PlantHealth European Master

First year (Master 1)

The Master 1 programme can be pursued in either Göttingen (Germany) or Valencia (Spain). The content of the training programme is identical in both universities and takes the form of several compulsory modules. The objective is to acquire a common base of fundamental knowledge in agronomy, crop protection, population biology, molecular biology and statistics.

This common core is complemented by modern language courses and an internship. Courses are taught in English.

Second year (Master 2)

Four plant protection specializations are offered:

• Mediterranean crops in orchards and greenhouses (Valencia - Spain)
• Tropical horticulture and temperate vegetable crops (Montpellier, Rennes, Paris, - France – courses taught in French)
• Temperate fruit crops, ornamental plants and landscape (Padova - Italy)
• Temperate crops, arable crops and crops for energy (Göttingen - Germany)

Students must complete their Master 2 in a member country that is different from the one in which they completed their Master 1.

• End October/early January: call for applications for the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) scholarship
• February: Selection of EACEA scholarship recipients
• March: Announcement of the EACEA scholarship recipients
• May: Call for applications of “self-funded” students
• July: Announcement of the “self-funded” candidates selected
• 3rd week of September: orientation week

Admission requirements:

• Bachelor or B.Sc degree (180 ECTS) in Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences or related fields, with at least 4 ECTS in Plant Health, Crop Protection, or related fields.
• English proficiency: Minimum B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
• Justification of past experience (internships, jobs, work with associations)

PlantHealth provides graduates with the skills needed to work in sustainable plant health management and the ability to work at an international level. Students who successfully complete this master's programme (Master 1 and Master 2) will be able to apply for high-level PhD programmes or pursue a career in the practical plant health sector.

There are numerous employment opportunities in various plant health management sectors. Government authorities need experts to adapt regulations and establish national plant protection policies. Demand for well-trained professionals also is high in professional organizations to support farmers, in private and public extension services, and in agrochemical companies. Agri-industry urgently needs graduates holding master's degrees to fill positions in molecule research and development, stewardship, registration and marketing.