Master in Fungal Network Science
Studies mycelial and mycorrhizal networks through ecology, physics, signalling and computation, addressing the field's most contested questions.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Master in Fungal Network Science
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Master
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Fungal Computing, Bioelectronics & Space Mycology. A Fungaris programme of its own, not endorsed by a university.
- 1.4Mode of study
- Online, with live sessions in a small group, recordings and a virtual campus.
- 1.5Duration (hours / ECTS credits)
- 10 months (40 weeks) · 432 hours in total · 12 modules of 36 hours · 40 live sessions of 2 hours. ECTS credits: not applicable (Fungaris own programme, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: 1 February 2027 to 19 November 2027. Enrolment closes on 25 January 2027. Following intake: 4 October 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Programme description
This master studies mycelial and mycorrhizal networks through ecology, physics, signalling and computation. Over twelve modules you examine mycelial growth and network formation, network theory, transport and flow, and methods for imaging and quantifying networks. You then explore mycorrhizal networks in ecosystems, the wood wide web controversy, chemical and electrical signalling, behaviour and basal cognition, modelling and simulation, and networks as computing and sensing substrates.
Fungal network science is a research frontier where some of the field's most contested questions live, from tree-to-tree transfer to fungal decision-making. Progress needs researchers who combine quantitative skills with careful interpretation, and the programme trains exactly that. It suits graduates in ecology, physics or complex systems. A module on research design and scientific communication prepares you for the thesis: an independent project combining empirical data or simulation with network analysis, addressing a clearly defined question and stating explicitly what the results can and cannot support.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in fungal computing, useful in areas such as ecological research, complex systems and network science, forestry and conservation, science communication.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This programme gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgement and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the programme able to apply its content professionally and with judgement. In short:
Studies mycelial and mycorrhizal networks through ecology, physics, signalling and computation, addressing the field's most contested questions.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Mycelial growth and network formation; Network theory for biologists; Transport and flow in fungal networks; Imaging and quantifying networks.
- Put them into practice: Mycorrhizal networks in ecosystems; The wood wide web: evidence and controversy; Chemical and electrical signalling; Behaviour, foraging and basal cognition.
- Apply everything to a real case: Modelling and simulation of fungal networks; Networks as computing and sensing substrates; Research design and scientific communication; Master's thesis project.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Quantify fungal network structure from images using graph metrics.
- Model transport and growth in fungal networks.
- Critically evaluate evidence on mycorrhizal networks and the wood wide web.
- Analyse chemical and electrical signalling across networks.
- Build and validate simulations of fungal network behaviour.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Graduates in ecology, physics or complex systems.
4.2Entry requirements
Prior completion of a related course or diploma, or a degree or professional experience in ecology, physics or complex systems, is expected; basic programming is recommended.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Research associate in fungal ecology or network science
- Doctoral candidate in complex systems or mycology
- Computational biologist modelling networks
- Ecological consultant on soil and forest systems
- R&D analyst on bio-inspired networks
- Science communicator on fungal networks
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Mycelial growth and network formation | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 02 | Network theory for biologists | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 03 | Transport and flow in fungal networks | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 04 | Imaging and quantifying networks | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 05 | Mycorrhizal networks in ecosystems | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 06 | The wood wide web: evidence and controversy | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 07 | Chemical and electrical signalling | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 08 | Behaviour, foraging and basal cognition | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 09 | Modelling and simulation of fungal networks | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 10 | Networks as computing and sensing substrates | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 11 | Research design and scientific communication | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 12 | Master's thesis project | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| Total | 432 |
12 modules × 36 hours = 432 hours: 80 hours of live sessions, and the rest for campus study, exercises and the final project.
5.2Content by module
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- Hyphal extension and branching
- Fusion and connectivity
- Colony-scale patterns
- Graphs and metrics
- Spatial networks
- Network robustness
- Cytoplasmic flow
- Nutrient translocation
- Transport models
- Time-lapse imaging
- Image segmentation
- Network extraction tools
- Network structure in forests
- Effects on plant communities
- Field methods
- Key experiments
- Critiques and responses
- Open questions
- Chemical signals in networks
- Electrical activity
- Integration of signals
- Foraging strategies
- Memory-like responses
- Cognition debates
- Agent-based models
- Continuum and flow models
- Validating simulations
- Physical reservoir concepts
- Network-based sensing
- Evidence and limits
- Designing network studies
- Reproducibility
- Communicating contested science
- Thesis proposal
- Data collection or simulation
- Thesis write-up and defence
5.3Company placement
This programme does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
An independent thesis combining empirical data or simulation with network analysis on a defined fungal network question.
Methodology
6.1How it is taught
- Live online sessions, usually weekly, with a working professional and a small group.
- Recordings of every session, so you can catch up if work or time zones get in the way.
- Exercises and real case studies in every module.
- Tutoring: your tutor answers questions and gives feedback on your exercises and project.
6.2Platform and resources
A Moodle virtual campus with session recordings, readings, exercises and forums for each module. You need a computer, an up-to-date browser and a stable connection; a webcam and microphone are recommended.
Technical requirements →6.3Estimated weekly workload
About 11 hours a week for 40 weeks: one 2-hour live session on a weekday evening, plus study and exercises on the campus at your own pace.
Assessment
7.1Assessment system and weighting
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, analytical and modelling exercises in each module and a master's thesis reviewed by the tutor.
7.2Requirements to pass
- Complete every module, by attending the live sessions or watching the recordings.
- Hand in the module exercises.
- Have your final project approved by your tutor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Fungal Computing school coordinates the content and quality of this programme. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The tutor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Master Certificate
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Master Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
9.2Issuing body / recognition
Issued by Fungaris (operated by Nexora Generation, S.L.) as a digital certificate. It is a Fungaris certificate of its own: it is not an official university degree and does not award ECTS credits.
About our certificates →Admission and enrolment
10.1Admission process (steps)
- Send your request through the form or write to admissions.
- Admissions reviews your profile and confirms the start date, the session schedule and the fee.
- You secure your place with full payment or a 40% reservation.
- You receive your campus access and welcome guide before the first session.
10.2Documents required
- A valid identity document.
- Contact and billing details (personal or company).
- A short CV or a description of your experience in the field.
10.3Deadlines
Enrolment for the intake starting on 1 February 2027 is open until 25 January 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: £2,520
- Full payment before the start: £2,016 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation (£1,008) and 10 monthly instalments of £151.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organisation. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the programme and receive the invoice in the company name. Whether a public or employer training budget can cover the fee depends on your country, so check with them.
10.6Cancellation policy
The conditions for cancelling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrolment confirmation. Nothing there limits your rights under the consumer law that applies to you.
Cancellation and refunds →Additional information
11.1Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to study Master in Fungal Network Science?
Prior completion of a related course or diploma, or a degree or professional experience in ecology, physics or complex systems, is expected; basic programming is recommended.
How is Master in Fungal Network Science taught?
Live online, in 12 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, analytical and modelling exercises in each module and a master's thesis reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
An independent thesis combining empirical data or simulation with network analysis on a defined fungal network question.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Master Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This programme does not have any published yet; they will appear here once its first intakes finish.
11.3Admissions contact
Write to info@fungaris.institute or use the contact form. Admissions answers in your language.
Keep branching.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly instalments. All prices are stated in pounds sterling (GBP).