Doctoral study program Horticulture

PhD study programmes are at the very top of university education programmes and students can reach this level only after achieving Bachelor's and Master's degree. PhD study programmes are open to holders of a Master's degree in corresponding subject areas who are interested in scientific work in a research-oriented environment. 

As part of our current study programmes we prepare specialists in production and ornamental horticulture, processing of horticultural products, quality of plant food sources, landscape architecture and viticulture and enology. The faculty's specialised departments are based on teams of professors and their assistants, who work with more than 50 doctoral students on various research projects – from evaluating the impact of drought on plants through analysis of the nutritional quality of horticultural crops and products to the breeding of new varieties, developing new foods or use of mycorrhizal fungi to increase productivity in horticulture. Art and creativity draw on the study of the rich traditions of Liechtenstein garden art, while also focusing on projects to improve the environment for contemporary society.

The main goal of this training is to deepen and to extend the professional profile of graduates of master's degree programs Horticulture, Horticulture Technology Management, viticulture and oenology, quality of plant food sources or related fields (agricultural or biological direction) with an emphasis on developing the student's personality in the field of scientific research, publications and presentation.

More information

The main goal of the program is to teach students to create and solve scientific research projects in the field of vegetable, vineyard, fruit growing, floriculture and nursery production, processing of horticultural products, quality of food sources, postharvest technology, genetics and plant breeding and viticulture.  The individual student learning plan is created according to the technical focus of a student and it is mandatory for a student when it is approved by the Subject Board. Special emphasis is placed on graduation (professional) internships in domestic and foreign scientific institutions, on active student participation in scientific conferences and symposia, and on the publication of obtained original results.

The study is completed by the state doctoral examination composed of subjects of the general scientific basis and of profiling horticultural disciplines and by the defense of the dissertation before a committee composed of leading local and international experts.

Graduates of doctoral study program are prepaired for work in scientific research institutions, universities, responsible positions in the state administration, or for work at the higher levels of management companies focused on agricultural and horticultural production and on domestic or foreign trade. Graduates gain the title of Doctor ( Ph.D.) after passing the examinations and a defense of the dissertation.

Application form:

The application form shall contain:

• name and surname of the expected supervisor of the dissertation
• working title of the dissertation topic
• certified copy of the university diploma
• diploma supplement or equivalent (list of classification of courses completed in Master´s degree)

If the oral part of the examination is remitted by dean (in specific cases), candidates have to submit:

• certified copy of the university diploma
• diplomma suplement or equivalent
• curriculum vitae
• cover letter
• the proposal of doctoral project
• at least two recommendations from relevant academic staff from home university of the candidate

Admission requirements:

• The candidate must have finished a Master's degree program in the same or related field.
• The applicant demonstrates at an interview his assumptions for the study in three areas:
  • I. knowledge of English (or another foreign language ) The dean may waive the language examination if the student has language certificate.
  • II. expertise and requirements for doctoral studies - professional oral exam takes the form of a debate. Its aim is to find out:
    • a) professional knowledge
    • b ) requirements for independent scientific , artistic or creative work
  • III . professional level of proposal of doctoral project - presentation of the basic theses of the proposed PhD project. The admission committee considers:
    • a) whether the project is consistent with accredited doctoral study program
    • b ) scientific and artistic level of the proposed project
    • c ) the feasibility of the project in the proposed time period (the standard period of study).