Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Masters in Horticultural Sciences
Alnarp, Sweden
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
15 Jan 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
SEK 80,000 / per semester *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees.
Key Summary
Welcome to an international programme that gives you insight into how horticultural production and cultivation can contribute to a more sustainable society. Would you like to have in-depth knowledge about fruit, vegetable and berry production chains, and plants for indoor and outdoor environments? Then this programme covering topics such as cultivation technology, microbiology, plant breeding, economics, value chains and product quality is the perfect choice!
By choosing appropriate elective courses during your two years at SLU, this interdisciplinary programme gives you a unique opportunity to specialise in either social or natural science. Do you already have a Bachelor’s degree in horticulture? Then this programme will also lead to a qualification as a horticulturist.
With a Master’s degree in horticultural science, you will have a broad understanding of the importance and relationship between science and proven experience, especially in the horticultural sector. The programme’s link to current research and strong business connection will also enable you to work in government agencies, extension businesses, or companies in production, trade and logistics. You will also be able to continue your studies towards a PhD.
Scholarships are available for fee-paying students admitted to Bachelor’s and Master's programmes. The scholarships are awarded by SLU and the Swedish Institute (SI).
A scholarship offered by SLU covers tuition fees only, no living or travel expenses are included. You need to pay the application fee even if you apply for a scholarship.
Scholarships awarded by the Swedish Institute are available for fee-paying students admitted to Master’s programmes and cover both tuition fees and living expenses. There are several different scholarships available depending on your background.
The program emphasizes the multidisciplinarity of horticultural science. Courses are developed and jointly implemented by departments with different disciplines, all in order to highlight and explore biological, economical, social as well technical, methodological and theoretical aspects of horticultural science.
The first term of the program has two common courses: Horticultural Systems and Future Challenges, and Product Development and Innovation Systems in Horticulture. The aim of these two courses is to provide a common baseline for all participants. Depending on your previous studies and future plans it is then possible for students to choose between courses that are more natural science oriented, or social science oriented.
Master of Science with a major in Horticultural Science.
A changing food consumption towards an increased proportion of vegetarian foods is expected to increase the market for garden products. This shift towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food consumption creates an increased demand for knowledge about cultivation, cultivation systems and the understanding of the importance of plants for human health and well-being.
After completed exam, you should have knowledge of ecologically, economically and socially sustainable production systems, product quality and development of garden products.
You can work in and develop green industries, work as advisor and expert at government agencies or within the food trade and other interest organisations.
After completing the programme, you will have an understanding of the importance and relationship between science and proven experience, especially in the garden sector. The master's programme has a clear link to current research and a strong business relationship, which provides good conditions for employability nationally and internationally after graduation.