Crop Protection

Crop Protection at the University of Göttingen is a comprehensive interdisciplinary master's program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the global challenges of sustainable agriculture and food security. The program combines principles of plant protection, pest management, agricultural ecology, and integrated pest management strategies to prepare graduates for a variety of roles in research, consultancy, and industry. Students will gain a solid understanding of the biology and ecology of pests, weeds, and plant diseases, as well as the latest approaches to their control, including biological, chemical, and cultural methods. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, aligning with current trends and regulations in agricultural production and pest management. Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills through practical lab work, field experiments, and case studies. The program also offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as biological control, plant health diagnostics, or integrated pest management systems. Internationally experienced faculty members bring a wealth of expertise in crop protection, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education grounded in current research. The university's strong links with industry, research institutions, and agricultural organizations provide valuable networking opportunities and potential collaborations. Graduates of Crop Protection at Göttingen will be equipped to contribute effectively to sustainable farming practices, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, and promote ecological balance in agricultural ecosystems. They will be prepared for careers in research institutions, governmental agencies, agricultural companies, and environmental organisations, contributing to innovations in crop protection and sustainable agriculture worldwide.

Educational 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 Applied Weed Science, Pests and Diseases in Temperate Zones, 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.

Study abroad unit(s)

None

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 agrochemical companies, in research or consulting institutions 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.

Forms of assessment

The Master's programme consists of modules, mostly with six credits. The study of advanced courses contributes 81 credits, the internship nine credits, the Master's thesis 24 credits, the colloquium 6 credits. At the end of the semester, each module is completed with an oral or written examination or a seminar presentation or a written report.

Course objectives

The international and multidisciplinary Master's programme provides students with broad research and analytical skills related to crop protection and opens up attractive perspectives for an international career in the multidisciplinary field of crop protection:

• agrochemical industry
• agricultural services
• agricultural research institutions
• universities
• international organisations and research institutes
• consulting companies
• public administration and advisory boards
• governmental agencies
• postgraduate research: best-performing students are eligible for a scholarship in the subsequent PhD programme on crop protection

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 220 points in a computer-based TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language
f) At least 80 points in the Internet-based TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language
g) UNIcert level III
h) 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.

Academic requirements

Successful applicants must have an above-average or preferably 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 http://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/153654.html.
Prior to completing the application form, each applicant must register online at
EConsort - Uni Goettingen - Crop Protection: https://econsort.ugent.be/index.asp?p=2439&a=2433

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

Enrolment fees are approx. 300 EUR per semester. Fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains free of charge within the federal states of Lower Saxony and Bremen, as well as city buses. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
See: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee

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 reach approx. 700-750 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. Living expenses might be slightly higher.

Job opportunities

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. Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or work contract.

Arrival support

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. There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.
In addition, students receive a students' guide prior to arrival, with a lot of useful information from the Crop Protection programme coordinator. During the programme orientation week, students are introduced to the study programme, the important locations and offices, the library, and the lecture rooms.

Services and support for international students

The International Office assists international students with all administrative questions regarding their stay in Germany, e.g., enrolment, visa, foreigners' registration office, health insurance, and financing of their studies. Furthermore, it features a broad cultural programme, e.g., international cultural evenings, language workshops, theatre courses, films, dance classes, theatre, and opera visits. Trips to various tourist destinations in Germany are offered throughout the year.
The programme coordinator discusses the study programme with the students, gives support in selecting suitable courses, and advises students throughout their course of study.

Accommodation

The International Office, in collaboration with the student services organisation ("Studentenwerk"), helps students find adequate accommodation. Many international students live in student residences. These have single apartments or shared apartments with individual rooms. There are also apartments available for couples and families with children.