Course Focus
Worldwide economic growth increasing the pressure on natural re- sources coincides with rapid population growth, which requires intensified food production. Sustainable development calls for new scientific knowledge and technologies that can be transferred to producers around the world. Horticulture, being one of the most intensive forms of land use, can meet this challenge by preparing its future professionals with the necessary expertise. The Master of Science in International Horticulture (abbr. “M.Sc. Inter- national Horticulture”) focuses on training young professionals in new technologies such as biotechnology, numerous subjects involving new laboratory skills, and the planning and execution of surveys in the economic specialisation, which often comprise fieldwork in developing countries. Modern facilities and specialisation To obtain highest performance, the Institutes of Biological Production Systems (Vegetable Science, Fruit Science, and Horticultural Engineering) Floriculture and Woody Plant Science Plant Nutrition Plant Diseases and Plant Protection Biostatistics Botany and Plant Genetics provide an almost unique array of subjects for specialisation in combination with modern research facilities. A specialisation in economics with particular relevance to developing countries is offered. Course structure Course duration is four semesters or two academic years in which students complete a research project for their Master’s thesis. The the- sis, which counts 50% in the final grade, should achieve a scientific level that permits the results to be published in an international peer reviewed journal. In parallel, students must successfully complete courses equivalent to 60 ECTS credit points. The total number of available courses is 50. Supervision and Integration A supervisory committee consisting of three academics is formed for every M.Sc. student. The supervisory committee holds three colloquia with each student. Subjects of the colloquia are the concept, the progress and the results of the research project. Every student in the Master’s programme is assigned a work space in the institute in which the research is carried out. Thus students will be easily familiarised with their subject. The permanent contact with staff members will also help students adapt to the German way of life.
Target Group
Young professionals in the field of horticulture, agriculture, biology, or related subjects including horticultural and agricultural economics