Crop Protection (MSc) University of Göttingen

All courses are held in English.

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.
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.

Students will acquire specific and broad knowledge and capabilities in crop protection 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.

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

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 (Basic Laboratory Techniques, Integrated Management of Pests and Diseases, Pesticides – Mode of Action and Application Techniques, Mycology) are held.

In the second semester, the compulsory modules (Scientific Presenting and Writing, Paper Reviewing and Statistics) must be completed, as well as modules like Pests and Diseases in Temperate Zones, Weed Biology and Management, 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, Molecular Weed Science 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 the completion of the thesis. The thesis must be defended in a colloquium.

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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.

No tuition fees

The fees are around 400 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket, which entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge, as well as buses. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals are available at reduced prices at university canteens.

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.

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/admission+requirements/636242.html

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.

No German language proficiency is required.

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

Germany scholarship: Deutschlandstipendium
Lower Saxony Scholarship: Niedersachsenstipendium

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.

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.

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 ("Studierendenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.

The Career Service of the university offers individual support for the job entry. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme.

The project "Start Guides" also offers assistance in developing and realising individual career perspectives in Germany.

If you are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts. Start-up support

The International Office provides a wide range of services for international students.

German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks.

There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.

Study Buddy Programme as a part of the project Integration and Diversity at Göttingen University (InDiGU)

Foyer International: Cultural evenings and more for all students

German courses during studies (free of charge)

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 45 Nobel laureates have studied, taught, or pursued their research. With about 28,000 students —around 17 percent of whom are international— and more than 210 degree programmes, the university is one of the largest in Germany.

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. Five International Max-Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) prepare students for unique careers in scientific research. Additionally, a growing number of double degree programmes with prestigious international universities are available.

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.

Excellent library
The Göttingen State and University Library (SUB Göttingen) is one of Germany’s leading academic libraries, with holdings of over nine million books, journals, and other media. It offers a wide range of services to support study and research and plays a key role in numerous national and international projects focused on enhancing access to information and developing digital research infrastructures.

Alumni worldwide
As a member of Göttingen alumni, you will remain part of the international "Göttingen Family" even after your graduation. The alumni association connects alumni worldwide and keeps them informed about current developments at the university and in the city of Göttingen. Through online and offline events, workshops, career support and social projects, it offers numerous opportunities for networking, mentoring, and social commitment.

www.uni-goettingen.de/international-students

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.