COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Integrated Pest Management focuses on one of the most important challenges in modern agriculture: producing sufficient, safe food for a growing global population while reducing environmental impact. The programme recognises that climate change, globalised food systems, and increasing pest pressures are contributing to significant crop losses, making integrated and multidisciplinary solutions essential for sustainable food production. Students are trained in a wide range of applied scientific and practical techniques that support sustainable crop protection and decision-making in agricultural systems. Core study areas include applied entomology and invertebrate ecology, Integrated Pest Management principles, plant pathology, weed science, and nematology. The course also develops expertise in pest monitoring methods, threshold-based decision-making, and the use of decision-support systems for effective crop management. Students explore biological control strategies, resistance management, and the role of both conventional and cultural pest control methods within an ecological framework. A key component of the programme is the evaluation of environmental and economic impacts of different pest management approaches, ensuring that students can assess sustainability alongside productivity. All students build a strong foundation in core scientific and practical skills before specialising in areas that align with their interests and career aspirations. Overall, the MSc prepares graduates to develop and apply integrated, evidence-based solutions for sustainable pest and crop management systems.