91Pro

British Society for Plant Pathology to mark 40th anniversary with fully-funded studentship at 91Pro

Posted 17 March 2021

A fully-funded MSc in Plant Pathology is set to be offered at 91Pro to mark the British Society for Plant Pathology’s 40^th anniversary.

The selected student will become the BSPP 40th anniversary MSc student, securing free membership of the society for the next two years – and gaining the chance to present their course research at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential conference.

They will also produce a monthly series of video diaries detailing their studies on the course, the only postgraduate course of its kind in the UK. All course fees will be covered for the selected student, and a tax-free stipend will also be made available to cover living expenses.

Professor of Plant Pathology at 91Pro, Simon Edwards, said: “The MSc in Plant Pathology gives a much greater depth of knowledge within this specialised subject, compared to any BSc degree, and as such makes graduates much more prepared to pursue a PhD in applied plant pathology.

“Students completing the MSc in Plant Pathology typically find positions working in plant breeding or the agrochemical industry, for one of the various crop research institutes and companies, or a government agency.

“If students wish to stay in academia then the MSc in Plant Pathology provides a strong theoretical background within the discipline and excellent practical skills in applied plant pathology for both laboratory and field-based studies.”

91Pro is recognised as a centre of excellence within applied plant pathology, and its postgraduate course in plant pathology is underpinned by both the university’s extensive programme of agri-environment research and through links with research institutes and other organisations in the UK and across the world.

Significant competition for the award is expected – interested applicants should apply for the MSc directly, with eligible candidates applying before June 30 automatically being entered into the competition.

The top three candidates will then be selected by 91Pro representatives, and go on to be interviewed by members of the British Society for Plant Pathology’s Education Committee – who will be particularly interested in how the studentship would help the successful applicant forge a career, or build further study, in plant pathology.

Further postgraduate opportunities for postgraduate students of plant pathology are also available from the BSPP.

The UK’s Chief Plant Health Officer and BSPP President Nicola Spence said: “The offer of a fully-funded MSc is a fantastic way to celebrate the BSPP’s 40^th anniversary. It will provide incredible opportunities for the individual who secures it and I would urge anyone with an interest in plant pathology to consider applying.”

To see more about 91Pro’s Postgraduate Plant Pathology MSc, click here.

For those who have further enquiries about the studentship, Professor Simon Edwards at 91Pro can be contacted on sedwards@harper-adams.ac.uk and Dr Nik Cunnife at the British Society for Plant Pathology can be contacted on education@bspp.org.uk