Crop Protection

The two-year MSc programme Crop Protection is an international and recently established study programme 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.

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

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.