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Description of the title
The Erasmus Mundus Master in Plant Health in Sustainable Farming Systems (PlantHealth) is an international postgraduate program of excellence, with a duration of two academic years (120 ECTS), designed by a consortium of five leading universities in the field of plant health and sustainable agriculture:
- Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) – Spain (coordinating institution)
- Università degli Studi di Padova (UNIPD) – Italy
- Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (UGOE) – Germany
- L’Institut Agro and AgroParisTech – France
PlantHealth offers a unique and innovative training in plant health in a multicultural, international and highly specialized environment. The Master allows students to obtain an official double degree after studying in two universities of the consortium.
The program combines a solid scientific and multidisciplinary base with a highly practical approach with field trips, laboratory sessions and frequent seminars and workshops led by highly respected international lecturers to ensure up-to-date learning on plant protection and agricultural sustainability.
Recognized by the European Commission with the Erasmus Mundus quality label, it is an academic reference at European level, taught in English (except in French universities, where the language of instruction is French) and has mandatory mobility:
- First course (M1): It can be taken at UPV (Spain) or at UNIPD (Italy). Students will acquire a common knowledge base on fundamental aspects of crop protection, agronomy, population genetics and ecology, molecular biology and statistics.
- Second year (M2): This course is taken at a different university from the first year. It focuses on specialization in integrated pest management adapted to different agroecosystems depending on climatic regions.
Its graduates have access to excellent professional opportunities, both in the field of research and doctoral studies, as well as in companies in the agri-food sector, international organizations and public administrations.
Objectives of the degree
The main objective of the Master’s program is to train highly qualified professionals capable of applying advanced crop protection methods and promoting sustainable agriculture in both developed and developing countries.
Diagnosis and identification of phytosanitary problems in different agricultural systems.
Analysis of causes, impacts and risks associated with plant pests and diseases.
Design of integrated, sustainable and safe solutions for the management of these problems.
Efficient use of tools, technologies and methodologies in phytosanitary research.
Ability to apply scientific knowledge in a wide range of agricultural, international and multicultural contexts.
In-depth understanding of the international regulatory framework for plant health.
Transfer of scientific knowledge to rural and agricultural development projects.
Career opportunities
Our graduates work in various sectors related to agriculture, biotechnology and public policy.
- Agrochemical companies
- Biotechnology companies
- Agricultural consulting companies
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Nurseries, agricultural cooperatives, large farms, and other companies related to plant production.
- Biological control companies
- International agricultural research centers
- Public policy organizations
- State Departments of Agriculture
- Colleges and universities (research, teaching and extension)
- Law firms specialized in environment, agriculture and patents
- Seed and plant breeding companies
- Governmental, international and non-profit organizations
- Companies and consortiums participating in teams of specialists involved in international agricultural development
Aimed primarily at
The Master’s program is mainly aimed at people with training in specific areas.
- Graduates (180 ECTS) in Agronomy / Agricultural Sciences or related fields.
- 180 ECTS are normally equivalent to a 3-year full-time bachelor’s degree, with at least 4 ECTS in Plant Health or Crop Protection, or equivalent.
Structure of the master’s degree
Credits: 120 ECTS
Mandatory:0 ects |Electives:90 ects |External internships:0 ects |Final Master’s thesis (TFM):30 ects
Module 1. M1- Course content :60 ects mandatory
Subject:M1. Polytechnic University of Valencia.
Minimum credits: 60 | Character: Elective
Subject:M1. University of Padua
Minimum credits: 60 | Character: Elective
Module 2. M2- Course content :30 ects mandatory
Subject:M2. Polytechnic University of Valencia.
Minimum credits: 30 | Character: Elective
Subject:M2. University of Göttingen.
Minimum credits: 30 | Character: Elective
Subject:M2. University of Padua
Minimum credits: 30 | Character: Elective
Subject:M2. Institut Agro & Agroparistech
Minimum credits: 30 | Character: Elective
Module 3. M2 – Master thesis :30 ects mandatory
Subject:Master thesis
Minimum credits: 30 | Subject: Final Degree Project
Internships
There are currently no credits assigned to Internships in Companies in the Syllabus of the Master’s Degree in Plant Health and Production.
Master’s students interested in doing internships in companies as extracurricular credits may do so with the support and coverage of the Polytechnic University of Valencia through the Integrated Employment Service.
Research and access to Ph.
After completing the PlantHealth Master’s Degree, our graduates can access doctoral programs at the UPV.
- D. Program in Agricultural Resources and Technologies ( https://www.upv.es/entidades/edoctorado/programa-de-doctorado-en-recursos-y-tecnologias-agricolas/)
- Programs in other universities in Spain or in any other country in the world.
Academic exchange / agreements with other universities
PlantHealth Master’s students can carry out their thesis in research institutes or companies in any European country or in the world.
Some examples of these collaborating institutions can be consulted on the official website ( https://www.planthealth.upv.es/web/experiences/master-thesis/)
Facilities and laboratories
At UPV, the PlantHealth Master is taught in classrooms at the Vera Campus (Valencia). Practices are carried out in the laboratories of the Department of Agroforestry Ecosystems and in other laboratories that other structures of the UPV make available to students.
Most of the laboratories are equipped with blackboards, projectors, audiovisual equipment, magnifying glasses and microscopes, molecular biology equipment, etc. The campus also has orchards and outdoor facilities for field practice.
The other universities in the PlantHealth Consortium also have adequate facilities for theory classes and practical sessions.
Master’s Thesis
During the last semester of the program, students develop their Master’s Thesis (TFM), equivalent to 30 ECTS. This thesis is presented and defended before an academic jury, and can be done anywhere in the world.
The TFM allows students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Master in a real research or work environment, contributing to the development and implementation of sustainable strategies in plant health.
The thesis can be carried out in one of the universities of the PlantHealth consortium, as well as in research centers or companies associated to the Master. It is also possible to carry out the thesis at institutions outside the consortium, provided that there is co-supervision by a professor from the consortium university where the student is in his/her second year (M2) and that the host institution is officially recognized by that university.
