Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics and Subtropics (AgriTropics) University of Hohenheim

International degree programme for agricultural research focused on development

Continued population growth, climate change, and an increasing use of resources are threatening the livelihoods of millions of small farmers. Only with an interdisciplinary effort based on evidence-based, scientific knowledge can a paradigm shift towards agroecological, sustainable, and highly productive agriculture be achieved that will secure these farmers their livelihoods and people their food in the long term.

• Interdisciplinary study of sustainable agricultural systems in the tropics
• Excellent career opportunities within international organisations

Objectives

The curriculum is designed to teach the following skills and competences:

• Specific knowledge in development-oriented agricultural research
• Competence in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary cooperation
• Ability to assess the influence of availability, quality, and quantity of natural resources on agricultural production in tropical and subtropical agro-ecosystems
• Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of material cycles (water, nitrogen, carbon) in agricultural production systems at different temporal and spatial scales
• Ability to take advantage of opportunities to reduce post-harvest losses and encourage innovation in product processing
• Ability to manage and promote gender-sensitive development and extension approaches for sustainable agricultural production at different levels (farm, project, institution, administration, policy) in a socio-economic context
• Competence and capacity to take a leadership role in improving the marketability of agricultural products and increasing rural incomes by reducing infrastructural constraints or socio-economic limitations to market access
• Transfer and application of integrated knowledge for management recommendations and to evaluate different strategies for the sustainability of agricultural production in the context of climate change.

Occupational fields

Graduates have very good chances on the international job market. Possible fields of work, depending on the profile focus, include:

• International and national agricultural research centres
• Ministries for development cooperation, land or environmental protection
• Consulting firms
• International or national non-governmental organisations
• Universities and other research institutions
• Businesses in the agricultural sector
• EU institutions

AgriTropics also qualifies students to pursue a doctoral degree.

In the first year of study,
students deepen their knowledge in six compulsory modules. Agriculture in tropical and subtropical agroecosystems is presented and analysed in many aspects in these modules. In addition to animal production and plant production, systemic interrelationships are presented.

The ecology of tropical agricultural systems is a focus, as is the economy and social significance of small-scale farming systems in the tropics and subtropics. Responsible use, recycling, and conservation of natural resources are considered in depth and explored and applied in practical modules.

In the first year of study, special emphasis is placed on methods of interdisciplinary cooperation, and teamwork in student groups is practised. Besides the compulsory modules, students choose three modules from more than 15 elective modules specific to the tropics and subtropics for this specialisation.

In the second year of study,
you select a further five modules from a wide range of elective modules. In this way, you can develop your individual professional profile and tailor your knowledge to your career aspirations.

During the second year, you will also carry out research on a subject-specific Master's thesis topic. This research work is usually carried out in relation to an international, development-oriented research project at the chair of the supervising lecturers in the target countries.

The academic advisers from the teaching staff will guide you in selecting modules and planning your studies, ensuring a smooth and goal-oriented progression.

Curriculum

Internships are not compulsory, but they are recommended. The internship must be organised by the student and has to fit the schedule of the programme. The CareerCenter Hohenheim runs a database for internship offers and assists in finding suitable placements.

Formal requirements

• An above-average Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural, Natural, or Environmental Sciences, or a related discipline with a standard period of study of at least three years (in total 180 ECTS credits)
• If the final grade or average grade of this degree is not above average, the applicant must also prove their special aptitude for the degree programme
• Proof of English language skills

Additional requirements

We expect good English skills, a team spirit, and a willingness to work in a multicultural environment. Experience abroad or in the field is advantageous.

Universities in Baden-Württemberg require their students to pay a semester contribution towards the administration costs, for student services and for the Student Parliament. Student services provide many benefits, such as discounted tickets for public transportation. The semester contribution amounts to approx. 175 EUR per semester.

Baden-Württemberg has the highest standard of living in Germany. The downside is that living costs are slightly above the German average. However, the cost of living can vary enormously depending on your personal lifestyle and where you live. It is generally more expensive to live in a bigger city like Stuttgart, where the University of Hohenheim is located. As a rule of thumb, 950 EUR to 1,000 EUR per month should be enough. The largest monthly expense is usually for rent, accounting for a third of the total cost of living for most students. These costs can be cut substantially by sharing a flat or living in a dorm. A typical example of monthly expenses could look like this:

• Rent: 350 EUR to 500 EUR
• Health insurance: approx. 110 EUR
• Public transport: approx. 60 EUR
• Study materials: 100 EUR
• Food and drink: 150 EUR to 250 EUR
• Leisure and hobbies: approx. 100 EUR

The University of Hohenheim provides students with the opportunity to take on assistant jobs within the campus premises. Students are entrusted with the responsibility of scheduling their working hours in a manner that does not interfere with their academic commitments. Additionally, students have the option to seek employment off campus as permitted by the Aliens Act. It is important to note that finding jobs off campus may be challenging without a strong command of the German language.

More information can be found here.

Numerous funding opportunities exist for Master's thesis projects abroad are offered by various foundations. Detailed information is available here.

BRICKS. The Qualification Programme for Entering the German Job Market

The BRICKS project at the University of Hohenheim helps international students prepare for their careers in Germany. The programme provides personalised career training, language development, practical experience, and networking opportunities with top companies, empowering students to shape their professional future in Germany.

CareerCenter Hohenheim

CareerCenter Hohenheim offers guidance and support to students and graduates in areas such as professional orientation, building a professional profile, and the application process. The centre actively fosters connections with business and industrial partners, ensuring early engagement with the professional world through information events, seminars on essential skills, internships, and more.

Student residences on campus

At the University of Hohenheim, several student residence halls are located on campus. They are managed by Student Services Tübingen-Hohenheim. There is a high demand for these rooms, which is why usually only a small number of applications will be successful.

International (non-EU) students have a much more difficult time than Germans in finding private accommodation at the start of their studies when they are searching from their home countries. Therefore, the university provides a quota of rooms for international students. This enables a larger number of new international students to have a room in a residence hall. To be able to offer this special assistance at the start of studies, the rental duration for these rooms is limited to two years for Master's students.

Additionally, the house-hunting assistance offers support in finding a room on the private market.

The oldest university in Stuttgart, the University of Hohenheim, is unique in its strong specialisation.

Founded in 1818 after devastating famines, the University of Hohenheim is not only engaged in intensive basic research but has traditionally always been committed to developing innovative solutions for some of society's pressing problems. To do so, the University of Hohenheim engages in a combination of scientific disciplines that is unique among German universities.

Strong in research and exceptionally well-connected

Today, the University of Hohenheim is the leading university in agricultural research and food sciences, as well as strong and unparalleled in natural, social, business, economic, and communication sciences. The combination makes it possible to find solutions for many global challenges. This is why the university puts great importance on maintaining an international network with numerous strong partners.

Award-winning range of degree programmes

The degree programmes at the University of Hohenheim are innovative and adventurous. The “Mobile Teaching” and “Humboldt Reloaded” pilot projects, promoting research-oriented studies, have been given the Ars Legendi Prize for excellence in teaching and other awards.

Specialisation Bioeconomy

Bioeconomy is a joint specialisation of research and teaching in all subjects. This specialisation addresses the economics of the future, with new products and new production processes, involving raw material from plants, animals, or microorganisms.

The green campus of short distances

The "green campus" of the University of Hohenheim is a concept that pertains not only to the content of its innovative programmes but also to the lush green environment on its campus. The green campus, with its short distances all around the Hohenheim Palace, is known as the most beautiful campus in the state. The university members value its personal atmosphere as well as the way that the campus facilitates a close proximity to colleagues.

The University of Hohenheim is located in Stuttgart, the capital of the federal state of Baden-Württemberg. Why is Baden-Württemberg such a popular place to live and work? Probably because it has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the entire country. Where there's a strong economy, there is also a strong education system.

If you ask someone abroad, "What is Stuttgart famous for?", the answer is invariably, "Porsche, Mercedes and Bosch!" All these premium global players and many more have production sites in Stuttgart or in the region. As a result, they contribute to Baden-Württemberg's excellent reputation as one of the economic powerhouses of Europe.

Within Germany, Baden-Württemberg is at the forefront of the country's energy policy turnaround. The development and expansion of a sustainable energy economy is a top priority in the south-west.

What should we be famous for?

Many things that make Stuttgart and the region special are not known abroad. Because you will stay here for a semester or two, you should know more about it:

• The Swabians are proud of the Swabian cuisine: Maultaschen (filled pasta), Spätzle (egg noodles) and Schnitzel. You will definitely love the Swabian specialities, including the famous German beer and the wines of Württemberg.
• Stuttgart is also famous for the "Cannstatter Wasen". This is the second biggest beer festival in Germany after Oktoberfest. It attracts more than four million visitors every year. The first Wasen was celebrated in honour of the foundation of the University of Hohenheim 200 years ago!
• Or maybe the region should be famous for the fact that the sun shines more often and for more hours here in the south-west than anywhere else in Germany. Additionally, the low crime rate means that Baden-Württemberg is one of the safest German federal states. As you might expect, it thus tops the scale of life expectancy and quality of life. 
• We are proud of the diversity in our city! People from all over the world are living in Stuttgart. Stuttgart is an example of combining cosmopolitanism and successful integration. No other city in Germany has a higher proportion of international citizens. We are convinced that it is this diversity that makes us strong!