MASTER OF SCIENCES IN TROPICAL PLANT DISEASE MANAGEMENT - SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

This programme is specifically designed for those interested in the study of tropical plant diseases. The programme offers a range of topics in plant pathology, plant diseases and pest management, plant pathogenic microbes, plant tissue culture, agricultural entomology and advanced agronomy. Students will be exposed to current tropical plant disease issues not only through lectures and laboratory practicals, but also through a field trip, active roundtable discussions, and research projects. This programme is structured to prepare students to deal with real current problems in agriculture. The experience and knowledge gained from this programme will help future graduates to more effectively address current issues related to tropical plant diseases and indirectly help to ensure food availability and crop sustainability.

Career Prospects

A Master of Science in Tropical Plant Disease Management opens up various career opportunities in agriculture, plant pathology, research and related sectors. Here are some possible career paths for individuals with this qualification:

1. Plant Pathologist
2. Agricultural Extension Specialist

• Biotechnology Researcher

1. Crop Protection Consultant
2. Government Agricultural Officer
3. Environmental Consultant

• Research Scientist
• Seed Pathologist

1. Educator/Professor
2. Agribusiness Manager
3. International Agricultural Development Specialist

These career options show the wide range of opportunities available to graduates of a Master of Science in Tropical Plant Disease Management. Depending on personal interests and skills, graduates can work in research, academia, industry and government, contributing to the important task of managing plant diseases in tropical regions.

The Program Structure

Expertise available in the following School: School of Biological Sciences [Agrobiology] or email to     This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   /  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Applicants should possess the following:

1. Bachelor of Science in a related field with CGPA ≥ 2.75/4.00; or
2. Candidate with CGPA 2.50 - 2.74/4.00 must possess: or

   Research experience – 1 year; or
   Professional experience in related field- 1 year; or
   One(1) academic publication in related field; or 
   Grade B for major/ elective courses; or
   Grade B+ for final year project.

3. Candidate with CGPA of 2.00 - 2.49/4.00 (Honours degree) with; or

   Research experience - 5 years; or
   Professional experience in related field - 5 years, AND
   One (1) academic publications  in related field; or
   Grade B for major/elective courses; or
   Grade B+ for final year project.

4. For the candidate who does not fulfill any of the aforementioned criteria, he or she must possess APEL A (APEL T-7) certificate.

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

• A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
• A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English: Advance (CAE)/Proficiency (CPE) /Preliminary (PET) /First (FCE)/ Linguaskill Online min. score 154; or
• A minimum score of 47 for Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
• A minimum of Band 107 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
• A minimum of Band 3.5 for Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

Exemption is given to candidate if:

• English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
• Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 4 semesters

Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 8 semesters

** Fees are subject to change