Combines skills in biology, technology, and business administration
Extensive knowledge on food supply chains
Preparation for PhD-studies
Course scope: 2 years, 120 credits
Study location: Alnarp
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.
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.
Facts and requirements
Name:Horticultural Science - Master's Programme
Level:Master
Language:English
Programme scope:2.0 year , 120.0 credits
Next start:HT 2025
Tuition Fees:Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees.
First semester:78000
First semester half time: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
Number of admission places:20
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.
Welcome to SLU Campus Alnarp
SLU’s Alnarp campus is situated in a large park by the sea, located west of Lund, north of Malmö and east of Copenhagen. This prime location makes Alnarp a gateway to the rest of Europe. Here, students can participate in numerous academic, social, and sporting activities, as well as relax in the countryside and enjoy the vibrant metropolitan nightlife.
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.
