Master of Science in Bioscience Engineering Technology: Agriculture and Horticulture (Horticulture)

The Master of Science in Bioscience Engineering Technology: Agriculture and Horticulture (Schoonmeersen Campus - Ghent) focuses on science and innovation in agriculture and horticulture. You learn to apply biological and technological knowledge to improve plant and animal production.

Master's Programme
1 year 60 credits
Faculty of Bioscience Engineering
Dutch
About the programme
Programme summary
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Off to a good start
After graduation

What

If you aspire to a successful career in horticulture, this Master's programme is the right choice. Admission depends on completing the academic Bachelor's programme in Bioscience Engineering Technology (option Horticulture) or a professional Bachelor's programme and an ensuing academic bridging programme. Upon completion, you will be an Engineering Technology (in Dutch: ‘industrieel ingenieur') graduate with a specialisation in horticulture. In addition to various compulsory foundational course units, you choose a specialisation based on your interests: 'Horticultural Production' or 'Production and Environment.'

If you choose the former, you will immerse yourself in the world of vegetables, flowers, ornamental trees, and fruit cultivation. You will learn everything about plant breeding, nutrition management, and innovative cultivation techniques such as substrate cultivation and hydroponics. The curriculum also explores sustainable production systems and the management of horticultural businesses in depth. To illustrate the theoretical findings, we visit modern horticultural companies at home and abroad. Projects and workshops will give you a preview of practical applications.

The ‘Production and Environment’ module merges two worlds that increasingly benefit from mutual dialogue: plant production and nature management. Agriculture and horticulture are being challenged to manage the environment and nature sustainably and even to take on aspects of nature conservation. This elective module offers fundamental knowledge on forest management, green space management, and nature rehabilitation. Through site visits and projects, you will learn how theory is put into practice.

The Master's programme culminates in a Master's dissertation, which is original research on a current horticultural topic. We encourage international experiences, for example, through a dissertation or work placement abroad. We also offer elective course units on tropical agriculture.

For whom

The admission requirements vary. Depending on your prior education, you are either able to enrol directly, or there are additional requirements.

Labour Market

A Master's diploma in Bioscience Engineering Technology (Agriculture and Horticulture) opens many career opportunities! Opportunities are plentiful in the agricultural and horticultural sectors and the related green sector, either in government employment or in the business world.

The agricultural and horticultural sectors are rapidly growing and increasingly reliant on technology, knowledge, and creativity. This demand explains why engineers with this specific profile are highly sought after. Career opportunities include supply management, production, trade and processing, technical-commercial positions, information, foreign aid, research, and education. Alternatively, you could become a self-employed entrepreneur.

Moreover, there has been a growing emphasis on green practices and nature within the agricultural and horticultural sectors, encompassing trending topics such as management agreements, niche agriculture like agroforestry, and nature exploitation. Bioscience Engineering Technology graduates are uniquely positioned to bridge the gaps between agriculture and nature and landscape conservation. You possess the knowledge and vision to shape these developments further.

The Bioscience Engineering Technology (Agriculture and Horticulture) diploma is the beginning of an exciting career. You specialise in one discipline of agriculture and horticulture, yet you possess a wide range of knowledge and skills. You are versatile and qualified for employment in various sectors.

Are you curious to learn about specific career options? Please refer to the inspiring stories shared by our alumni! They recount their exciting career opportunities as Engineering Technology graduates (in Dutch: ‘industrieel ingenieur’). Discover how they put their knowledge and skills into practice, and let their success stories motivate you. Read these alumni testimonials and find out.