Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences (Plant Breeding and Seed Technology)
The Master of Science in Agriculture, Plant Breeding and Seed Technology (MPB) is designed to educate and train researchers and professionals who can generate new knowledge and apply research to solve critical problems in agriculture. Building on the strong foundation provided by undergraduate agricultural programmes—such as plant breeding, seed technology, crop science, agronomy, agricultural extension, and agricultural economics—the MSc allows students to specialise in plant breeding, seed systems, and related innovations.
The programme addresses the growing demand for graduate training from individuals already working in government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society, and the private sector. Since a Master’s qualification is the minimum requirement for entry into academia, this programme also contributes to developing a pipeline of future agricultural academics and researchers.
Graduates of this programme develop competencies aligned with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) graduate expectations. These include the ability to:
- Critically reflect on theory and practice in plant breeding and seed technology.
- Analyse complex agricultural challenges and devise systematic, creative solutions.
- Make informed, evidence-based decisions in research, breeding programmes, and seed systems.
- Plan and implement professional projects and interventions.
- Communicate effectively with both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
To support these outcomes, the programme integrates training in:
- Research methodology and experimental design.
- Data analysis, statistical tools, and computer applications in agricultural research.
- Scholarly writing and publication skills.
- Technology adoption, innovation systems, and extension strategies.
The expected outcomes of the MSc in Plant Breeding and Seed Technology are aligned with international and regional development frameworks, including:
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
- Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), with emphasis on building research and technology capacity (Pillar IV implemented by FARA).
- National frameworks such as Uganda’s Vision 2040, National Development Plan III, Plan for Modernization of Agriculture, and the Parish Development Model, which highlight the need for skilled human resources in agriculture to facilitate innovation, enhance food security, and improve livelihoods.
Overview
| Code | MPB |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Study time | Fulltime |
| Intake | August |
Entry requirements
Admission to the Master of Science in Agriculture, Plant Breeding and Seed Technology follows the general regulations of Kabale University and the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Applicants must:
- Hold an honours Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university:
- BSc Agriculture
- BSc Plant Science / Crop Science
- BSc Biological Sciences
- BSc Forestry
- BSc Economics (with relevant agricultural coursework)
- Or any other agriculture-related degree deemed equivalent.
- Applicants with a pass degree may be considered if they have:
- Substantial professional experience in plant breeding, seed technology, or agricultural research, or
- A relevant Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture, Crop Science, Plant Breeding, Seed Technology, or related fields.
- International applicants must provide evidence of equivalence to the above qualifications and meet the university’s international admission requirements.
Fees structure
| Tuition Fees per Semester (East African) | UGX 1,500,000 |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees per Semester (Non East Africans) | UGX 2,250,000 |
| Fieldwork/School Practice/Industrial Training/Internship/COBERS Fees (per year) | UGX 1,000,000 (Years 1&2) |
Functional Fees
| Compulsory fees | UGX |
| Application fee | 50,000 |
| Registration fees (per Academic Year) | 60,000 |
| Identity Card (Payable once in the 1st Semester) | 20,000 |
| Student Manual (Payable once in the 1st Semester) | 20,000 |
| Library fee (per Academic Year) | 50,000 |
| Medicare fee (per semester) | 30,000 |
| Computer Laboratory fee (per Academic Year) | 100,000 |
| Laboratory Fee for MSc in Chemistry (Per semester) | 200,000 |
| Examination fee (per semester) | 100,000 |
| Innovation fund (per year) | 100,000 |
| Research fee (per Academic Year) | 200,000 |
| Development Fund (per Academic Year) | 100,000 |
| Student Games Union fee (Academic Year) | 20,000 |
| Student Guild fee (per Academic Year) | 20,000 |
| Contribution to the Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA) (per Academic Year) | 2,000 |
| Certification (per copy) | 5,000 |
| Graduation fee (Payable on Completion of Studies) | |
| a) Ceremony | 80,000 |
| b) Transcript | 50,000 |
| c) Certificate | 50,000 |
| d) Convocation | 20,000 |
| Total | 200,000 |
| Consequential fees | |
| Late Registration (per semester; after the deadline for official registration) | 50,000 |
| Replacement of Transcript (per issue) | 50,000 |
| Replacement of other University Credentials (Admission Letter, Identity Card, Library Card, etc…) | 20,000 |
| Retake/Supplementary/Missed/Special Exam fee (per course) | 50,000 |
| To be remitted to NCHE via www.ura.go.ug | |
| Contribution to National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) Collections (per Academic Year) | 20,000 |
Fees Structure 2025-2026
Course details
- LH Lecture Hours
- CH Contact Hours
- TH Tutorial Hours
- CU Credit Units
YEAR 1
| Core courses | LH | PH | CH | CU | |
| Year 1: Semester I | |||||
| MPB8111 | Botany of crops and Cultivar Development | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MPB8112 | Biometrics | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MPB8113 | Applied Plant Breeding | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MPB8114 | Tissue culture | 30 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MPB8115 | Seed production and quality control | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MPB8116 | Quantitative Genetics | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MCAR8008 | Computer applications in research | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| 28 | |||||
| Year I: Semester II | |||||
| Courses | |||||
| M E8121 | Research methods | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MPB8122 | Advanced Crop Agronomy | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MPB8123 | Advanced Crop Physiology | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MPB8124 | Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABE8304 | Scholarly writing and publication skills | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MPB8125 | Seed handling and seed gene bank technology | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| 24 | |||||
| Year II: | |||||
| MPB8211 | Dissertation | 5 | |||
| MPB8212 | Utilization and Conservation of plant genetic resources | 30 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| MPB8213 | Bio-safety management | 30 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| Electives (Student to select one) | |||||
| MPB8214 | Population and evolutionary biology
|
30 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| MPB8215 | Plant ecology and evolution | 30 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| MPB8216 | Seed enterprise management
|
30 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| 14 | |||||
| Grand Total | 66 | ||||
L = Lecture hours, CH = Contact Hours, PH = Practical hour, CU = Credit Units.
CREDIT UNITS: 66
Career opportunities
Graduates of the MSc in Agriculture, Plant Breeding and Seed Technology acquire advanced scientific, analytical, and research competencies that prepare them for diverse professional roles in plant breeding, seed systems, crop improvement, and agricultural research. Career opportunities include:
Plant Breeding and Crop Improvement Specialists
Designing, implementing, and managing breeding programmes to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient crop varieties.
Seed Systems and Technology Experts
Managing seed production, quality assurance, certification, and distribution to ensure availability of high-quality seeds to farmers and agribusinesses.
Research Officers / Scientists
Conducting applied and advanced research in plant breeding, seed technology, molecular genetics, biotechnology, and agronomic practices to address key challenges in agriculture.
Policy Analysts / Advisors
Supporting government ministries, local authorities, NGOs, and international agencies with evidence-based advice on plant breeding, seed regulations, biosafety, and crop production policies.
Crop Protection and Genetics Consultants
Providing technical guidance on crop improvement strategies, pest and disease management, and biotechnology applications to public and private sector organisations.
Value Chain and Multi-Sector Platform Specialists
Working across the crop and seed value chain—from breeding and seed production to distribution, marketing, and post-harvest management—to enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.
Academic Scholars / Lecturers
Joining universities or research institutions as lecturers or researchers to contribute to teaching, mentorship, and publication of original research in plant breeding and seed technology.
Independent Consultants and Entrepreneurs
Engaging in consultancy or agribusiness ventures related to seed production, breeding programmes, biotechnology, or crop improvement, supporting farmers and agribusinesses with technical expertise.
Target Audience
The MSc in Agriculture, Plant Breeding and Seed Technology is designed for:
Fresh Graduates
Holders of degrees in agriculture, crop science, plant breeding, seed technology, agronomy, horticulture, biological sciences, or related fields who wish to acquire advanced knowledge and practical skills in plant breeding, seed systems, and crop improvement.
Professionals in the Agricultural Sector
Individuals currently working in:
- Government ministries and departments (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture, Crop Protection Units, Seed Certification Authorities)
- Research institutions and universities (e.g., NARO, CGIAR centres)
- NGOs and civil society organisations involved in plant breeding, seed production, and crop improvement programmes
- Private sector agribusinesses, seed companies, and biotechnology firms
- who seek to enhance their expertise in breeding programmes, seed systems management, crop improvement, and research application.
Self-Employed Practitioners and Entrepreneurs
Farmers, agribusiness operators, consultants, or innovators aiming to strengthen their skills in plant breeding, seed production, crop improvement, and biotechnology applications.