Agricultural Sciences and Resource Management in the Tropics and Subtropics (ARTS) University of Bonn

Agricultural production uses natural resources in diverse ways. These resources show complex interactions and are sensitive to human activities and interventions. Their appropriate management requires skilled individuals with both the necessary biophysical and socioeconomic background knowledge. The ARTS programme is designed as a research-oriented, multidisciplinary approach to expand students' overall background in the basic and applied management of natural resources for agricultural development and research in (sub)tropical environments.

Graduates are equipped with skills and tools to recognise and solve problems related to (sub)tropical resource management, thus making them effective leaders for agricultural development, preparing them for agricultural and environmental research and development positions, and providing an entry qualification for PhD programmes.

Cooperation with development organisations in Bonn and with universities and research institutions in over 40 countries allow students to develop a holistic, cross-disciplinary understanding of natural resources in agricultural contexts and opens opportunities for internships and employment.

The ARTS programme extends over 24 months and is structured into compulsory and optional modules, following the European Credit Transfer System. The international organisations located in Bonn offer opportunities for internships to registered ARTS students, and representatives contribute to lectures and seminars.

• The first semester serves to broaden students' knowledge by providing an overview of the structure and use of resources in (sub)tropical agriculture. Interdisciplinary lectures and seminars focus on resource interactions in relation to the social, economic and political context and are supplemented by practical exercises and diverse sociocultural activities.
• In the second semester, students intensify their knowledge by choosing at least five modules from a catalogue of 20 elective modules.
• The third study semester, under the theme “from knowledge to action”, prepares students to translate research questions into activities and projects. Activities comprise seminars and exercises on scientific communication, research planning and project management.
• The last study semester is devoted to the thesis research, including the elaboration and presentation of a thesis proposal, the collection of experimental data at the (sub)tropical field research site, and the writing and defence of the thesis.
• One highlight is the joint visit of a conference on agriculture in the tropics, where students can present their own research results to a scientific audience and build a personal network.

Fulfilling the requirements for the Master of Science degree includes passing the predetermined number of 120 credits in the form of courses, seminars, and the thesis.

Internships within the diverse national and international research and development organisations that are concentrated in Bonn are encouraged during the semester breaks.

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Sciences or in a field related to the postgraduate course with an above-average grade from a university/college
At least two years of working experience in agriculture is desirable.

Please submit the following:

• CV
• Letter of motivation
• Two to three page scientific research proposal
• English language certificate
• Degree (authenticated)
• Academic transcript (authenticated)

Remember that we only accept applications through our online platform.
More information: www.arts.uni-bonn.de/application

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the semester fee of about 350 EUR per semester, which covers a Deutschlandsemesterticket (student transit pass for public transport) and statutory accident insurance, among other things.

Students in Bonn can expect to pay around 1,000 EUR a month, with rent accounting for the largest share of their living costs.

Based on need and availability, departments and institutes of the Agricultural Department offer student assistant positions.

Various governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations offer paid and unpaid internships and student jobs related to studies. Students are regularly informed about these offers by the programme coordinator. In addition, as in many German university cities, there is a wide range of paid student jobs in Bonn that are not necessarily directly related to studies.

The University of Bonn has a central Career Service (www.uni-bonn.de/careerservice), which provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. International students can also join the iStart career programme (www.uni-bonn.de/istart), which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies and thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

Housing in student dormitories/apartments is available to a limited extent in Bonn (https://www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation/) at prices of around 250 EUR to 400 EUR. Most students find apartments at slightly higher rents elsewhere in the city area.

International applicants who are admitted to the Master’s programme can apply for a dorm room through the programme coordinator. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all students will be allotted a room, as these are in short supply.