Master in Applied Field Mycology
Professional-level field mycology covering identification, taxonomy, ecology, toxicology, surveys and conservation of wild fungi.
Program identification
- 1.1Program name
- Master in Applied Field Mycology
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Master
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Culinary Mycology & Foraging. A Fungaris program 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 program, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: February 1, 2027 to November 19, 2027. Enrollment closes on January 25, 2027. Following intake: October 4, 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Program description
This master program provides professional-level training in field mycology. It covers fungal biology and systematics, advanced field identification, microscopy and chemical tests, and molecular identification with DNA barcoding. Ecology modules explore forest habitats and the relationships between mycorrhizal fungi and host trees, while mycotoxicology examines toxins and real poisoning cases. Students then learn survey design and biodiversity data, fungal conservation and policy, herbarium practice, and the communication skills needed to share mycology with the public and decision-makers.
Demand is growing for people who can identify fungi to a high standard and apply that knowledge in surveys, inspection, conservation and education. This program suits field mycologists, foray guides, inspectors and ecologists who want to work at an advanced level. It is taught live by experienced mycologists from research, consultancy and conservation. In the capstone project, each student designs and delivers a field mycology study, such as a site survey or taxonomic investigation, with documented specimens, data and a professional report.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in culinary mycology, useful in areas such as ecological consultancy, conservation, food safety, natural history collections.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This program gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgment and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the program able to apply its content professionally and with judgment. In short:
Professional-level field mycology covering identification, taxonomy, ecology, toxicology, surveys and conservation of wild fungi.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Fungal Biology and Systematics; Advanced Field Identification; Microscopy and Chemical Tests; Molecular Identification and DNA Barcoding.
- Put them into practice: Fungal Ecology and Forest Habitats; Mycorrhizal Fungi and Host Trees; Mycotoxicology and Poisoning Cases; Survey Design and Biodiversity Data.
- Apply everything to a real case: Fungal Conservation and Policy; Herbarium Practice and Collections; Communicating Mycology; Capstone: Field Mycology Project.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your instructor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Identify difficult fungi using macroscopic, microscopic and molecular evidence.
- Explain fungal ecology and mycorrhizal relationships in forest habitats.
- Analyze mushroom poisoning cases using toxicological knowledge.
- Design surveys and contribute to conservation assessments.
- Curate specimens and communicate mycology to diverse audiences.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Field mycologists, guides, inspectors and ecologists.
4.2Entry requirements
A previous course or diploma in mushroom identification, or equivalent field experience, is expected. A microscope is required.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Field mycologist for ecological consultancies
- Senior foray leader and trainer
- Wild mushroom inspector or advisor
- Fungal conservation officer
- Herbarium or collections specialist
- Mycology educator and communicator
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 Systematics | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 02 | Advanced Field Identification | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 03 | Microscopy and Chemical Tests | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 04 | Molecular Identification and DNA Barcoding | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 05 | Fungal Ecology and Forest Habitats | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 06 | Mycorrhizal Fungi and Host Trees | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 07 | Mycotoxicology and Poisoning Cases | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 08 | Survey Design and Biodiversity Data | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 09 | Fungal Conservation and Policy | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 10 | Herbarium Practice and Collections | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 11 | Communicating Mycology | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 12 | Capstone: Field Mycology 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.
- Fungal life cycles
- Phylogeny and classification
- Major fungal lineages
- Difficult genera in the field
- Advanced macroscopic characters
- Identification strategies
- Advanced microscopy
- Chemical spot tests
- Documentation of microscopic features
- DNA extraction and barcoding
- Sequence analysis
- Integrating molecular and morphological data
- Decomposers and nutrient cycles
- Forest types and fungal communities
- Disturbance and succession
- Mycorrhizal types
- Host specificity
- Mycorrhizas and forest health
- Classes of mushroom toxins
- Poisoning case analysis
- Supporting poison centers
- Survey methods
- Biodiversity databases
- Analyzing survey data
- Red listing fungi
- Conservation policy
- Habitat protection measures
- Specimen preparation
- Curation and databases
- Working with herbaria
- Public engagement
- Writing for different audiences
- Advising decision-makers
- Study design
- Fieldwork and analysis
- Professional reporting
5.3Company placement
This program does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
A field mycology study, such as a site survey or taxonomic investigation, with documented specimens, data and a professional report.
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 instructor 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, field and laboratory exercises in each module and a capstone project reviewed by the instructor.
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 instructor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Culinary Mycology school coordinates the content and quality of this program. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The instructor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Master Certificate
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Master Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization 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 enrollment
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 résumé or a description of your experience in the field.
10.3Deadlines
Enrollment for the intake starting on February 1, 2027 is open until January 25, 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: $3,350
- Full payment before the start: $2,680 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation ($1,340) and 10 monthly installments of $201.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organization. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the program 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 canceling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrollment 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 Applied Field Mycology?
A previous course or diploma in mushroom identification, or equivalent field experience, is expected. A microscope is required.
How is Master in Applied Field 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, field and laboratory exercises in each module and a capstone project reviewed by the instructor.
What is the final project?
A field mycology study, such as a site survey or taxonomic investigation, with documented specimens, data and a professional report.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Master Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization and on local rules in each country.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This program 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.
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 installments. All prices are stated in US dollars (USD).