Northern Tourism University of Lapland

Overview

Northern Tourism programme in the University of Lapland  brings together researchers and students from the northern universities, with an interest in developing and researching responsible tourism futures.

Tourism is a growing industry in the northern and Arctic regions, influenced by globalisation and environmental transformation. At the same time, it actively shapes these areas, contributing to community development by encouraging creative solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges. However, tourism can also bring unintended pressures that may disrupt local communities and harm fragile ecosystems. Our research and education in sustainable northern tourism focuses on understanding and addressing these complex dynamics. We aim to build knowledge and offer tools for the responsible development of tourism in the North. We collaborate with the University of the Arctic (UArctic) Thematic Network on Northern Tourism, which brings together leading tourism scholars from across the Arctic region. 

Our programme includes a 30-credit joint study module endorsed by UArctic, consisting of two online courses and a field course that brings together students from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Canada to explore northern tourism in practice. 

Career opportunities

The graduates will be the experts who steer the development of the Arctic towards a more sustainable direction and hold the contemporary know-how of the present-day challenges facing economic growth in the North. You will have the opportunity to create networks with scholars and stakeholders across the Arctic region during your studies.   

Career opportunities in the field of tourism can include working in various roles as a tourism expert. These roles may be found in private companies or as a consultant providing specialised advice to different stakeholders. You could also work in destination management organisations or as a planner involved in tourism development. There are also opportunities to pursue an academic career and to engage in research as a doctoral candidate. The Master of Social Sciences degree qualifies you also to apply for public positions and offices that require a higher university degree.