly changing and evolving. Producing high-quality and safe food and raw materials is a fundamental task for agriculture, which is living with change. Important factors are animal welfare, care for the environment and the safety of the food chain, complementary rural industries and also a vibrant and prosperous countryside as a whole.

The degree in Agrology (Bachelor of Natural Resources) prepares you to work as a natural resources professional, creating the conditions for responsible food production and rural entrepreneurship. An agrologist can develop rural areas and food production as an expert in, for example, guidance, agricultural trade, administration, development projects or training. The training also provides excellent skills for entrepreneurship.

The degree program in Agriculture and Rural Industries leads to a university of applied sciences degree in the field of natural resources, the degree title is Agrologist (Bachelor of Natural Resources). The scope of the studies is 240 credits and the duration is 4 years. The skills produced by the degree correspond to the level of higher education defined jointly in the European Union, which enables the movement of labor and experts.

Competence Standards

The goal of natural resource education is that you manage the food production chain from field to table, know food safety and know how to produce natural resource services responsibly and sustainably. During your studies, you will develop a strong professional identity, as well as the desire and skills to work for the benefit of the Finnish countryside and food production.

As an agrologist graduating from Savonia, you will be a networked and internationally minded professional and you will understand the changes taking place in rural industries. You are thoroughly familiar with the biological processes of farming and their interaction with the environment, as well as the diverse business activities in rural areas. Taking care of animal welfare is of paramount importance to you, and you also know how to utilize appropriate production equipment and technologies in your work. In addition to your entrepreneurial skills, you have good communication and interaction skills.

The agrologist education is of European and Finnish level 6.

Structure of Studies

Bachelor studies in Natural Resources degree are worth 240 ECTS credits. According to the curriculum, one year of full-time study equals to 60 credits, which is equivalent to 1,600 hours of student work. The student's work consists of e.g. contact hours, distance learning, independent and group learning, and internships. The education is based on high-quality face-to-face teaching, but we are flexible about the use of electronic tools to enable learning.

During your studies, you solve work-based tasks together with experts in the field. During the internships you increase your skills and networks in partner companies and organizations. You create your future as an active student together with your fellow students and working life. Savonia staff will help you build your career path.

Development of Expertise

Annual themes and contents of agrological studies

Year 1: Basics of agriculture and learning skills
You will gain the learning and information acquisition skills you need to study and strengthen your skills in information technology as well as language, communication and interaction skills. You will become acquainted with the basics of agriculture both in theory and in practice. You will get an idea of ​​the professional operating environment in the field.

Year 2: Rural livelihoods - Finland as part of Europe
You will use your knowledge and skills to solve even the most demanding professional problems. Your self-assessment skills will evolve. Your knowledge of rural industries, e.g. on farm entrepreneurship and on-farm biological and technological processes deepens and your professional vision and interest expands internationally. You will find your subject of professional interest.

Year 3: Entrepreneurship, working life and networks
Develop in critical professional thinking and self-direction. You will have the skills and tools to plan and manage a farm entity or other business and to operate in a networked manner. You will deepen your skills in the specific area of ​​your choice.

Year 4: Become a rural expert
You will take over the professional specialty of your choice and get an overview of the rural operating environment. You will strengthen your networking and advocacy skills. You will learn to use and apply research and development methods and to produce new information e.g. in your thesis.


In Savonia's curricula, the study units form broader study units. In this way, they are not detached but support the overall development of the student and the development of expertise. At the same time, it is possible to combine teaching and work-based research and development.

The agrologist curriculum is designed to
- the degree produces the skills required in working life
- the training ensures the development of the student's expertise.

Student
- draws up a personal study plan to support his / her studies, in which previously acquired competencies are identified
- is responsible for the progress of his studies,
- studies at least 5 credits in a foreign language course (other than language studies).

Savonia teachers and other staff members guide and support you in defining and achieving personal goals.

Methods and implementation

In Savonia, the pedagogical starting point is the Open Innovation Space (OIS 2.0) model. It combines high-quality education with research and development activities close to working life. Work-related education emphasizes students' motivation and commitment to studies. The development of students' expertise is promoted in various learning environments, by enabling diverse, time- and place-based year-round study and by making extensive use of the study of work. Comprehensive student guidance and the identification and recognition of prior learning are part of the students' personal study plan.

The working life orientation of Savonia's education is realized through the diverse networking of teachers and students. Networks also ensure the continuous development of substance expertise. The staff creates learning situations and supports student learning. The study office, library and information services, international services and other support services help with studying. The training follows the principles of accessibility and sustainable development.

The implementation of the training is based on high-quality contact teaching, which focuses on guiding learning, doing learning, discussions and networking. Digital tools are used flexibly in education, which also creates opportunities for students to study independently of place and time. You can also take part in contact teaching from home.

Teachers and instructors help the student to develop a personal study plan, which supports the progress of studies and in which previously acquired skills can be utilized. The student is himself an active actor and learner and is responsible for the progress of his / her studies. Savonia's staff supports the student both in setting goals and achieving them.

Internationalization can be started during studies, as it is possible to complete some of the studies in agrology in international student exchanges in several European countries, and in addition e.g. in North America. Internationalization is also promoted by exchange students from different countries, international projects, international staff and visiting foreign teachers and experts. Cultural skills can also be studied by acting as a tutor or family of friends to international exchange students, or by working in immigrant communities in the area. The student can complete the 60 ECTS international path, for example, by choosing studies to be carried out in cooperation with international partners and by completing internships abroad 30 ECTS + 20 ECTS. The degree of Natural Resources includes 5 - 15 ECTS credits, which are fully or partially implemented in English.

Cooperation with working life is an integral part of studies at Savonia. During their studies, the student gets to make plans and work with real companies. Students prepare e.g. financial plans, liquidity calculations and budgeting. You can also make plans for your own company.

The training partners are rural companies and rural research, development and advisory organizations. During the studies, various studies and analyzes are made for companies and projects according to customer needs. During the studies, events in the field are also organized and a magazine is made.

The natural resources sector is part of Savonia's Food Industries focus area, which carries out research and development work related to the sector both in Finland and internationally. By participating in various projects and projects, the student gets into the activities of the focus area.

Course Table

Course Descriptions

4 RAP01 Studying Natural Resources