Forestry and Natural Environment (BScFNE)

Field-based training in natural ecosystems.

Hands-on experience in Mediterranean forests

Studying forests in the age of climate change

The Bachelor in Forestry and Natural Environment  (BScFNE) offers a practice-oriented academic program that combines rigorous scientific training with extensive fieldwork in complex Mediterranean ecosystems. Rooted in critical environmental challenges, the program integrates applied forest management, biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and state-of-the-art technological tools, preparing students to address forestry and environmental challenges at a global scale.

“The nature of plants follows the nature of the land.”

Aristotle

Degree

Bachelor in Forestry and Natural Environment (BScFNE), aligned with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and the Bologna Process

Duration

4 years

Language

English

Structure

8 semesters
240 ECTS
250+ hours of laboratory training per year
140+ hours of supervised field training in university forests

Location

Thessaloniki, Greece

Enroll today

Mediterranean ecosystems as a living laboratory

Delivered entirely in English, the Bachelor in Forestry and Natural Environment offers a practice-oriented academic program in applied environmental science and forest management. Set within the climate-sensitive ecosystems of the Eastern Mediterranean, the program provides students with scientific knowledge, field experience, and analytical skills to address contemporary forestry and environmental challenges. Fully aligned with the European Higher Education Area, the degree prepares graduates for professional roles and postgraduate studies in forestry, environmental management, and sustainability-related fields.

Why study forestry and natural environment at AU

You explore forests and natural environments through science, field experience, and hands-on training.

  • Exclusive access to two University Forests
    Students benefit from guaranteed access to two University Forests— Taxiarchis (Chalkidiki peninsula, Mount Cholomontas) and Pertouli (East Pindus Mount Range) —granted exclusively for education, research, and applied forest management. These forests function as permanent outdoor laboratories, a rare asset at European level for undergraduate forestry education.
  • Hands-on training embedded throughout the curriculum
    Applied training is a core pillar of the program. Laboratory exercises are integrated into almost every course, while extended field-based training in the University Forests enables students to acquire knowledge progressively from theory to actual management forest management, protection and monitoring.
  • State-of-the-art laboratories and equipment
    Students train in a wide network of specialised laboratories covering forest ecology, silviculture, molecular genetics, production of improved plant reproductive material, remote sensing, GIS, forest soils, forest products technology, watershed management, socioeconomic aspects of forestry, wildlife biology, and rangeland management. Training is supported by modern field equipment, UAVs/drones, fire simulators, climate monitoring stations, and advanced data analysis software.
  • Forestry education focusing on sustainability and adaptation to climate change
    Training takes place in ecosystems already experiencing the impacts of climate change. Students acquire direct experience in fire risk assessment, ecosystem resilience, carbon sequestration, ecological restoration, and adaptive forest management—skills directly transferable to forest systems worldwide.
  • Innovative research with international recognition
    The School is internationally ranked among Europe’s leading forestry departments and maintains extensive research activity in forestry and natural environment, biodiversity, climate change impact mitigation, and sustainable forest management. This research-driven environment initiates students to scientific methods, data-driven decision-making, and applied research practices.

What You Will Study 

Our program provides a strong foundation in forestry and natural environment sciences, combining sustainability principles with practical research and training.

The sections below outlines an indicative thematic overview of the main study areas.

Forest Production, Protection
& Natural Environment

Forest
& Water Engineering

Rangeland Science - Wildlife
& Inland Water Ichthyology

Planning
& Development of Natural Resources

Harvesting
& Technology of Forest Products

Field Training
& Applied Practice

How you will learn

From basic science to applied forestry and natural environment protection

  • Extended field training in the University Forests and educational field trips
    Students undertake intensive field training in the two University Forests as well as educational field trips, spending approximately 70 hours per semester in the field. Fieldwork focuses on all aspects of forestry and natural environment management.
  • Laboratory-integrated learning
    Most courses include weekly laboratory sessions, amounting to more than 250 hours of laboratory training per academic year. Students gain experience in scientific instruments, software, and analytical methods from the early semesters.
  • Forestry education based on technological innovations
    Students are trained in GIS, remote sensing, UAV applications, fire simulation software, climate monitoring systems, molecular genetic methods, and machine learning and AI tools for forest biomass estimation and environmental analysis.
  • Research skills acquisition
    Students obtain research methodology skills by engaging in various research projects related to forestry and natural environment management applications throughout their studies.

A degree with global relevance

Graduates earn a degree from a highly ranked European university in forestry science, within a program uniquely focused on Mediterranean ecosystems under climate crisis conditions. Strong international networks—including ERASMUS+, IUFRO, ESA collaborations and links with FAO—prepare graduates for academic, research and professional pathways worldwide.

Picture yourself as a professional

Imagine yourself studying forests and natural ecosystems. Working outdoors to understand how forests grow, change, and respond to climate and environmental pressures. This degree prepares you for careers in forestry, environmental management, biodiversity protection, and natural resource planning. You may work in forest services, environmental organisations, research institutions, or sustainability projects. You can also continue with postgraduate studies in Greece or abroad. You graduate ready to work in environments where science, nature, and environmental responsibility meet.

Forester

Forest Management Specialist

Environmental Consultant

Biodiversity Specialist

Natural Resources Manager

Forest Restoration Specialist

Conservation Specialist

Wildlife Manager

Why Aristotle University  

A leading university in Europe

  • The largest universities in Southeast Europe
    Aristotle University brings together a large academic community of students, researchers, and faculty across many scientific disciplines.
  • Strong scientific tradition and research activity
    The university has a long academic history and active research across a wide range of fields.
  • Education in real ecosystems and natural landscapes
    The University supports environmental and forestry education through access to real landscapes, including University Forests and botanical resources used for teaching and research.
  • Located at the heart of the Mediterranean region
    Studying in Northern Greece places you in one of the most important ecological regions of Europe, where Mediterranean forests and ecosystems face real environmental challenges.
  • International academic environment
    Students study in a diverse academic community connected with universities and researchers around the world.

Learn more about our University

Life in Thessaloniki

For thousands of students each year, Thessaloniki becomes more than a place to study — it becomes part of everyday life. Located by the Aegean Sea and home to more than one million people in its wider metropolitan area, the city combines a strong academic presence with the relaxed rhythm of Mediterranean living. Traditions of hospitality and openness help create a welcoming environment for students from Greece and around the world. From the waterfront and the city center to nearby nature — including Mount Olympus and the beaches of Chalkidiki — Thessaloniki offers a setting where university life and everyday life naturally come together.

Explore Thessaloniki

AU Forestry Economics Lab Presents Sustainability Results Aligned with United Nations SDGs and University Forests

Celebrating National Forestry Day for 2026

AU Participates in National Initiative to Digitise Natural History Collections

 

Young Shepherds in Action

World Forests Day at AU: Interview with the Head of the Department of Forestry and Natural Environment on National Television

Steering Committee

Admission
requirements

• High-school diploma or equivalent secondary education qualification from a school based abroad granting access to higher education in the country of graduation
• Completion of the last two (2) years of secondary education in a foreign country on a full-time basis
• Alternatively, graduation from a recognised foreign school legally operating in Greece under the conditions defined by the Programme regulations
• English language proficiency of at least B2 level according to the CEFR
• Submission of a complete application file with the required supporting documents
• Participation in an online interview conducted by the Program Steering Committee
• Evaluation of the candidate’s CV, supporting documents and application file by the Program Steering Committee

Tuition fees and detailed admission requirements are available at the Program’s website. 

Necessary
documents

• Application form available on the Program website
• Copy of ID card or passport
• High-school diploma (with official English translation)
• High-school transcript of the final year of studies (with official English translation)
• Certificate of English language proficiency (minimum B2 level)
• Motivation letter (up to 500 words) presenting the candidate’s interest in forestry and the natural environment and future goals
• Curriculum Vitae (in English) including studies, distinctions or relevant activities

Consult on the Program’s website for the documents you need to submit.  

Take the next step
Study Forestry at AU!

Explore forests, ecosystems, and environmental science while studying in one of Europe’s most important Mediterranean regions.

Enroll today

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