Master in Mycology
A comprehensive programme covering fungal biology, diversity, identification, ecology and applications, culminating in an independent research project.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Master in Mycology
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Master
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Mycology & Fungal Science. 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
The Master in Mycology is Fungaris's most comprehensive programme in fungal science, covering the kingdom from cell biology to applications. Over twelve modules you will study fungal biology and physiology, taxonomy, systematics and nomenclature, field identification of macrofungi, microfungi, yeasts and laboratory culture, microscopy, and molecular identification and phylogenetics. The programme then broadens to fungal ecology and symbioses, plant pathogenic fungi, medical and veterinary mycology, and applied and industrial mycology, before equipping you with research methods and biostatistics.
Few training routes offer such a complete view of mycology, and professionals increasingly need breadth as well as depth to work across research, conservation, agriculture, health and industry. This programme suits graduates and professionals seeking genuine mycological expertise, whether to specialise, change direction or lead projects. It is taught live by a tutor selected for working experience in mycology. The programme culminates in an independent research project: you will define a question, design and carry out a study using field, laboratory or data methods, and present your findings in a scientific report reviewed by your supervising tutor.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in fungal science, useful in areas such as research and higher education, conservation and environmental consultancy, agriculture, food and biotechnology, museums and biological collections.
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:
A comprehensive programme covering fungal biology, diversity, identification, ecology and applications, culminating in an independent research project.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Fungal Biology and Physiology; Fungal Taxonomy, Systematics and Nomenclature; Field Mycology and Macrofungal Identification; Microfungi, Yeasts and Laboratory Culture.
- Put them into practice: Microscopy and Morphological Analysis; Molecular Identification and Phylogenetics; Fungal Ecology and Symbioses; Plant Pathogenic Fungi.
- Apply everything to a real case: Medical and Veterinary Mycology; Applied and Industrial Mycology; Research Methods and Biostatistics; Research Project in Mycology.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Integrate fungal biology, taxonomy and ecology to address scientific questions.
- Identify macro- and microfungi using field, microscopic and molecular evidence.
- Culture, document and curate fungal material to professional standards.
- Analyse mycological data with appropriate statistics and phylogenetic methods.
- Design, conduct and report independent research in mycology.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Graduates and professionals seeking mycology expertise.
4.2Entry requirements
A prior course or diploma in mycology, a life-science degree, or equivalent professional experience is expected. A compound microscope is required for practical modules.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Professional mycologist in research or consultancy
- Fungarium or culture collection curator
- Applied mycologist in food, agriculture or biotechnology
- Ecological consultant specialising in fungi
- Research scientist preparing for doctoral study
- Mycology educator and trainer
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Fungal Biology and Physiology | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 02 | Fungal Taxonomy, Systematics and Nomenclature | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 03 | Field Mycology and Macrofungal Identification | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 04 | Microfungi, Yeasts and Laboratory Culture | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 05 | Microscopy and Morphological Analysis | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 06 | Molecular Identification and Phylogenetics | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 07 | Fungal Ecology and Symbioses | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 08 | Plant Pathogenic Fungi | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 09 | Medical and Veterinary Mycology | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 10 | Applied and Industrial Mycology | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 11 | Research Methods and Biostatistics | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 12 | Research Project in Mycology | 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.
- Cell structure and growth
- Nutrition and metabolism
- Reproduction and development
- Species concepts
- Nomenclature rules
- Current classification of fungi
- Field methods and recording
- Agarics and boletes
- Polypores, ascomycetes and other forms
- Moulds and microfungi
- Yeast diversity and identification
- Isolation and culture techniques
- Advanced microscope technique
- Reagents and microchemistry
- Morphometrics and documentation
- DNA barcoding
- Multilocus phylogenetics
- Species delimitation
- Decomposers and nutrient cycling
- Mycorrhizas and endophytes
- Lichens and other symbioses
- Infection biology
- Major crop and tree diseases
- Diagnosis and management
- Human pathogenic fungi
- Animal and wildlife mycoses
- Diagnostics and antifungal resistance
- Food and fermentation
- Biotechnology and enzymes
- Mushroom cultivation and materials
- Research design
- Statistical analysis in R
- Scientific writing
- Question and proposal
- Data collection and analysis
- Scientific report and presentation
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 mycological research study, from proposal to scientific report and presentation.
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, exercises and assignments in every module, and an independent research project 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 Science 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 Mycology?
A prior course or diploma in mycology, a life-science degree, or equivalent professional experience is expected. A compound microscope is required for practical modules.
How is Master in Mycology 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, exercises and assignments in every module, and an independent research project reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
An independent mycological research study, from proposal to scientific report and presentation.
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.
Read before you start.
Fungal ScienceHow to Become a Mycologist: Paths, Skills and CareersFungi are moving from niche to mainstream, in food, materials, medicine and conservation. Here is how people actually build a career working with them.Read the article 
Fungal ScienceMushroom Microscopy for Beginners: Equipment and TechniquesA microscope opens a hidden world of spores, basidia and cystidia. Here is the equipment you need, the basic techniques and the safety rules for reagents.Read the article 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).