MSc in Agricultural Biotechnology

1. The name of the master’s degree programme: Agricultural Biotechnology

2. Level of qualification obtainable in the master's programme and designation of professional qualification on the diploma

• level of qualification: master (magister, master; abbreviated: MSc-) degree
• Professional qualification in English: Agricultural Biotechnologist
• optional specialisations: plant biotechnology (Budapest, Gödöllő) and animal biotechnology (Gödöllő)

3. Field of study: agriculture

4. Degrees accepted as prerequisites for admission to master's programmes

4.1. Full credit value can be considered for: agricultural engineering, biology, environmental engineering, plant production engineering, horticultural engineering, viticulture and oenology engineering, game management engineering, animal husbandry engineering, horse breeding, equestrian sports organization agricultural engineering undergraduate programmes.

4.2. The credits specified in section 9.4 may primarily be considered: in the field of agricultural training, forestry engineering, environmental management agricultural engineering; in the field of technical training, environmental engineering, bioengineering.

4.3. In addition, the credits specified in Section 9.4 may be considered for bachelor's or master's degree programmes, as well as programmes under Act LXXX of 1993 on Higher Education, which are accepted by the credit transfer committee of the higher education institution based on a comparison of the knowledge serving as the basis for determining the credits.

5. The length of the training: 4 semesters

6. Number of credits required to obtain a master's degree: 120 credits

• Orientation of the programme: highly practice-oriented (70-80 percent)
• credit value assigned to the thesis: 20 credits
• Minimum credit value for continuous professional practice outside the institution: 5 credits
• Minimum credit value for optional subjects: 6 credits

7. Classification of fields of study according to the uniform classification system for vocational training areas: 621/0811

8. The aim of the training and professional competences of the master’s degree

The aim of the programme is to train agricultural biotechnologists who are prepared to conduct biotechnological research, further develop their knowledge, apply the latest biotechnological methods in crop production, horticulture, and animal husbandry, and manage their practical implementation. Based on their theoretical knowledge and their management, organizational, and communication skills, they can fill positions in design and development, research, and management. They are prepared to continue their studies in doctoral programmes.

8.1. Professional competencies to be acquired 

8.1.1. Agricultural Biotechnologist’s

a) knowledge

• Has reliable knowledge of agricultural biotechnology and related natural and life sciences, understands their key interrelationships, theories, and conceptual frameworks.
• Understands and is familiar with the processes taking place in their field of expertise, the interrelationships between them, and can apply this knowledge.
• Knows the different levels and methods of management functions and conflict management techniques.
• Knows the specifics of team and project work and has leadership skills.
• Has detailed knowledge and applies the tools and methods used in agricultural biotechnology practice and is aware of their legal regulation.
• Knows the methods and tools of professional and effective oral, written, and network communication.
• Knows and understands the specialized vocabulary of agricultural biotechnology in both Hungarian and English.
• Possesses detailed knowledge of their field of expertise and closely related areas and recognizes factors that limit the efficiency of economic systems.

b) competencies

• Able to navigate and form professionally sound opinions on domestic and international economic policy and social events related to agricultural biotechnology.
• Able to form their own opinions and defend them in debate.
• Able to synthesize knowledge and strive for continuous self-improvement, not only in professional areas but also in general education.
• Able to perform various managerial functions in practice, motivate subordinates, evaluate their performance, and handle conflicts that arise in a lawful and effective manner.
• Able to form and independently manage a team or project.
• Able to express themselves in Hungarian and English, both in writing and orally, in the field of agricultural biotechnology, read and interpret scientific articles, give presentations, write publications, and participate in debates.
• Able to analyze in detail the various areas of knowledge that make up the given field and to explore comprehensive and specific connections.
• Able to recognize professional problems, approach them in a multifaceted, interdisciplinary manner, and explore and formulate the detailed theoretical and practical background necessary for their solution.
• Able to apply a wide range of methods and techniques in contexts of varying complexity and predictability.
• Able to independently interpret and apply legislation related to their professional activities.

c) attitudes

• Open and receptive to learning about and applying modern and innovative biotechnology processes.
• Committed to complying with the ethical rules and standards of scientific research.
• Open, proactive, empathetic.
• Determined and persistent but accepting of professionally justified criticism.
• Is critical and demanding of themselves.
• Bases their opinions on their acquired knowledge and professional expertise and represents them consistently.
• Accepts the differing opinions of others if they are sufficiently supported by professional reasons.
• Recognizes values and is receptive to the application of new biotechnological methods and tools that offer effective solutions.
• Is committed to solving problems on a professional basis.
• Is thoughtful and bases opinions on professional considerations.
• Can understand and authentically communicate the overall and detailed issues of their profession.

d) autonomy and responsibility

• Has a high degree of independence in developing comprehensive and specific professional issues and representing professional views. Takes responsibility for all of these.
• Thinks through and represents ethical issues in biotechnology.
• Possesses up-to-date knowledge of management theory and organizational management applicable to the field of agricultural biotechnology in order to strengthen the efficiency and health-promoting nature of work organizations.
• In their agricultural biotechnology studies and work, they give preference to environmentally friendly solutions that support the health of individuals and society.
• Their activities are guided by a commitment to human health values.
• Based on their practical experience, they make independent decisions on how to implement specific biotechnology work processes.
• He makes decisions with a sense of professional responsibility.
• He accepts the consequences of his decisions.
• He takes on the initiative to establish cooperation in a responsible manner.

9. Characteristics of the master’s training

9.1. Professional characteristics

9.1.1. The disciplines and fields of study that make up the programme and lead to professional qualification:

• Basic knowledge of agricultural biotechnology and related natural and life sciences 20-25 credits
• Profession-specific theoretical and practical knowledge of agricultural biotechnology and biotechnological methods 30-40 credits.

9.1.2. The training programme offers specializations in plant biotechnology and animal biotechnology, which result in specific competencies and account for 30-40 credits of the total number of credits required for the entire programme.

9.2. The requirements of the professional practice

The length of the professional practice is at least 4 weeks defined by the curriculum of the higher educational institution.

9.3. Special features that distinguish the training

The language of the field of study is English. The training includes learning professional English.

9.4. Minimum requirements for admission to the master's degree programme for holders of the certificate specified in section 4.2 and 4.3:

Minimum number of credits required for admission to a master's programme different from the bachelor's programme:

• natural sciences 30-50 credits;
• agricultural and technical sciences 24-34 credits;
• economic and social sciences 6-12 credits.

Admission to a master's programme requires that the student have at least 60 credits. Missing credits must be obtained in accordance with the study and examination regulations of the higher education institution.