International Programmes 2023/2024

Crop Protection (MSc) Crop Protection (MSc)

University of Göttingen • Göttingen

Degree
Master of Science in Crop Protection
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

All courses are held in English.

Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

1 March for applicants from non-EU countries
15 June for applicants from EU countries

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The two-year MSc programme in Crop Protection is an international study programme, which was established in 2010 at the University of Göttingen. All courses are held in English.
Crop health management and crop protection are key elements for safeguarding and improving crop productivity and resource efficiency in a world with a heavily rising demand for plant products. This programme provides knowledge on major tools in crop health management for crops cultivated in the temperate and warmer climates. In addition, students are offered a broad range of modules in other relevant fields of the crop sciences, particularly plant breeding, plant nutrition and agronomy.
The Master's programme is a job- and research-oriented programme and follows an interdisciplinary approach focused on crop protection. Graduate students learn about the basic and applied aspects of research in a broad range of disciplines, including plant pathology, nematology, entomology, virology, weed science, pesticide use, legislation and registration, toxicology, molecular phytopathology, mycotoxin research, plant nutrition and plant breeding.
Further courses focus on students' capability for interdisciplinary research, improvement of oral presentation and scientific writing.
As part of the compulsory curriculum, students carry out a six-week internship in selected professional or institutional sectors of crop protection, i.e. agrochemical industries, research or consulting institutions, federal regulatory authorities, or breeding companies.
As a result, students will acquire specific and broad knowledge and capabilities in the crop sciences with an emphasis on one of its most dynamic fields, on a regional and global scale. They will develop their social and working skills and learn to apprehend systems by using interdisciplinary approaches.

The Master's programme in Crop Protection opens attractive perspectives for an international career in crop health management. Graduates very successfully applied for PhD positions worldwide or directly started their careers in companies, research institutions, and advisory services in Germany or in their home countries.

Course organisation

The two-year MSc programme comprises four semesters, during which 120 ECTS have to be achieved. The courses of advanced study contribute 81 credits, an internship of six weeks including a written report and an oral presentation nine credits, and the Master's thesis including the colloquium 30 credits. Training in concepts and practical skills is achieved through lectures, seminars, laboratory classes, field courses, and project work. The language of instruction is English.
In the first semester, some more basic courses (Integrated Management of Pests and Diseases, Crop Production in Temperate Zones, Pesticides – Mode of Action and Application Techniques, Mycology, Weed Biology and Management, Statistics) are held.
In the second semester, the compulsory modules Scientific Working Methods (Basic Laboratory Techniques, Journal Club, Scientific Writing and Presenting) must be completed, as well as other modules such as Pests and Diseases in Temperate Zones, Molecular Weed Science and Basics of Molecular Biology in Crop Protection. During the subsequent semester break, the internship should be completed. In the third semester, courses such as the Internship Seminar, Virology, Pesticides – Toxicology, Metabolism, Regulation and Registration, or Plant Herbivore Interactions can be selected.
The last semester consists of a research project for the Master's thesis – including experiments, data collection and evaluation, as well as completion of the thesis. The thesis must be defended in a colloquium.

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International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Training in intercultural skills
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
Integrated internships

An internship of six weeks is a compulsory module and has to be completed during one semester break. Programme advisers will assist students finding an appropriate internship. Students will carry out practical work in areas of crop protection, in research or consulting institutions, agrochemical companies and experience the daily work situation.
Specific knowledge of the respective area of work/research will be acquired, and social abilities like work organisation, teamwork, interdisciplinary work, and flexibility will be practised.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

Fees amount to around 400 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains (in Lower Saxony and Bremen) and city buses in Göttingen free of charge. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
Fees: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee
Semester ticket: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/16432.html

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age.

For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Germany Scholarship (Deutschlandstipendium): https://uni-goettingen.de/en/218085.html

Academic admission requirements

Successful applicants must have an above-average or preferably very good grade in their undergraduate degree (BSc) of at least six semesters' duration in agricultural sciences or a related study field.

Please see admission regulations at: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/regulations+/636152.html.

Language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of their English skills. The following internationally recognised tests and levels are accepted:
a) Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English grade "B" or better
b) Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English grade "C" or better
c) International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6 points or better
d) At least 550 points in a paper-based TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language
e) At least 80 points in the Internet-based TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language
f) UNIcert level III
g) C1 certificate of CEF (Common European Framework)
The language test certificate should be no more than two years old at the time of application. Students with two years of study or work experience in an English-speaking country within the past three years at the time of application do not require proof of English language proficiency.

Application deadline

1 March for applicants from non-EU countries
15 June for applicants from EU countries

Submit application to

Online portal: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/application/636231.html

Possibility of finding part-time employment

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations.

Foreign applicants should note that it is not easy to find a job to finance their studies, as German students are also searching for jobs. Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to find a job. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

Accommodation

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studentenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.

For further information, please see the following link: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html

Career advisory service

The Career Service of the University of Göttingen offers individual support to facilitate your successful transition from the academic to the professional world — whether you want to work in Germany or abroad. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific "Career Impulse Sessions", workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme in “Building International Careers” as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/292.html

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Tutors
  • Accompanying programme
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The International Office provides a complimentary pick-up service ("Buddy Exchange Service") from the Göttingen railway station to the accommodation. German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/49307.html

There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/196392.html

Study Buddy programme: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/112395.html as a part of the Integration and Diversity project at Göttingen University (InDiGU) https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/108275.html

University of Göttingen

University of Göttingen – Committed to Excellence

Founded in 1737, the University of Göttingen is a research-driven university of high international standing. It is renowned for its diverse range of academic disciplines, research-oriented teaching, and outstanding scientific environment in which more than 40 Nobel laureates have studied, taught, or pursued their research. Currently, 28,500 students are enrolled at the University of Göttingen, 15 percent of whom are international students.

Variety of study programmes
The University of Göttingen offers a vast variety of academic programmes for undergraduate and graduate studies. Internationally renowned expert researchers teach in more than 40 academic disciplines. More than 40 full-time undergraduate and graduate programmes are taught entirely in English. Two international fast-track MSc/PhD programmes prepare students for unique careers in scientific research. Additionally, a growing number of double degree programmes with prestigious international universities are available.
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/3811.html

Guidance, supervision, and study conditions
Students are given comprehensive advisory and supervisory support in all phases of their studies. Since advice and guidance are crucially important for the successful outcome of a university career, the University of Göttingen is constantly improving and extending its performance in this area.
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/47239.html

Excellent library
The Göttingen State and University Library (SUB Göttingen) maintains a top position among German academic libraries, with a holding of over nine million books, journals and other media and offering a broad range of services for study and research. The library plays a leading role in a large number of national and international projects involving the optimisation of literature and information provision as well as the establishment and development of digital research and information infrastructures.
https://www.sub.uni-goettingen.de/en

Alumni worldwide
As a member of the alumni network, you will continue to be part of the international "University of Göttingen Family" even after you have finished your studies. The Alumni Office currently connects more than 40,000 alumni from all over the world and provides them with current information and ongoing projects at the university and in the city of Göttingen. In addition, the alumni association offers various events and services for students and alumni related to careers and networking. One such initiative is their workshop series called "alumni4students," where you will have the chance to contribute your expertise.
https://www.alumni-goettingen.de/

www.uni-goettingen.de/international-students

13 Percentage of international students at the University of Göttingen
725 Partnerships with leading research institutions all over the world

University location

Göttingen – a good place to live and study

Göttingen, with a population of approximately 130,000, is a city where tradition and innovation complement one another perfectly. The excellently preserved timber-framed houses in the historic quarter and the University of Göttingen with its 28,500 students create a lively atmosphere that would be hard to find elsewhere.

The university departments and buildings are mainly located on two campuses and are within easy walking or cycling distance from each other. Accommodation for 4,500 students and excellent canteens run by the student services organisation ("Studentenwerk") allow for a high quality of life at a low cost.

The university cooperates closely with non-university research institutes in Göttingen. Together, they form the "Göttingen Campus" – an alliance of cutting-edge research institutes. This includes four Max Planck Institutes and the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Lower Saxony as well as the German Primate Center and the German Aerospace Center. The Göttingen Campus has created an environment of openness in which students at all levels (Bachelor's, Master's or PhD) as well as experienced researchers can develop fresh and innovative ideas. Numerous scientists and scholars from the non-university research institutes lecture at the university, and joint professorial appointments create bridges between the university and campus partners. This structure supports the reputation of the University of Göttingen as one of the most successful research-oriented universities in Germany.

Situated in the geographical centre of Germany and Europe, Göttingen has excellent travel connections: Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are only a two-hour train ride away. But you don't have to go that far to take a break; Göttingen itself offers many options for recreational activities. The city boasts three theatres and a symphony orchestra. Many cinemas, cafés, and pubs provide numerous opportunities to meet like-minded people and enjoy yourself. Alternatively, you can play an active role in the student union, which sponsors many cultural and recreational events. Last but not least, the city and the university offer a variety of activities for sports enthusiasts. The "Hochschulsport Göttingen" (University Sports Centre) is one of the biggest in Germany and offers a wide range of disciplines and gyms for members of the Göttingen Campus. More than 150 different sports with an indoor pool, climbing centre, fitness studio, and several outdoor sports fields are offered at an extremely reasonable price.

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