What else can you learn from a study in the Nordic countries?

Perhaps you are already familiar with long summer nights? The Nordic countries are situated at a latitude that makes this something special. The fresh air, the sea and sandy beaches in Denmark, the snow-capped mountains of Norway and Sweden, the forest and thousand lakes in Finland and the volcanoes and geysers of Iceland, all tempt to outdoor activities throughout the year.

The Nordic countries have a combined population of approximately 25 million spread over a land area of 3.5 million km² (Greenland accounts for 60% of the total area). The Nordic countries are all modern societies. The urban life is stylish and safe, whereas rural life still breathes tranquillity.

The Nordic countries have an international reputation for commercial, technological, cultural and political achievements. During your stay you will be acquainted with Nordic history, culture and societal traits, which the countries share among them.

The Nordic countries do not form a political entity, but they co-operate in the Nordic Council. The universities involved in this programme all belong to NOVA, an organisation for the Nordic Veterinary and Agricultural Universities.

International network
As a student on the mobility programme you will meet other students, teachers and other researchers, with the same interest as you.

You will meet all students enrolled in the mobility programme at the beginning of the first year during an introductory course in plant pathology. At later stages you may also take part in courses that are common for all students, such as a laboratory course in molecular plant pathology.

We believe the encounter with other students from different countries will become an important part of your future network. A network which may be of great importance in a global world where plant diseases do not respect country borders.

Career Prospects
As a graduate from the Nordic programme in Plant Pathology, many career opportunities will be open for you in one of the Nordic countries or internationally. Work assignments in teaching, extension service, information dissemination, policy making and legislation can range from disease management in agriculture, horticulture and forestry, environmental protection and monitoring, natural resource analysis, industrial processes (biotechnology, chemicals, drugs, and energy), developmental issues and risk assessment. Employment can be found in the private as well as the public sector. If a research career is attractive to you, the NorPath education provides an excellent basis for applying for a PhD programme at one of the participating universities or elsewhere.

Competences acquired
You will obtain competence within basic science, applied science and within ethics and values.

Competence within basis science: A comprehension and understanding of the mechanisms and processes underlying the biology of host-pathogen interactions at all levels. Skills in experimental molecular and microbiological laboratory techniques and an ability to interpret experimental data generated in the laboratory and the field.

Competence within applied science: A knowledge and understanding of principles of management of plant diseases based on knowledge of the host-pathogen biology. An understanding of the potential of biotechnological technologies. Skills in experimental field and laboratory techniques, and an ability to interpret experimental data.

Competence within ethics and values: Awareness of the potential ethical problems arising during control of plant diseases (including use of transgenic plants), for example human and environmental hazards.

NorPath steering committee
The programme will continuously be developed and run by a steering committee of professors and students from the collaborating countries.

Quality assurance and evaluation
The five collaborating universities use the ECTS credit system, ensuring transparency and international understanding of the extent, workload and level of the MSc taken.

All five universities focus on quality assurance manifested as an ongoing process of assessing, guaranteeing, maintaining and improving the quality of the study programmes. All five countries are active members of the Bologna Process.

Look here for more information
About the Nordic Countries and NorPath
Plant Pathology as the central theme
About being a student at the Nordic universities
So, what else to learn from studying in the Nordic countries?