Green Care -model for higher education

Project: Research project

Project Details

Description (abstract)

Green Care refers to professional activities, which base on utilization of nature, landscapes, plants and animals in order to promote human health and well-being. It can be linked to several fields, especially to social and health sectors, agriculture, horticulture, forestry and tourism. More education about Green Care is needed – also at higher level of education.


The project aims to develop a work life oriented and multisectoral educational model for higher education at the field of Green Care. Education and study material will be planned, produced and tested. The model is evaluated to find out how it suits different educational pathways, fields under growth or structural changes and studying alongside work. Additionally a network of higher education actors, which are interested in developing Green Care -related education, is put together.

The model includes a study module (about 30 credits), which will be composed of study units, 5–10 credits each. These units focus on the basics of Green Care, methods, operational environments, customer-oriented work, service design, entrepreneurship and skills of teaching Green Care -contents. Education is aimed at for example Green Care -experts, service providers, teachers, trainers, advisors, officials and higher education students or others aiming at these jobs. The education will include both contact and online studying.

The project is carried out by Lapland University of Applied Sciences (the project coordinator), Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, JAMK University of Applied Sciences, University of Helsinki Ruralia Insti-tute, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences and Centria University of Applied Sciences during the years 2015–2018. Besides being responsible for the evaluation of the project and educational model the University of Helsinki produces certain parts of the education and participates in the project altogether.


The project is co-funded by North Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment from the European Social Fund (ESF).
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date22/06/201530/11/2018