International Horticultural Science

The International Horticultural Science program at the Technical University of Munich offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education rooted in the latest scientific research and technological advancements in horticulture. Designed for those passionate about plant cultivation, sustainable agriculture, and innovative horticultural practices, this master's program provides a solid foundation in plant biology, soil science, pest and disease management, and environmental sustainability. Throughout the course, students will explore topics such as plant breeding, crop production, landscape architecture, and the optimization of horticultural processes to meet the demands of global food security and urban green spaces.

The program emphasizes practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for careers in research, industry, consultancy, or management within the horticultural sector. Students will benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories, extensive fieldwork, and collaboration with industry partners, fostering an applied understanding of the challenges and opportunities in modern horticulture. Furthermore, the program encourages international collaboration and exchange, offering a diverse learning environment equipped to address global horticultural issues.

Specialization options are available, enabling students to tailor their studies toward specific interests such as ornamental horticulture, vegetable and fruit crop production, or sustainable landscape management. The multicultural academic setting, combined with an emphasis on innovative and eco-friendly solutions, prepares graduates to become leaders in sustainable horticultural development worldwide. Graduates of the International Horticultural Science program will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to contribute effectively to the advancement of horticultural practices that support ecological balance, economic growth, and societal well-being across the globe.

Educational organisation

The first semester is offered at all participating universities with similar teaching contents in order to provide students with an analogous educational basis. At TUM this compulsory core curriculum is composed of the introductory lectures Ecophysiology, Crop Physiology, Crop Quality, Crop Biotechnology, and Research Project Management in Economics.
In semesters two and three, students choose from a course pool, which is assembled by all partners, according to their anticipated professional orientation. Part of the courses will be completed at a partner institution. At TUM it is possible to specialise in the areas of molecular plant sciences, biotechnology and population genetics with relevance for horticulture, phytopathology and plant-pathogen interactions, biology, biotechnology and analytical chemistry of secondary metabolites of fruits and vegetable crops, and human resource management in horticulture.
Semester four is a research semester in which students complete their Master's thesis. A parallel course in science management is compulsory. The thesis includes experimental and analytical aspects and refines the students' professional profile. Due to its internationally reputed scientific excellence, a rich spectrum of possibilities for thesis projects are offered at TUM. The thesis is co-supervised by a lecturer from one of the partner universities.

Study abroad unit(s)

At least 20 credits must be obtained at a partner university.
Students who follow a specified curriculum and obtain credits at a partner university worth at least 30 ECTS, will, in addition to the Master's certificate from TUM, also obtain a diploma of completion from certain partner universities. If you are aiming for this option, please discuss it in a timely manner after starting your studies with your student adviser.

Internships

None

Forms of assessment

For details visit: http://www.hortscience.de

Course objectives

The emphasis of this programme is to enable students to engage in horticultural research and development, consulting services, horticultural education, and management in horticultural industries. This encompasses the following horticultural fields: highly developed skills and knowledge in horticultural applied plant sciences (plant physiology, biotechnology, molecular level), greenhouse management, breeding competence (conventional breeding, marker assisted breeding, biotechnology in breeding), crop management (growing of vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants), soil management and irrigation, harvesting, post-harvest handling and storage, crop quality, crop quality management and food safety (fruits, vegetables), and soft skills (team competence, language skills, etc.).

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills before the end of the application period.
Information about recognised language certificates:
http://www.tum.de/en/studies/application-and-acceptance/german-language-skills/english-language-skills

Academic requirements

Admittance to the Master's programme requires a Bachelor of Science degree at a university or a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), in a study programme belonging to the life sciences, either in Germany or abroad. Qualifying study programmes are, for example, horticulture, agriculture, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, forestry, biology or molecular biotechnology.

The admission procedure includes an interview which is held with a view to determining qualification for the course beyond the applicant's educational qualification (interviews are held as soon as the required documents are complete). The aim is to verify the suitability of the applicant for the programme in an informal conversation. Criteria for acceptance are a profound basic knowledge of the natural sciences, an advanced understanding of plant sciences, an ability to work scientifically, and sufficient proficiency in the English language.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 115 EUR per semester, the fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in Munich: http://www.tum.de/en/studies/semester-ticket/.

Costs of living

In order to cover personal expenses while studying in Freising, we recommend that a single participant budget around 680 EUR per month for accommodation, living, health insurance, books and miscellaneous expenses.

Job opportunities

We assist students in finding part-time jobs. Student assistant positions are also available.

Arrival support

TUM's International Center offers a special programme tailored for international students, TUMinternational (TUMi). The TUMi programme provides help and advice for new students as well as a cultural programme with events scheduled both prior to and during the academic periods.
The service desk of the Student Service Center is the first contact point for international students. We are here to help you with issues such as applications, enrolment, student cards etc. Furthermore, we offer various three- to six-week summer schools combining academics with a rich menu of educational and social activities as a foretaste of university life. For international students who have been admitted to a degree programme, the Student Service Center offers a four-week pre-study course designed to help you get started at the TUM. Students new to TUM are invited to the service fair "Fit for TUM" which takes place before the semester officially starts, to get an overview of the various offerings of support services at TUM. http://www.tum.de/en/studies/international-students/
Learning German: While the language of instruction for many of TUM's postgraduate programmes is English, learning German and thus being able to participate in daily German life at a deeper level enriches the experience of studying and living in Munich. As such, TUM's Language Centre offers language classes for students at all levels, both prior to and during the semester: http://www.sprachenzentrum.tum.de/en/startseite/

Services and support for international students

Our contact person can provide assistance. Please contact Dr Sybille Michaelis at hortsci@wzw.tum.de.

Accommodation

It's not easy to find a place to live in Freising - but it's not impossible either!
With high rents and not enough rooms in halls of residence, the Freising rental market is one of the most competitive in Germany - especially for students.

Student halls of residence usually offer affordable accommodation for students. The Munich Student Union runs most of these halls of residence - more information at http://www.studentenwerk-muenchen.de/en/accommodation/munich-student-union-student-halls-of-residence/ (Please scroll down to: Accommodation in Freising.)

TUM supports students and employees in their search for accommodation, providing personal advice, in-house listings and useful information to ensure that you can quickly find a place to call your own: http://www.tum.de/en/university-life/accommodations/