Online Master's Courses in Plant Breeding

Each course runs within a fixed course period, with a clear start and end date. You join a cohort, which means you follow the same weekly structure as other participants and benefit from shared discussion and feedback in the online environment.

Registration closes before the course starts. Because start dates and deadlines differ per course and per edition, the most reliable information is always on the individual course page. If the next run does not match your planning, you can contact us to discuss upcoming options and how to build a realistic schedule across multiple courses.

These courses are compact and intensive. Most run over a short period (often a few weeks), with a typical study load of around 15 to 20 hours per week, depending on the course and your prior experience.

The weekly structure helps you keep momentum: you work through a set of topics and activities each week and submit assignments by set deadlines. Because the pace is steady, it is worth reserving time in your calendar during the course period. The exact duration and study load are listed on each course page, as they can differ between courses.

You study fully online via a learning platform with a clear weekly setup. Each week combines study materials and learning activities such as knowledge clips, readings, exercises, assignments and discussion forums. The courses are designed for professionals, so you can decide when to study during the week.

At the same time, you are not completely self-paced. Assignments have deadlines, which keeps you on track and aligned with the group. Interaction is mainly asynchronous, so you can contribute at times that fit your work schedule. Instructors and course staff support the learning process through the platform, and you learn alongside participants from different organisations and time zones.

Most courses conclude with an online exam scheduled on a fixed date at the end of the course period. This exam is taken online with remote proctoring. Assessment requirements can differ per course, but assignments and active participation in course activities are typically part of the learning journey throughout the weeks.

Taking the exam is optional, but if you want an official proof of successful completion, you should plan to sit the exam. Some courses may offer a resit opportunity on a later date. The course page provides the most accurate information on the assessment format, exam conditions and what is required to successfully complete the course.

These are MSc-level courses, so a relevant academic background is expected. You will benefit most if you already have solid knowledge of plant biology topics such as genetics, plant breeding, plant physiology and molecular biology. Some courses also assume familiarity with statistics or experimental design, particularly where breeding trials and data analysis are central.

Several courses use R (RStudio) for statistical analysis. If your R experience is limited, you can prepare with the self-paced “Getting started with R” option that is referenced on the relevant course pages. Each course page clearly states the admission requirements, recommended prior knowledge and any specific software expectations.

Course fees vary per course and are listed on each individual course page. This approach keeps the overview page accurate, because fees can differ by course content, duration and edition. If you are comparing courses, use the course cards and course pages to check the current fee for each option.

Your fee generally covers access to the online learning environment and the course materials provided through the platform, plus guidance during the course period. In some cases, recommended or required literature may not be included and needs to be arranged separately. If you are booking multiple courses or arranging payment through an employer, contact us to discuss practicalities.

If you want to take more than one course, it helps to follow a logical sequence. Some courses are designed as preparation for more advanced topics, especially where statistics, breeding trials or specialised breeding applications are involved. Following a recommended order will make the workload more manageable and reduce gaps in assumed knowledge.

For example, participants often take Advanced Statistics before moving to Experimental Design and Data Analysis of Breeding Trials. Similarly, Breeding for Resistance is a helpful foundation before Plant Pathology and Disease Epidemiology. If you tell us your role, experience and goals, we can suggest a route that matches your needs and the upcoming course schedule.

Looking for a full master’s degree instead of stand-alone courses? The Master’s in Plant Breeding (online) is a part-time MSc designed for professionals, with an approximate workload of 20 hours a week and a typical duration of 3 to 4 years. 

You study online, with strong interaction through the learning platform and dedicated on-campus moments during the Wageningen Weeks. The programme includes two two-week campus visits in Wageningen for practicals and community building.