Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Bachelor of Natural Resources, 240 credits, 4 years Raseborg

Half of world's population lives by the coast and our coastal resources are too under threat, due to unsustainable use, increasing population size, urbanization, infrastructure development and climate change. If we do not address the issue immediately, the natural resources that we have used to generate livelihoods for generations would be wiped out. With this all the cultural and aesthetic value of the coasts and associated biodiversity will also wane.
Since most coastal areas around the world are currently undergoing major socio-economic and ecological degradation, immediate actions are necessary to prevent past unsustainable practices and implement methods that would ensure a proper planning towards a sustainable utilization of these areas and conservation of associated flora and fauna.

Bachelor degree programme in Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Since 2008, the Novia University of Applied Sciences has hosted a Bachelor's programme in Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Finland. This is in line with United Nation's Millenium Development Goals to take responsibility in educating sustainability in all aspects of life but with particular reference to our natural resources. The programme entails four years of full-time studies (240 ECT) aimed for students coming from the European Union, EES-member states as well as non-EU countries.

Why study Integrated Coastal Zone Management?

This is an era of environmental degradation where species diversity, ecosystem functions and services have changed for worse in the past 50 years. We, humans have mainly contributed to this change through overconsumption, habitat change and dependence on fossil fuels.

What is unique about this programme?

The degree programme, Integrated Coastal Zone Management, focuses on the importance of systems approach and social perspectives while learning about current environmental trajectories both at the local and global scales. We compare this to the reductionist practices in coastal zone management, so that students develop an understanding of how human actions could and have caused a deterioration of Earth's life supporting systems. Besides, they improve their knowledge on social aspects of resource management that would help them govern and manage coastal areas sustainably.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, deadlines, entrance exams and other practical matters regarding your application, please follow the links on the left, under the heading ‘Application'.