MSc Global Plant Health

Course Overview

Plant diseases have significantly influenced human history, making their control essential for a sustainable future. Our prestigious MSc in Global Plant Health offers a robust foundation for a career focused on minimising crop losses, contributing to global food security, and protecting the environment.

This MSc is delivered by The Sainsbury Laboratory, a renowned independent plant health research institute known for key breakthroughs in plant immunity. You’ll be immersed in our research culture and learn from the experts who are making today's advancements.

You’ll learn how plants recognise pathogens to defend themselves and how pathogens can evade these defenses. You'll gain experience in laboratory-based and computational research at TSL. You’ll also develop key leadership skills that will help you to make a significant impact throughout your career.

TSL is generously supported by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and others, enabling top scientific ideas to be tested by approximately 100 researchers, including around 20 postgraduate students. You’ll be taught by TSL members together with instructors from across the Norwich Research Park including the John Innes Centre and UEA plus international external speakers. This provides you with a unique opportunity to study on one of the world’s leading campuses in plant and microbial science.

To guide your career, you'll hear from TSL alumni who have pursued diverse paths, including careers in biotech and policy. Our MSc has prepared students for roles in PhDs, start-up companies, and field-trial consultancies, among other destinations.

This course is open to

UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.

Typical International Entry Requirements

Degree classification

UK Bachelors degree - 2.1 or equivalent

Degree Subject

Biological Science or equivalent that covers plant and/or microbial sciences.

Additional Entry Requirements

Entry to this course is on a competitive basis. The Course Directors will assess each application based on the level of knowledge and experience of the following: molecular biology, genetics, molecular interactions, data science such as bioinformatics and statistics, laboratory skills, and independent study.

Applicants are required to submit two references with their application - at least one of these must be related to your most recent academic study.

A full, detailed CV should also be included with the application.

To facilitate time for interviews and production of visas where applicable, the application deadlines for September 2025 entry are:

30/05/2025 - International applicants. Applications must be submitted by 30/05/2025 and any outstanding information provided no later than 28/06/2025. Applications that become complete after this date will not be considered for September 2025 entry but will be assessed in the Autumn for September 2026 entry.

29 August 2025- UK applicants and applicants not requiring a visa. Applications must be submitted by 29/08/2025 and any outstanding information provided no later than 06/09/2025. Applications that become complete after this date will not be considered for September 2025 entry but will be assessed in the Autumn for September 2026 entry.

English Foreign Language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading): 

• IELTS:  6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in all components

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.

 If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.

Interviews

Applicants will be shortlisted for an online interview.

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.

Employability

You’ll graduate from this prestigious course well prepared for a career in any aspect of global plant health, whether you choose to first continue your studies at PhD level or not. There are opportunities to work with governments, policy makers, agri-tech companies, charities and other non-governmental organisations, to name but a few. You’ll get networking opportunities and advice on applications and interviews while on the course and get support from UEA CareerCentral.

Examples of careers that you could enter include:

• Academic research and/or teaching
• Registered Plant Health Professional
• Plant health government policy-making
• Government Animal and Plant Health Agency
• Plant health non-governmental organisation (e.g. United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation)
• Non-profit agricultural research organisation (e.g. CIMMYT)

Discover more on our Careers webpages.