Université Côte d’Azur (UniCA)
MSc BOOST - Biocontrol Solutions for Plant HealthDURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 5,500 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Introduction
MSc BOOST - Biocontrol Solutions for Plant Health
Implementation of eco-friendly plant production technologies, minimizing the hazards and risks to human health and the environment, is a major challenge worldwide. This challenge is faced by all economic sectors producing or using plants: agriculture, agrifood, cosmetics, pharmaceutics.
The objective of the Biocontrol Solutions for Plant Health training program from University of Côte d'Azur is to train students so they'll be able to conduct research programs and R&D of eco-friendly plant protection solutions.
BOOST Key Features
- Training directly at the premises of Institut Sophia Agrobiotech,first laboratory on biocontrol in France.
- Content in English provided by professors and researchers from Université Côte d’Azur (UCAJEDI) and invited experts.
- Students acquire experience of teamwork by conducting mentored team-projects in professional situations: research projects, public-private collaborations, expertise, etc.in addition to long internships (4 to 6 months).
- MSc BOOST benefits from a direct link with the fast-growing biocontrol, biostimulants and plant breeding innovation sectors thanks to the large network of partners.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Each year Université Côte d'Azur awards 10 Idex scholarships to the best MSc candidates. The recipients of these grants of excellence will be exempt from tuition fees and will receive a stipend of €5,000.
Please visit our website to learn more.
Curriculum
Track taught in English; Immersion of students within internationally recognized laboratories and R&D centers; Built-in interdisciplinarity; Customizable training thanks to mentored professional teamwork projects and internships; Opportunities to focus on: Plant improvement, molecules, and substances for plant health, or biocontrol using macro- and micro-organisms.
A major global challenge is to implement eco-friendly plant production technologies while minimizing the hazards and risks to human health and the environment. This challenge is faced by all economic sectors that produce or use plants: agriculture, agri-food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutics. The aim is to grow the next generation of scientists in plant protection.
The BOOST training program is unique in France and one of only a few similar international programs; Face-to-face and online learning; Flexible and individual training opportunities with different elective tracks; Students are individually mentored and coached by biocontrol experts; Opportunities for continuing education.
BOOST training is provided in English and conducted within the laboratories of Université Côte D’Azur and its academic and industrial partners, located in the Sophia Antipolis Science and Technology Park (Southern France).
Year 1
- Fundamentals: Biology*, Digital tools, Law & IP, Management
*Introduction to Biocontrol; Ecotoxicology; Analytical chemistry; Formulation technologies; Plant physiology & genetics; Evolution & adaptation, Ecology - Mentored projects in a professional environment: Research, Development, Expertise
- Professional 4 to 6 months internships in a research laboratory or company
Year 2
- Fundamentals: Biology*, Digital tools, Law & IP, Management
*New management approaches for agriculture; Plant physiology & genetics; Population genetics, biology & dynamics, Chemical & behavior ecology - Mentored projects in a professional environment: Research, Development, Expertise
- Professional 6-month internship in a research laboratory or company
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
BOOST fosters the training of professionals who will have the expertise to lead projects in all sectors related to plant health research and innovation. Graduates will develop a broad view of associated challenges, disciplines, and stakeholders. As future professionals, students will be provided with the knowledge, know-how, and experience to act as researchers, R&D leaders in extension services and industry, or experts in consulting companies, public bodies and NGOs.