Educational activity

Last modified: 31. March 2025

The Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology is the gestor of the MSc in Agricultural Biotechnology and postgraduate specialist training course in Plant Genetics and Plant Breeding.

​​​​​​1. Agricultural biotechnology MSc programme

The Agricultural Biotechnology MSc programme fullfills the needs for the specialized higher education of the entire Hungarian agricultural sector on two campuses (Gödöllő and Budapest), with two specialisations (plant and animal biotechnology), with three forms of training (full-time, correspondence and dual trainings) and in two languages (Hungarian and English). The length of the programme is 2 years (4 semesters). One of the main features of the degree programme is that it is highly practice oriented. During the training, lectures and practicals are given by renowned representatives of agricultural biotechnology, thus enhancing the quality of education. In addition, students have the opportunity to prepare their thesis and to complete their four-week internship at the high-level Research Institutes. Another specific feature of the programme is that students have the possibility to join part-time courses abroad. Foreign students studying in English can apply for several scholarships: the Stipendium Hungaricum, the FAO, the Scholarship for Young Christian Peoples, the MATE International Scholarship Programme. Students of Hungarian nationality can also apply for admission to our English language programme with a scholarship or on a self-financed basis. Our scholarship programmes are also becoming ever more popular among Hungarian students from abroad. The share of foreign students in the total number of students is steadily increasing and currently stands at 41%. Plant Genetics and Plant Breeding - specialization of the Agricultural Biotechnology MSc - has been invited to participate in a Joint Master Erasmus MSc EmPLANT consortium involving six European countries. Following the successful application, this joint course started in the autumn semester of 2021. We have an international double-degree MSc course with the University of Perugia. Both joint courses provide mobility opportunities for outgoing Hungarian, and incoming foreign students as well.

Over the last 15 years, 504 students have graduated from our programme. After graduation, our students can find employment either at their home country or abroad, typically in research institutes, universities, specialised domestic and multinational companies, or they can also continue their studies in doctoral programmes.

Curriculum

​​​​​​2. Postgraduate specialist training course in Plant Genetics and Plant Breeding

The aim of the Plant Genetics and Plant Breeding postgraduate course is to train specialists capable of addressing research challenges in plant genetics and breeding, solving methodological and management problems in seed production, and performing theoretical and practical tasks as researchers in genetic and biotechnological institutes. Further, to produce breeding materials using both traditional and molecular genetic and biotechnological techniques. The program includes training in modern phenotyping and genotyping methods, economic analysis in plant breeding, and relevant legal aspects.

Qualification of the Degree

Level of degree: Postgraduate

Degree awarded: Plant Genetics and Plant Breeding Engineer

Length of program: 2 semesters

Study mode: full-time training (EN) or correspondence training (HU)

Funding options: Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship or self-financed

Program Leader: Dr. Anikó Veres, Associate Professor (Szent István Campus)

Training Sites: Gödöllő

Language of Instruction: Hungarian and English

Entry Requirements: Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in one of the following:

Agricultural Sciences:

Forestry Engineer, Food Engineer, Horticultural Engineer, Environmental Agricultural Engineer, Conservation Engineer, Wildlife Engineer, Livestock Engineer, Agricultural Engineer, Crop Production Engineer, Economic and Rural Development Agricultural Engineer, Agricultural Engineer in Computer and Management Sciences, Ornamental Horticultural Engineer

Technical Fields:

Bioengineering, Environmental Engineering, Biotechnologist

The following bachelor's degree courses may also be taken into account after completion of specific credit requirements:

Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Livestock Engineering

Skills and Professional Competencies Acquired on Completeion of the Program

Graduates will be able to:

• Conduct research in the field of plant genetics and plant breeding
• Solve theoretical and practical problems in genetics and biotechnology
• By understanding the theoretical and practical aspects of plant breeding, graduates will be able to produce breeding materials and to develop the biological basis for seed production
• Disseminate knowledge of plant genetics and plant breeding and to engage in educational activities
• Perform tasks related to variety certification and protection
• Apply testing methods acquired during the training
• Identify plant breeding challenges and use appropriate problem-solving methods

• Understand and assess environmental impacts on plant breeding, and thus make well-informed decisions

• Communicate effectively, thus enabling them to express and defend their professional opinions in debates

Requirements for Pre-Degree Certificate (Absolutorium)

• Completion of all compulsory subjects and fullfilling the number of credits for the preparation of the thesis, for a total of 60 credits

Final Examination

Eligibility:

• Obtained pre-degree certificate (absolutorium)
• Submitted thesis approved by reviewers
• No outstanding obligations to the university

Components of the Final Exam:

• Thesis defense
• Comprehensive complex exam

Final Exam Topics

Topics are defined annually by the program leader in collaboration with participating institutes. The topics of the final exam may vary from year to year.

Evaluation of Final Exam and Qualification of Degree from 2020/21 academic year

Based on the university's academic regulations: chapter 4.3.16 Final exam and chapter 4.3.17. Degree certificate.

Model curriculum of the program