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Horticultural Science MSc with a major in Horticultural Science

Would you like to work with plants while influencing and participating in future sustainable production and cultivation of horticultural crops? Then this is the right Master’s programme for you.

 Combines skills in biology, technology, and business administration

Extensive knowledge on food supply chains

 Preparation for PhD-studies

PROGRAMME INFORMATION

Welcome to an international programme that gives you insight into how horticultural production and cultivation can contribute to a more sustainable society. Would you like to have in-depth knowledge about fruit, vegetable and berry production chains, and plants for indoor and outdoor environments? Then this programme covering topics such as cultivation technology, microbiology, plant breeding, economics, value chains and product quality is the perfect choice! 

By choosing appropriate elective courses during your two years at SLU, this interdisciplinary programme gives you a unique opportunity to specialise in either social or natural science. Do you already have a Bachelor’s degree in horticulture? Then this programme will also lead to a qualification as a horticulturist.

With a Master’s degree in horticultural science, you will have a broad understanding of the importance and relationship between science and proven experience, especially in the horticultural sector. The programme’s link to current research and strong business connection will also enable you to work in government agencies, extension businesses, or companies in production, trade and logistics. Additional degrees, such as a master's degree in biology and a horticulturalist degree, may be possible if the requirements for these are met. More information can be found in SLU´s degree regulations. You will also be able to continue your studies towards a PhD. 

Would you like to ask questions to a student currently enrolled in the programme? Chat with our Unibuddy, Sunling, here.

FACTS & REQUIREMENTS

Name: Horticultural Science - Master's Programme
Level: Master
Language: English
Programme scope: 2 year, 120 credits
Next start: Autumn semester 2025

Tuition Fees: Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees.

First semester: SEK 78000
Total: SEK 312000

Application deadline for international students: 2025-01-15
Application deadline for Swedish students: 2025-04-15

Study location: Alnarp
Pace of study: Full-time
Teaching form: On-campus
Application code for Swedish students: 81152
Application code for international students: 81145

Requirements:

Admission to the Horticultural Science - Master’s Programme requires a first-cycle qualification in natural sciences or social sciences comprising at least 180 credits. Applicants with the equivalent qualifications obtained by means of a degree from another country, or with the equivalent knowledge obtained in some other way, may also be regarded as fulfilling the specific entry requirements.

The applicant must further have a level of English equivalent to upper secondary school English (Engelska 6). An applicant with a first-cycle qualification from SLU comprising 120 credits, or a first-cycle qualification from another Swedish university comprising 180 credits, automatically fulfils this requirement. The equivalent qualification may also be obtained in other ways, for more information see universityadmissions.se/antagning.se.

Specific requirements apply for admission to the individual courses included in the programme. These requirements are specified in the syllabus for each course.

Degree:

Degree awarded on completion of the programme

The Horticultural Science - Master´s Programme aims at a Degree of Master of Science degree, a general qualification. Other degrees may be awarded after completion of the programme, provided that the requirements for the degree are fulfilled. See local instructions.

Students who fulfill the qualification requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) will be provided with a degree certificate upon request. The degree certificate will specify the qualification as Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Horticultural Science.

Degree requirements

A Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Horticultural Science will be awarded on completion of the course examinations (Pass grades) to the value of 120 credits, with the following requirements:

• a minimum of 30 credits courses shall concern in-depth study within Horticultural Science (A1N, A1F),
• a minimum of 30 credits shall concern independent work (degree project) within Horticultural Science (A2E)

A maximum of 30 credit courses at first cycle level.

There is additional requirement of a completed Degree of Bachelor, Professional Degree of a minimum of 180 credits or a corresponding overseas qualification.

 
 

 

Admission: There are two admission rounds for this Master's programme. The first admission round is open to all international applicants at www.universityadmissions.se. SLU strongly encourage all international students to apply in this first admission round.

CONTENT

The programme emphasises the multidisciplinary nature of horticultural science. Courses are developed and carried out by departments with different disciplines, all in order to highlight and explore biological, economic, social as well as technical, methodological and theoretical aspects of horticultural science.

During the first semester, students will take courses in horticultural systems and challenges and product development and innovation related to the field. These courses will provide a common ground for all participants. Students will be able to choose between a natural science or social science profile, depending on their academic background and future plans.

Visit the student pages to find out more.

 

CAREER

Changing food consumption habits towards a greater proportion of vegetarian foods is expected to increase the market for garden products. This shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly food consumption creates an increased demand for knowledge about cultivation and cultivation systems, as well as an understanding of the importance of plants for human health and well-being.

Upon graduation, students will have knowledge about ecologically, economically and socially sustainable production systems, product quality and development of garden products. They will understand the importance of and relationship between science and proven experience, especially in the garden sector.

The Master’s programme has clear links to current research and a strong business relationship, which provides good conditions for employability nationally and internationally. It is possible to work in land-based industries and develop them, work as advisors and experts at government agencies or within the food trade and other organisations.

Degree awarded

Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a Major in Horticultural Science or with a Major in Biology.

PROGRAMME COURSES

Year 1

Microbial Horticulture

2025-01-20 - 2025-03-24
15.0 hp
Beskrivning av grafiken nedan

Year 2

SYLLABUS

Student life

Studying at SLU is not just about attending lectures and seminars. It’s also about newfound friends, sports, fun parties, and exciting experiences. It’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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How to apply

Sweden's unique application system makes it possible to apply for programmes and courses at different universities on the same application.

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Fees and scholarships

Who has to pay application and tuition fees? What is the cost of living in Sweden? Read more about these and other questions regarding tuition fees and scholarships.

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Chat with our students

Connect with our international student ambassadors and explore their blogs for a firsthand glimpse into their journeys as students in Sweden and at SLU.

Chat with our students on Unibuddy

The Swedish Way

Are you on your way to Sweden and wondering what it’s like to study here? Well, get ready to question the way things have always been done. Studying in Sweden comes with critical thinking, freedom and responsibility.

Our researchers. Your teachers.

Laura Grenville-Briggs Didymus is a professor of integrated plant protection. Watch the film and get to know her and her work better.

Let’s connect on Instagram!

Are you curious about life at SLU? Follow our students on Instagram.

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Campus Alnarp

Campus Alnarp is located in a large park surrounded by agricultural fields close to the sea between Malmö and Lund in southern Sweden. There is so much for students to explore here. Apart from all the activities on campus, you will also have access to the cities of Malmö, Lund and Copenhagen. Campus Alnarp’s study programmes focus on landscaping, horticulture, and agriculture and silviculture in southern Sweden. The campus has computer rooms, a restaurant, café, landscaping and horticultural laboratories, and a library with thousands of digital journals, databases and three kilometres of printed materials. The student unions organise many activities, ranging from weekly coffee-drinking get-togethers to comedy sketches and proms. 


Contact

Study and career guidance

Ask us about: courses or programmes, which education that suits you and how to reach your future goals, your study environment and get support in your career choises.

Do you have questions about the university or our programmes? Maybe you can find your answers here. FAQ: Frequently asked questions about studies

E-mail
studyguidance@slu.se

Telephone
+46 (0)18 67 28 00 

Telephone hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10-11
 

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