MSc Global Plant Health
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Plant diseases have shaped human history. Controlling plant diseases is therefore important in the effort to realise a sustainable future for everyone and everything on this planet.
This MSc in Global Plant Health, delivered by The Sainsbury Laboratory, will equip you to tackle this pressing problem. Plant diseases cause significant crop losses worldwide. This is made worse by the frequent emergence of new diseases. The impact goes well beyond the quantity and quality of food. We need to manage existing diseases as effectively as possible and respond rapidly to new outbreaks.
Many of the most effective solutions require a thorough understanding of the science underlying the interactions between plants and microbes, together with effective leadership and management. You will gain the high-level knowledge, insight and skills that will be sought after by all organisations involved in global plant health.
This one-year MSc in Global Plant Health provides the strongest possible grounding for a career devoted to minimising crop losses to help feed the world and protect the environment. By enrolling for this MSc, you will understand what makes plant pathogens virulent, the basis of plant immunity, how the next discoveries are made through experimental and computational approaches, what makes global response strategies successful and how to lead such a response. Rooted in scientific research excellence, this course develops the skills most sought after by employers. These include complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, coordination with others, and judgment and decision making.
This course is run by The Sainsbury Laboratory. It is an independent research institute that leads the world in molecular plant-microbe interactions. Its research covers a wide range of global diseases of crops. Its celebrated Group Leaders will share their vast experience with you. This course is associated with The School of Biological Sciences at UEA, with contributions from across the Norwich Research Park, including the John Innes Centre. You will therefore study in one of the world’s leading campuses in plant and microbial science.
A key and innovative element of the course is a 5-month research project of relevance to a global plant disease outbreak. This will provide invaluable experience for the next stage in your career by gaining familiarity with how to handle the main elements of the response to an emerging plant pathogen – from diagnosis, understanding virulence mechanisms and developing novel control strategies, through to project management.
Accreditations
Study and Modules
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Entry Requirements
- Degree Classification
- Bachelors degree 2.1 or equivalent
- Degree Subject
- Biological Science or equivalent that covers plant and/or microbial sciences.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in all components
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Interviews
- Applicants will be shortlisted for an online interview.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year
Additional Information or Requirements
Entry to this course is on a competitive basis. The Course Directors will assess each application based on the level of knowledge and experience of the following: molecular biology, genetics, molecular interactions, data science such as bioinformatics and statistics, laboratory skills, and independent study.
Applicants are required to submit two references with their application - at least one of these must be related to your most recent academic study.
A full, detailed CV should also be included with the application.
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
To facilitate time for interviews and production of visas where applicable, the application deadlines for September 2024 entry are:
31/05/2024 - International applicants. Applications must be submitted by 31/05/2024 and any outstanding information provided no later than 28/06/2024. Applications that become complete after this date will not be considered for September 2024 entry but will be assessed in the Autumn for September 2025 entry.
30 August 2024- UK applicants and applicants not requiring a visa. Applications must be submitted by 30/08/2024 and any outstanding information provided no later than 06/09/2024. Applications that become complete after this date will not be considered for September 2024 entry but will be assessed in the Autumn for September 2025 entry.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2024/25 are:
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UK Students: £16,800 (full time)
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International Students: £33,150 (full time)
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate from this prestigious course well prepared for a career in any aspect of global plant health, whether you choose to first continue your studies at PhD level or not. There are opportunities to work with governments, policy makers, agri-tech companies, charities and other non-governmental organisations, to name but a few. You’ll get networking opportunities and advice on applications and interviews while on the course and get support from UEA CareerCentral.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
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Academic research and/or teaching
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Registered Plant Health Professional
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Plant health government policy making
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Government Animal and Plant Health Agency
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Plant Health Non-Governmental Organisation (e.g. United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation)
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Non-Profit Agricultural Research Organisation (e.g. CIMMYT)
Discover more on our Careers webpages.