SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals - 2.2. Education for SDGs: specific courses on sustainability - Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals - 2.2. Education for SDGs: specific courses on sustainability
Last modified: 24. November 2025
2.2. Education for SDGs: specific courses on sustainability
MATE's in-house sustainability educational programmes
MATE has dedicated courses (full degrees and electives) that address sustainability and the SDGs. Students can choose a subject from a wide range of courses that they are interested in for further study or professional development.
MATE’s Institute for Rural Development and Sustainable Economy provides plenty of full degrees and specialised further trainings that address sustainability and the SDGs on the university's campuses in different parts of the country (Budapest, Gödöllő, Gyöngyös, Kaposvár, Keszthely).
https://videkfejlesztes.uni-mate.hu/képzések
Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Water Management and Environmental Engineering
The aim of the course is to train agricultural water management and environmental technology engineers who are able to perform operational tasks and contribute to the planning of agricultural water management and environmental technology processes. They will have the skills needed to manage sustainable production directly, to modify technological processes as necessary and to introduce new technologies. They are familiar with applicable agricultural water management and environmental technologies and practices, which enable them to participate in the development and implementation of climate adaptation solutions, to carry out basic administrative tasks in the field, and to address regional and transboundary agricultural and environmental issues. They are prepared to continue their studies at Master's level.
Master's Degree in Agricultural Water Management Engineering (in English)
The aim of the course is to train agricultural water management engineers who, with the knowledge acquired in the Master's programme, are able to apply the tools of sustainable integrated water management in the field of agricultural water management in a creative engineering way. They are qualified to cooperate at a high level in solving national and international problems related to their field. They are suitable for positions as design and development engineers, researchers and managers. They are prepared to continue their studies at doctoral level.
Master's Degree in Agricultural Engineering in Rural Development (MA/MSc)
The aim of this course is to train agricultural engineers in rural development who, with the knowledge they have acquired, will supervise the production, distribution and control processes that ensure the optimal use of resources, as well as the organisation and management of production and services. They will have a detailed knowledge of the specific features of the functioning of rural and territorial development in Europe and Hungary (the role of agriculture in maintaining and developing the countryside) and the reasons for these specific features. They are suitable for positions as planning and development engineers, researchers and managers. They are prepared to pursue their studies in a doctoral programme.
This programme is also available in English:
https://videkfejlesztes.uni-mate.hu/képzés/-/content-viewer/videkfejlesztesi-agrarmernoki-mesterkepzes/20123
Advanced training as a biological soil resource management engineer/ specialist
The aim of the training is to introduce alternative, environmentally friendly and cheaper solutions to the intensive use of fertilisers and pesticides, and to show the possibilities of conversion to organic farming to professionals interested in this field. The training will also provide useful knowledge for land users who want to rationalise their land use, improve their soils, stop soil degradation and prevent soil degradation.
Advanced training in energy management engineering/ consultancy
Training of professionals with general knowledge of energy and energy management and the application of renewable energy sources. Technical and economic knowledge of energy production and supply. Emphasis is placed on renewable energy sources and their integration into the energy system. In the context of energy use, heating methods, power plant system components, fuel preparation, energy converters, heat-electricity, heat exchangers, boilers, etc. The basic equipment of renewable energy sources (biomass, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal), the basic units of power plants, their operation and technical characteristics will be discussed (mainly from a mechanical point of view). Graduates will acquire specialised knowledge and skills in the operation, development and economical operation of energy systems.
Specialist for waste management and recovery engineers
The aim of the training is to enable the staff of waste processing plants, consultancy institutions, municipalities, NGOs and administrative institutions dealing with waste management problems to perform their tasks better and more professionally by providing new knowledge and deepening their existing knowledge, and to enable those with an engineering degree to actively participate in technical development tasks in the field of waste management.
Advanced training in environmental protection
The aim of the specialised further training course in the field of environmental protection is to train and further train professionals who, with their previously acquired higher education qualifications and skills, are able to follow and apply the results of construction, operation, expertise, planning and development in the field of environmental protection, and are specialists in the fields of water, air and waste management. The training promotes an in-depth understanding of the fundamental and cross-cutting national and international issues of environmental pollution and protection, and on this basis the identification and solution of various environmental problems. An important task of the course is to develop an appropriate approach, and therefore the course covers both the necessary theoretical foundations and complementary practical knowledge.
Advanced training in air pollution control
The aim of the training is to train professionals with outstanding subject-matter and technological knowledge and up-to-date professional and legal information in the given field, who have in-depth knowledge of fundamental and comprehensive national and international issues of environmental air pollution and environmental protection.
Training Ecological Farming Engineer/ Specialist
The aim of the course is to train professionals who, on the basis of their theoretical preparation and practical knowledge, are capable of exploring and analysing the interrelationships between the phenomena and elements of ecological farming. The graduates will be able to carry out, plan, organise and manage organic farming independently.
Ecological green space maintenance engineer specialised further training
Training of advanced green space engineers who can confidently manage municipal green space maintenance with up-to-date and up-to-date specialist knowledge. There is a national shortage of professionals in the field of green space maintenance. The aim of the training is to alleviate this shortage and to increase the competence of staff working in the field. In addition to the Chief Gardener, the Ecological Green Space Maintenance Engineer has the necessary professional competence in the management of municipal green spaces.
Irrigation consultant specialised training
The aim of this specialised training is to train professionals with specific knowledge and approach who are able to plan, design and operate irrigation systems optimally according to the crop, irrigation method and irrigation purpose at a wide range of scales. By synthesising the basic knowledge of natural sciences, technical, agricultural, environmental and economic sciences, with a focus on irrigation, the professionals will be able to solve and manage irrigation-related tasks in practice. The knowledge acquired will enable graduates to take up middle and senior management positions in agricultural enterprises of all sizes, from the planning phase to the operational phase, in irrigation-related tasks. Irrigation systems outside the agricultural sector (municipalities, institutions, private individuals) are increasingly in need of the skills acquired in training.
Higher education vocational training in medicinal and aromatic plants
The aim of the training is to provide the holder with the professional qualification to implement and develop cultivation technologies of medicinal and aromatic plants cultivable in Hungary, to implement sustainable collection of wild medicinal plants, to plan and manage the individual work processes, to coordinate and adapt the elements of cultivation technology (biological, agrotechnical) according to the ecological conditions. Knowledge of processing methods, quality requirements and marketing arrangements. Knowledge of the possibilities and forms of using medicinal and aromatic plants and the necessary knowledge of medicinal plants and drugs. Ability to provide modern management and leadership in small and medium-sized enterprises.
MATE’s educational programmes in national and international cooperation
Sustainability Platform of Hungarian Universities
On 22 September 2022, the Sustainability Platform of Hungarian Universities was established in Pécs, Hungary, on the initiative of the University of Pécs, through a framework agreement between fourteen Hungarian universities, including MATE. The aim of the alliance is to share good practices in the field of sustainability, to organise regular joint actions and to establish closer cooperation in order to develop sustainability goals.
https://univpecs.com/egyetemi_elet/megalakult_magyar_egyetemek_fenntarthatosagi_platformja
At the undergraduate and graduate level, students at MATE can take the “Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” elective online course, available in the spring 2025 semester. Developed within the Hungarian Universities Sustainability Platform (MEFP), of which MATE is a founding member, the course is taught by experts from multiple Hungarian universities and explores various aspects of the SDGs adopted by the United Nations. It addresses global challenges including environmental protection. Designed for online completion, the course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development principles and encourages action toward a better future.
Danube Agrifood Master (DAFM)
The Danube AgriFood Master (DAFM) is a joint MSc programme titled “Sustainability in Agriculture, Food Production and Food Technology in the Danube Region”. It addresses sustainable development as a competent response to the challenges posed by climate change and the need to protect and promote livelihoods. Using the Danube region as a model for all riparian regions worldwide, the programme emphasises environmentally conscious approaches to agriculture and food production.
DAFM aims to educate students who are attuned to sustainable agriculture and food systems. The curriculum highlights the importance of ensuring food safety and stability while maintaining environmental resources and ecosystem services, which are critical for adapting to climate crises, overpopulation, and the depletion of natural resources. By integrating these principles, the programme prepares graduates to contribute effectively to sustainable and resilient agricultural and food systems.
The 120 ECTS joint degree combines the expertise of a consortium of European higher education institutions to offer research-based, high-quality training in sustainable agriculture, soil and water management, climate adaptation, food security, food production, and food technology. It provides a strong foundation across natural sciences, engineering, economics, and social sciences, supporting interdisciplinary approaches and intercultural communication while promoting sustainable bioeconomy concepts. Full partner universities offering the DAFM degree include MATE (Hungary), CZU (Czech Republic), BOKU (Austria), SUA (Slovakia), UNIZG (Croatia), UNS (Serbia), and ULST (Romania).
https://agrifoodmaster.eu/index.html
I Living Labs
I Living Labs are course units in a study programme (or extracurricular course units) in which teams of students set to work on a challenge. This challenge is a complex problem that confronts an entrepreneur, (non-profit) organisation or local government for example, for which there is no cut-and-dried solution and for which a solution can have a positive impact on the region they are located in.
The student teams working together over the course of several weeks in the I Living Lab have the benefit of profiting from all the individual backgrounds of each student - coming from different study programmes, different countries and being equipped with different skills, the teams represent a diverse mix of people, each bringing in their own strengths to solve the challenge they are working on. This is what we call trans-disciplinary work - and it’s also an important component in the tool belt of future jobs. Students will also work with entrepreneurs, policymakers, citizens, researchers, and other groups of people, who may offer a different perspective on the challenge the students are facing. Finally, education professionals will supervise the students in every step along the way. They are not there to tell them what to do and how to do it, but to coach the teams and provide maximum support.
https://eudres.eu/i-living-labs
https://en.uni-mate.hu/e%C2%B3udres%C2%B2-european-university-alliance
CEEPUS network
MATE has been a member of the Central European Exchange Program for University Studies (CEEPUS) since 1998. Through CEEPUS, MATE organizes annual mobility opportunities for students and faculty, as well as summer schools, enhancing international cooperation, cross-border exchange, and long-term academic partnerships. MATE leads multiple the CEEPUS network that address critical sustainability topics such as bioeconomy, water, food processing, renewable energy, and applied economics, helping the university contribute meaningfully to sustainable development through SDG-aligned education and research.
https://uni-mate.hu/a-mate-halozatai-ceepus?utm
Aligning education and research with the SDGs
Sustainable Study Opportunities in the Szarvas Arboretum
The Szarvas Arboretum can be a special place for students in higher education to supplement their theoretical knowledge acquired during their BSc or MSc studies or to complete a work placement related to the foundation of their PhD research. Candidates are also welcome to apply for research topics and thesis topics for various studies in the field of arboretum. University students can explore impactful research opportunities in an arboretum, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to global sustainability goals.
Here’s how various study areas at MATE connect with SDGs:
Habitat and Biodiversity Research - Contributing to SDG 15: Life on Land
- Evolution of Garden Habitats: Study how plant habitats change over time in garden plots planted at different periods, supporting biodiversity and the resilience of green spaces.
- Natural Habitat Exploration: Investigate natural habitat areas within the arboretum, contributing to conservation efforts and biodiversity protection.
- Species Distribution and Behavior: Research the habitat preferences and reproductive behavior of specific species, like peacocks, to aid in species conservation and ecosystem balance.
- Habitat Creation Potential: Evaluate potential for creating new habitats, particularly along the Körös coastal region, enhancing biodiversity and ecological integrity.
Climate and Horticulture Studies - Contributing to SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land
- Weather and Seasonal Plant Behavior: Investigate how seasonal weather patterns affect plant life cycles, like autumn foliage and spring flowering, providing insights for climate-resilient planting strategies.
- Climatology and Plant Resilience: Study climate impacts on plant health to develop sustainable horticultural practices within the arboretum, helping to mitigate climate risks.
- Plant Propagation Techniques: Explore greenhouse placement and propagation methods that promote sustainable plant growth and resource efficiency, supporting adaptation to climate variability.
- Plant Rejuvenation Research: Research techniques to enhance plant longevity and root resilience, important for sustainable landscape management.
- Disease and Damage Studies: Study plant disease prevention and damage control to improve ecosystem health and support sustainable arboretum management.
Sustainable Tourism and Visitor Impact - Contributing to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Tourism Flow and Attractions: Analyze visitor trends in relation to attractions, helping to balance visitor engagement with conservation priorities.
- Impact of Tourism Programs: Examine the environmental impact of tourism activities, exploring ways to make tourism eco-friendlier and more aligned with sustainability goals.
- Eco-Tourism Potential: Investigate opportunities for developing sustainable tourism that respects biodiversity and supports local economies, promoting responsible visitation.
- Visitor Congestion and Environmental Impact: Study congestion to improve visitor experience while minimizing impact on the natural environment, ensuring sustainable space use.
Landscape and Archaeological Research - Contributing to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Water Management and Irrigation: Research sustainable water management techniques, evaluating irrigation systems that conserve water resources while supporting plant health.
- Design Integration: Explore how built elements can harmonize with the arboretum’s natural landscape, fostering urban green spaces that support ecosystem health and community well-being.
- Archaeological Studies: Participate in excavations that connect cultural heritage with natural landscapes, adding historical context to conservation efforts.
https://pepikert.hu/egyetemistaknak/