Bachelor of Engineering, Agri-food Engineering

Apply to Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences in Finland and become an Agri-food Engineer!

As an Engineer of Agri-food, you will get a holistic understanding of food systems. In your studies, you can follow the production of food from “field to fork”. You will understand food processing from many perspectives and for different raw materials, like vegetables, cereals, beverages as well as dairy and meat products. You will get a good foundation to work in various positions in the field of agri-food, like in production, quality control, research and development, in management positions, in sales and marketing or even as a founder of a company.

Also, the multidisciplinary and international SeAMK offers to the students of Agri-food Engineering the opportunity to expand their skills to the international agri-food industry.

The best university for our students

The success of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK) as a university valued by students continues in the 2023 results of the nationwide graduation feedback survey (AVOP), where SeAMK ranked second. This adds to an impressive streak over the past five years, during which SeAMK has secured three consecutive first-place positions and one third-place ranking. According to the graduates of both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, SeAMK has the best learning environments and working life connections in Finland. In teaching, studying, study satisfaction, study support services, and feedback and evaluation, SeAMK ranked second. The ranking in the top three also came in career counselling and thesis. In this nationwide survey, students evaluate and give feedback on completed studies. (Source: vipunen.fi)

Agri-food Engineering studies

  • Degree: Bachelor of Engineering, Agri-food Engineering
  • Length of studies: 240 ECTS credits, 4 years
  • Number of study places: Direct Application 25, Joint Application 10

How to apply

You can always find upcoming application periods on How to Apply page. Information on eligibility (who may apply), admission criteria and the application form can be found on Studyinfo website. 

Programme objectives and overview

The industries in agri-food business are quickly globalising, and they are also internationally competitive. The food processing industry in Finland is a competitive industry branch. Finnish expertise in the field is at top level in the world. This industry branch is crucial, and the development will continue around the world.

Agri-food Engineering studies at SeAMK are designed to meet the future requirements of agricultural production, food technology, food processing and packaging. Alongside full skillset of basic and natural sciences knowledge of engineering and agri-food processing, you will get strongly involved with process hygiene, automation and digitalisation. Also, sustainable management in agri-food business is essential part of the studies.

General competencies form the basis for professional activities, cooperation, and the development of expertise. General competencies include learning skills, ethical competence, cooperation skills, innovation skills, and internationalisation skills. In addition to the above-mentioned competencies, entrepreneurial skills and quality management skills are emphasised in the degree studies of SeAMK as competencies common to all.

Degree programme specific competencies form the basis for the development of the student’s professional expertise.

Structure of Studies

The studies in the Agri-food Engineering Degree Programme (240 ECTS) consist of basic and vocational studies, internships promoting professional skills (30 ECTS), free-choice studies, and a final thesis (15 ECTS). The extent of the annual studies is 60 ECTS. The recommended time to complete the programme is four years.

Agri-Food Engineering (AFE) structure of studies.
Image 1. Structure of Studies.

Studies are divided into following themes:

  • Basic and natural sciences knowledge of engineering, including chemical and microbiological laboratory skills
  • Agri-food process knowhow: agricultural production, food technology, food processing and packaging
  • Sustainable management in agri-food business
  • Modules related to food processing, hygienic design, automation and digitalisation, as well as food process development, out of which two modules could be chosen

The practical learning is a central and important part of the studies. This is implemented through practical training, projects, and final thesis.

In addition, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences offers free-choice studies e.g. alternative studies in the own degree programme and courses offered in other degree programmes and on CampusOnline can be selected.

Occupational Profiles

Engineers in agri-food processing will work in key positions in related industry. Graduates from the programme may work in food production, in quality control, in process development, with design of equipment and facilities in the agri-food industry including services related to the branches. There are also possible positions in inspection, supervision and teaching in both municipalities and governmental bodies. These studies are also a base for entrepreneurship.

Possible positions for agri-food engineers are production supervisors, process designers, health inspectors, quality controllers or production managers. Many industrial positions require skills in automation, digitalisation and hygienic design. The job situation for engineers is stable and the future looks bright for agri-food engineers.

City of Seinäjoki – Entrepreneurial, active and affordable city for students

The SeAMK Campus is located in the Frami area of the city of Seinäjoki. There students from all faculties of SeAMK can interact and enjoy one of the most modern and beautiful campuses in Finland. Student housing and the city centre are a convenient walking distance from the campus. The Frami area is also home to several high-tech companies, which helps you get familiar with your future employers.

The fast-growing city of Seinäjoki is the heart of the South-Ostrobothnia region in the western part of Finland and is easily accessible via public transportation through major routes. Even though the capital of Helsinki is less than three hours away by train, choosing to stay and live comfortably in Seinäjoki can be much more convenient and affordable.

FINEEC Excellence. The Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC) has awarded SeAMK the Quality Label for Excellence in higher education for enhancement work of an exceptional quality.

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