MSc in Plant Protection

Last modified: 13. March 2025

The aim of the training is to train plant protection experts who, with an appropriate economic approach, are able to prevent, recognize and treat plant diseases, know how to cultivate plants, how to protect them against pests, have acquired the necessary knowledge and rules for food and feed safety, and for the production and quality assurance of processing raw materials. They are familiar with the risk factors involved in crop production, including harmful organisms, and are able to choose the most effective, preventive and integrated control method from the range of plant protection tools to prevent and remedy economic and environmental damage when they occur, while at the same time minimizing the risk to the environment and human health. They are prepared to continue their studies at doctoral level.

Qualification of the degree:

level of degree: Master of Science (MSc);
qualification: Plant Protection Engineer.

Length of program: 4 semesters
Work schedule: full-time
Financial options: state scholarship or self-funded
Program Leader: Dr. József Fail associate professor
Cooperative Program Coordinators:

Dr. József Kiss (Szent István Campus)
Dr. András Péter Takács (Georgikon Campus)

Training sites:

Budapest
Gödöllő
Keszthely

Language of conduction:

Buda Campus: Hungarian
Szent István Campus: Hungarian
Georgikon Campus: Hungarian or English

Professional practice

The professional practice lasts 4 weeks, which the students spend at the plant protection authorities of the government offices near their place of residence or at a location agreed in advance with the program leader/coordinator, where they are involved in the work of the plant protection experts.

Skills and professional competences acquired on completion of the program

With a master's degree, plant doctors are able:

for the synthetic application of basic knowledge in the fields of agriculture, plant health, plant protection, natural sciences, technology, social sciences and economics acquired during the training.
to continuously update their knowledge, to adopt and apply innovative practices, to achieve the relevant Community and national strategic objectives (Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive, National Action Plan).
identify pests, pathogens, weeds and their natural enemies that threaten plants, and plan and implement integrated pest management.
to perform practical plant protection, professional management and other plant health management tasks.
to analyze plant health, food and environmental safety, impact analysis.
to apply forecasting of epidemics, gradations and invasions, to take preventive measures.
for the adaptation and further development of innovative crop protection methods.
for the use of plant protection practices that reduce the pesticide load on the environment.
to be involved in scientific work in the field of agricultural sciences.
management of tendering activities and international cooperation.

Conditions of obtaining pre-degree certificate (absolutorium)

completion of: all the compulsory subjects of the program, the required number of optional credits according to the curriculum and the number of credits for the preparation of the thesis, for a total of 120 credits.
completion of 80 hours of professional training

Final exam

Condition to attend final exam:

obtained pre-degree certificate (absolutorium);
submission of thesis and its acceptance by reviewers;
the student shall not be in debt to the University.

Parts of final exam:

comprehensive complex exam;
thesis defense.

Field of knowledge and subjects of final exam
From 2021/22 academic year:
In the academic year 2021/22 and afterwards, students starting their studies will take a complex exam in the 4-6 most important subjects of the program, on the basis of which a list of questions will be issued.
The subjects of the comprehensive complex exam ("A" question series) are based on the integrated knowledge of the technological aspects of plant protection of the major arable and horticultural crops grown in Hungary. The second part of the question paper ("B" question series) assesses the detailed theoretical and practical knowledge of the crops concerned. During the exam, the student draws one question from each series.
The "A" and "B" question series are compiled by the program leader and the subject lecturers.

Evaluation of final exam and qualification of degree from 2020/21 academic year

Accordingly, to chapter 4.3.16 Final exam and chapter 4.3.17. Degree certificate.

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MSc in Plant Protection