Program Overview

MSc in Plant Breeding

The MSc in Plant Breeding is a unique program that combines research and internships. Students spend between six and 12 months as interns at a seed company, national breeding programmes, or Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) centres, where they also carry out their research projects.

Program Overview

The program is designed to produce graduates who do not struggle to find employment or PhD funding. It is accomplished through the UKZN Improved Master's in Cultivar Development in Africa (IMCDA), which is funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

Research Areas

The research areas of the program include:

• Characterising sweet sorghum germplasm for biofuel production
• Examining traits that can be directly or indirectly selected for breeding for biofuel production
• Exploring genetic diversity of sweet sorghum germplasm using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program can contribute effectively towards the development of superior cultivars that address food insecurity and nutrition issues. They can also pursue careers in seed companies, national breeding programmes, or CGIAR centres.

Testimonial

According to Mr McDonald Nundwe, a graduate of the program, "The programme is unique in that it combines research and internships." He also stated that the experience of completing his Master's was exciting and thanked his supervisors for their support and guidance.

Program Structure

The program involves a combination of research and internships, with students spending between six and 12 months as interns at a seed company, national breeding programmes, or CGIAR centres. This structure produces graduates who are well-equipped to find employment or pursue PhD funding.