Crop Protection (MSc) University of Göttingen

The two-year MSc programme in Crop Protection at the University of Göttingen provides comprehensive training in the core disciplines of modern crop health management. Taught entirely in English, the programme combines scientific and applied approaches to protecting crops in sustainable agricultural systems and addresses challenges relevant to a wide range of agroecological regions.

The programme covers the central areas of crop protection, including plant pathology, entomology, nematology, plant virology and weed science. Students learn how pathogens, pests and weeds affect crop health, yield and product quality, and how these challenges can be addressed through integrated and science-based management strategies. The curriculum also addresses important aspects of pesticide-related sciences, including modes of action, application techniques and resistance management.

The programme is embedded in a strong research environment. Research in Göttingen combines fundamental studies on pathogens, pests and weeds with applied research on their effects on crop health and yield. Particular attention is given to major and emerging pest and disease challenges in key arable crops such as cereals, oilseed rape, maize and rice.

Students benefit from a wide range of elective modules in crop protection as well as elective options in related disciplines such as plant breeding, plant nutrition, agronomy and soil science. This allows them to specialise in crop protection while maintaining a broader perspective on interconnected fields within agricultural systems science.

The two-year MSc programme is structured over four semesters. In the first semester, the students complete core compulsory modules such as Pesticides I: Mode of Action and Application Techniques, Resistance to Pesticides and Integrated Management of Pests and Diseases, as well as Basic Laboratory Techniques, an intensive laboratory course that provides the methodological foundation for subsequent practical modules.

In the second semester, students take the compulsory module Scientific Presenting, Writing, Paper Reviewing and Publishing in Crop Protection alongside the key competence module Practical Statistics and Experimental Design in Agriculture. During the following semester break, they complete a compulsory internship of at least six weeks.

The third semester focuses on advanced and specialised content, including the compulsory modules Pesticides II: Toxicology, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Metabolism, Regulation and Registration and Molecular Diagnostics and Biotechnology in Crop Protection. In addition, students must complete elective compulsory modules by selecting courses from the programme’s module catalogue based on their individual interests (e.g. "Fungal Toxins", "Interactions between Plants and Pathogens", "Plant Virology", or "Mycology").

The final semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis, including experiments, data collection, and analysis, followed by submission of the thesis and its defence in a colloquium.

The compulsory internship of at least six weeks gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in professional fields related to crop protection. It is typically completed in research institutes, companies, or other institutions working in crop protection. During the internship, students apply their academic knowledge in a practical context, gain professional insight, and develop transferable skills such as work organisation, interdisciplinary teamwork, self-initiative, flexibility, and communication.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Biology, or a related discipline, equivalent to at least three years of full-time academic study.

Applicants are expected to have completed substantial prior coursework in plant sciences, including relevant training in crop production, plant breeding or plant nutrition, as well as phytomedicine-related subjects such as crop protection, phytopathology, agricultural entomology, or herbology.

For applicants whose academic transcripts and degree certificates were issued in China, Mongolia, Vietnam, or India, only APS-certified documents will be accepted during the application process.

You can find more information here: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/admission+requirements/636242.html.

Fees are around 460 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 regional 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 800 to 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. International students should note that it is not possible to study in Germany without sufficient financing.

Further information on the requirements for non-EU citizens (proof of finances) can be found on the Visa and Residence Permit page of the International Office.

A number of student jobs are available at the university. They are announced on the following website: https://www.stellenwerk.de/goettingen.

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 an equivalent of a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

Germany scholarship Deutschlandstipendium
Lower Saxony scholarship Niedersachsenstipendium

The university’s Career Service offers individual support for entry into the job market. In particular for international students aiming to start their careers in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific workshops, online learning modules and a qualification programme.

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students enrolled at the University of Göttingen in their search for accommodation and serves as a point of contact for housing-related questions. It also shares suitable offers from private landlords and works in cooperation with the Studierendenwerk Göttingen, the local student services organisation, which also provides student housing. As accommodation in Göttingen is limited and demand is high, students are strongly advised to begin their search as early as possible.