The objective of the two-year Postgraduate Programme entitled “Crops under Cover – Hydroponics” is the scientific study and research on issues related to the coverage of the modern need of the constantly evolving labour market, concerning Crops under Cover. That is, the design of structures, the selection of materials, cultivation techniques, new water and chemical saving technologies (hydroponics, net gardens), energy saving technologies and the nutrition and plant protection of integrated production of fruit and vegetables with reduced inputs.
The main objective of this programme is to provide the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical (laboratory and field) training, familiarization and practice in the use of new technologies and the assimilation of applied research in the context of preparing graduates relevant to the unit, for the application for jobs and the creation of new jobs with self-employment. Through this specific proposal, the Sustainable Waste Management laboratories of the Hellenic Open University and the Analysis Laboratories and Greenhouse Facilities of the Agricultural University of Athens with their modern equipment will be exploited.
Aim
The aim of the “Crops under Cover – Hydroponics” Programme are:
- Improving the quality and quantity of the products produced through better and new cultivation techniques (hydroponics, new substrates, composition and management of nutrient solutions)
- reducing energy inputs(energy saving, use of biomass and other renewable energy sources, better microclimate management)
- Reduction of chemical inputs (integrated production, insect nets, photo-selective cover materials)
- better management of water resources (closed hydroponic systems)
- restructuring of the plant stock (testing of new varieties)
- traceability, standardisation and certification of the products produced
The proposed Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Programme (IPM) aims to fill the existing gap in the integrated training of scientists in construction, equipment, cultivation techniques, water and nutrient management and environmental protection.
It is addressed to scientists, graduates in environmental, agricultural, polytechnic and science sciences, who will acquire horizontal knowledge of the ecosystem “Cultivation under Cover” with vertical specialised knowledge to deepen their knowledge through their postgraduate thesis.
ECTS Credits
The total number of credits (ECTS) required for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma of Specialisation is 120 ECTS.
Characterisation of the Postgraduate Programme
Master of Science (MSc)
Classification according to Unesco code ISCED-2011
-based on study level: 7
Classification according to Unesco code ISCED-2013
-based on the field of education: 0812 (Horticulture)
Duration of study
For the award of the Postgraduate Diploma of Specialisation, the successful completion of eight (8) Thematic Units, one (1) Practical Training Unit and the preparation of the Postgraduate Diploma Thesis is mandatory. The minimum duration for the completion of the programme is two (2) years or four (4) academic semesters.
Language of Instruction
The language of instruction of the programme is Greek. The language of the thesis is Greek.
QUALITY POLICY
QUALITY TARGET 2023
The learning outcomes expected upon successful completion of the programme are summarised as follows:
- Training scientists in the principles, methods and equipment required for greenhouse and net-garden cultivation.
- Training of specialists in modern technologies for hydroponic crops.
- Scientific and technological training of scientists in the application of modern cultivation methods and bioclimatic design in research, the agricultural equipment and agricultural supplies industry.
- To familiarise postgraduate students with modern relevant laboratory and experimental equipment.
- The training of postgraduate students in the organisation and operation of greenhouse and net-grower units.
- The creation of an adequate human potential of qualified scientists who will be able to staff existing units of production of products under cover, study offices, agricultural research centres and public services on the one hand and to work as self-employed in their own relevant unit of production of products under cover on the other hand.
Eligible are:
- Graduates of Agricultural Sciences and Dietetics-Nutrition Sciences.
- Graduates of Sciences (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Biological Applications and Technologies, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Environment)
- Graduates in Engineering Sciences
- Graduates of the undergraduate programme of the E.A.P. “Studies in Natural Sciences”
- Graduates of equivalent or related faculties of the above-mentioned Universities, Polytechnics and Technological Educational Institutions in Greece or abroad.
- Holders of a degree from a Greek or Cypriot University and recognised similar institutions abroad, as well as graduates of TEI of a related unit.
The language of instruction is Greek. In addition to the language of instruction, a very good knowledge of English is required to attend the programme.
Note:
Where the preceding refers to:
a. Graduates of Greek Universities or TEI and those with equivalent foreign qualifications recognized by the Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center (Hellenic NARIC) or the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) respectively or the holders of first cycle studies of similar institutions abroad*.
b. Graduates of Universities or T.E.I., means graduates of Greek Universities or T.E.I., the holders of equivalent foreign qualifications recognized by the Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center (Hellenic NARIC) or the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) respectively or the holders of the first cycle of studies of similar institutions abroad*.
By the term Universities we mean University Schools, Polytechnics and the Athens School of Fine Arts.
*Note. In accordance with paragraph 7, Article 34 of Law 4485/2017, “A Diploma of Postgraduate Studies shall not be awarded to a student whose first cycle degree from a foreign institution has not been recognized by the Interdisciplinary Organization for the Recognition of Titles (D.O.A.T.A.P.), in accordance with Law 3328/2005 (A΄80)”..
It is clarified that holders of a first degree in Higher Education are admitted to the programme.
The total number of credits (ECTS) required for the award of the postgraduate degree is one hundred and twenty (120 ECTS). During the programme, each student is required to attend eight (8) units, to carry out an internship and to prepare a Postgraduate Diploma Thesis. The Thesis is carried out in the third (C’) semester of study, while the internship is carried out in the fourth (D’) semester of study.
The programme is structured as follows:
| Thematic Unit |
Fourth semester |
ECTS |
| ΚΥΚDΕ |
Thesis |
C, 30 ECTS |
Instructions for the selection of units.
You can choose from one (1) to three (3) units (with the limitation of 30 ECTS per semester).
The selection of the units is made in the order of the structure. For example, in semester 1, if you select one (1) Thesis, you must select KYK50. If you select two (2) units you must also select KYK51. If you wish to take three (3) units, you may also choose KYK52.
Next, you must select in order of priority the units of the following semesters if you have completed all the units of the previous semester or you select at the same time the ones you have left (from the previous semester).
The presentation of the thesis requires the successful completion of all units and the internship.
The successful completion of eight (8) units, the internship and the Postgraduate Diploma Thesis is mandatory for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma.
Academic Supervision
Ioannis Kalavrouziotis
Professor, School of Science & Technology, Hellenic Open University
Dimitris Savvas
Professor, Department of Plant Production Science, Agricultural University of Athens
Georgios Karambourniotis
Professor, Department of Plant Production Science, Agricultural University of Athens
Evangeline Kitta
Dr. Laboratory of Agricultural Structures and Environmental Control, Department of Plant Production and Rural Environment, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly
George Hadjigeorgiou
Professor, Faculty of Science & Technology, Hellenic Open University
350€ per unit (350€ × 8 units)
550€ per internship unit (ΚUΚ PA)
750€ for the Postgraduate Diploma Thesis (ΚYΚ DE)
Total tuition: 4.100€
For information about the programme contact:
Student Registration Department
Τel.: 2610367312
E-mail: kyk@eap.gr
