About the Programme
Where biotechnology meets the agri-food chain — a bold new inter-departmental Master’s at the University of Patras, shaping the future of food, nutrition and the environment.
The MSc in Agri-Food Biotechnology trains scientists to apply contemporary biotechnological methods for safer, higher-quality and more sustainable food. It is an inter-departmental programme of the Departments of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Science & Technology within the School of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Patras, awarded by the Department of Sustainable Agriculture.
The programme focuses on the application of genetics and molecular biology to crops for resilient and productive varieties; on microbial biotechnology for nutrition and health, including probiotics, biofertilisers and fermentation; and on environmental bioremediation and circular-economy technologies for the reduction of pollution and the valorisation of agricultural waste.
In parallel it addresses critical issues such as food safety, the molecular detection of adulteration and pathogens, the resilience of agriculture to climate change, and the development of functional foods and innovative packaging that protects both consumer and environment. Through this holistic approach, the programme contributes to food security, public health and sustainable rural development.
| Award | Postgraduate Diploma in Agri-Food Biotechnology · EQF Level 7 |
| Awarded by | Department of Sustainable Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Patras |
| Co-host | Department of Food Science & Technology, University of Patras |
| Duration | 12 months full-time, intensive (3 trimesters: Autumn taught · Spring taught · Summer thesis) |
| Workload | 75 ECTS · 60 ECTS in taught courses + 15 ECTS in the Master’s Dissertation |
| Mode | Distance learning (synchronous via Zoom + asynchronous via Open eClass) |
| Languages | English — up to 30 students per intake |
| Tuition | €3,500 (single fee, all students) |
| Application deadline | 31 July each academic year |
| Programme website | https://agrobiotech.upatras.gr |
Why this programme
Four pillars on which the curriculum is built.
Food security
Crop genomics, gene editing and resilient varieties to meet rising global food demand under climate stress.
Sustainability
Bioremediation, biofertilisers, biopesticides, abiotic-stress mitigation, plant-adaptation strategies, and circular-economy technologies for agro-ecosystems.
Nutrition & health
Probiotics, functional foods, microbial fermentations and bioactive compounds with substantiated health claims.
One Health
An interdisciplinary approach linking human, animal and ecosystem health — zoonoses, AMR, food safety.
Quality assurance
In line with HAHE accreditation standards and the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG).
Annual internal review
The Internal Evaluation Group (OMEA) of the Department compiles an annual report on programme operation, student feedback and quality indicators, submitted to the University Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP).
Course evaluation by students
Standardised end-of-course questionnaires (D4.2) administered by MODIP feed into the restructuring and improvement of the programme each academic year.
Stakeholder advisory input
Professional and scientific bodies — agronomists’ associations, biotechnology associations, food-industry associations — are institutionally consulted on labour-market relevance.
External periodic accreditation
The programme is reviewed every five years by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE), in line with the ESG framework.
About the Department of Sustainable Agriculture
The Department of Sustainable Agriculture is part of the School of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Patras and is based in Agrinio, in western Greece. The Department conducts research and teaching across crop production, environmental sciences, food and biotechnology, with strong international research links.
The Department hosts the MSc programme administratively and provides the laboratory infrastructure for the in-person training sessions. Visit susagri.upatras.gr for more information about the Department.
About the Department of Food Science & Technology
The Department of Food Science & Technology is also part of the School of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Patras and is based in Agrinio. The Department conducts research and teaching across food chemistry, food microbiology and biotechnology, food engineering and processing, food quality and safety, sensory analysis and the development of innovative food products.
As co-host of the MSc programme, the Department contributes its expertise in food technology, functional and fortified foods, fermentation science, and food authentication and safety. Visit foodscitech.upatras.gr for more information about the Department, or contact the secretariat at secrfst@upatras.gr.