Study plant science abroad

Plant science programs are concerned with the growth, development and productivity of plants. It also looks at how plants evolve, fight off pests, diseases, and interact with and respond to their environment. It’s a hugely important subject that is key to sustaining biodiversity and solving growing problems like crop productivity.

It can cover a number of related subjects including genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, plant-pathogen interactions and environmental physiology, with close links to botany and plant biology. It’s an ideal subject for those with a passion for plants, a scientific mind and a desire to make a difference.

Plant science programs are available at universities all over the world, and studying abroad gives you the opportunity to work with plant species you’d never see at home. It’s also a great chance to broaden your personal horizons, make new friends and improve your language skills.

Plant science undergraduate degrees are offered as a BSc, and will take you three or four years to complete. Postgraduate degrees are also available as research master’s (MSc or MRes), or you can get a doctorate / PhD.

Most programs will be taught through lectures, field trips, practical laboratory work and small group tutorials. You’ll be assessed via written coursework and essays, exams, and practical assessments, and most programs will include a research project in the final year.

The exact course structure and content of plant science programs is likely to change depending on the university you choose to study at. Programs are also often named differently, but cover very similar topics - for example plant biology or botany degrees. However, there are some core subjects you can expect to cover when studying plant science, including:

A plant science degree will give you plenty of options when it comes to looking for a job after graduation. Here’s some careers you might consider as a plant science graduate:

• Horticultural chemist
• Plant pathologist
• Environmental scientist
• Plant breeder
• Plant geneticist
• Soil scientist
• Laboratory assistant
• Research scientist

You do not have to limit yourself to the careers above, and a plant science degree will give you plenty of transferable skills you can apply to many different industries.

If you know what career you want after you graduate, make sure you choose a program that covers all the areas that will help prepare you for that role.