Programmes and courses
Here we highlight programs and courses focusing on plant breeding and food production. Many of the courses are offered regularly, so we also list recently held ones to give an overview of what will be offered in the future.
Programmes
SLU has two-years Master´s programmes with a holistic view on food production, such as Agroecology, Food and Landscape and Sustainable Food Systems and a one-year Master´s programme about food inspection: Livsmedelstillsyn.
Within the Master´s programmes Plant Biology for Sustainable Production and Horticultural Science there are good opportunities to specialise in plant breeding.
In addition, an introduction to genetics and plant breeding is offered in several bachelor's programmes, such as Trädgårdsingenjör - odling, Lantmästare, Agronomprogrammet livsmedel, Agronomprogrammet mark och växt och Biologi och miljövetenskap.
Applications for programmes starting in autumn 2026 are open from 16 March to 15 April 2026 at universityadmissions.se.
Courses
Several elective courses at SLU include genetics and plant breeding or focus on sustainable food production. These courses are also open to applicants who are not enrolled in a degree programme. Course registration is done through universityadmissions.se. Admission is based on eligibility and availability.
Summer courses 2026
Application period 17 February - 16 March, 2026
The history and future of cultivated plants in Sweden 7,5 hp (distance, in Swedish)
Summer course in agrarian history 10 hp (distance, in Swedish)
Food today and tomorrow, from different perspectives 7,5 hp (distance, in Swedish)
Experimental Horticulture 15 hp (Alnarp, in Swedish)
Bachelor’s level courses, autumn 2026
Application period 16 March - 15 April, 2026
Genetics, Cell Biology and Microbiology 15 hp (Ultuna, in Swedish)
Food in today´s and tomorrow´s society - an introduction 15 hp (Alnarp and distance, in Swedish)
Pomology – Harvest, Post Harvest and Plant Breeding 7,5 hp (Alnarp, half distance, in Swedish)
Plant Breeding and Plant Physiology 15 hp (Alnarp, in Swedish)
Master´s level courses autumn 2026
Application period 16 March - 15 April, 2026
Applied Plant Biotechnology 15 hp (Alnarp)
Advances Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources 15 hp (Alnarp)
Food waste - current situation and future opportunities 7,5 hp (Ultuna)
Genetic Diversity and Plant Breeding 15 hp (Ultuna)
Prospects and challenges for sustainable food systems 15 hp (Ultuna)
Sustainable agri-food value chains and bioeconomy 15 hp (distance)
Bachelor’s level courses spring 2026
Application period 15 September - 15 October, 2025
Sustainable Food Production 7,5 hp (distance, in Swedish)
Pomology – Cultivation, Propagation and Plant Protection 7,5 hp (Alnarp, half distance, in Swedish)
Sustainable Food Production - Challenges and Cropping System Solutions 7,5 hp (Ultuna)
Postharvest – Biology and Technology 15 hp (distance)
Master´s level courses spring 2026
Application period 15 September - 15 October, 2025
Plant Biology for Breeding and Protection 15 hp (Alnarp)
Plant Biology for Breeding and Protection 15 hp (Ultuna)
Sustainable Plant Production - from Molecular to Field Scale 15 hp (Alnarp)
Sustainable Plant Production - from Molecular to Field Scale 15 hp (Ultuna)
Contact
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PersonSalla Marttila, Education Coordinator at SLU GrogrundDepartment of Plant Protection Biology