Agriculture, Ecology & Societies (AGES) University of Kassel

In the two-year Master's programme in "Agriculture, Ecology & Societies" (AGES), students explore sustainable agriculture from an interdisciplinary perspective. Depending on their career objectives and thematic interests, students may combine courses in the following areas of expertise:

• the natural sciences and biophysical basis for sustainable agroecologies
• ecological land and farm management practices
• the social organisation (governance) and economics of agriculture, rural geographies and rural-urban linkages
• political demands and voices within the food system
• agricultural beliefs and ethics
• critical food systems research and advocacy

The programme emphasises interdisciplinary, critical and project-based learning, and is taught by scholars from a variety of (inter-)disciplinary backgrounds. Its common denominator is the search for more sustainable, equitable food systems, and the need to train and equip young change-makers with an interdisciplinary skill set for food system transformation.

AGES is offered by the Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, which has been a core research and education hub for the German and European organic agriculture movement for 40 years. As a transdisciplinary programme, AGES combines the expertise and facilities of four more faculties at the University of Kassel:

• Fac­ulty of Humanities
• Fac­ulty of Social Sciences
• Fac­ulty of Economics and Management
• Faculty of Architecture, City and Landscape Planning

We maintain a unique network of partner institutes abroad where students can further specialise in agroecology, agricultural development and environmental governance, among other focus areas.

Click here to visit our webpage with videos about the degree programme and find out more.

The programme is divided into 15 modules (six credits each):

Two compulsory modules:

• Agriculture and ecosystem services
• Food systems governance and agriculture

Two bridging modules:

• Students with a life sciences background take:
  • Research methods in social sciences
  • History, societies and environment
• Students with a social sciences or humanities background take:
  • Research methods and data science in the life sciences and
  • either Principles of organic farming or Soil and plant sciences or Organic livestock farming under temperate conditions

In two interdisciplinary project modules, small groups of students approach a complex topic of societal relevance, using and combining their respective methodological strengths. Interdisciplinary projects are each facilitated by two professors from different disciplines, over the course of one or two semesters.

Nine electives from a wide range of courses are offered at our faculties as well as at the University of Göttingen and a number of international partner universities. The curriculum lets students take electives during the third semester, making it much easier to arrange an exchange semester. 

The choice of electives must include:

• At least two courses from the subject area Agriculture and Ecology 
• At least two courses from the subject area Socioeconomics, Humanities and Environment 
• At least two methodological courses
• Optional and with prior approval: up to two courses taught in German

Finally, in the Master's thesis module and colloquium (30 credits), students develop and present an independent, transdisciplinary research project of societal relevance. Each thesis is supervised by two supervisors from different disciplines.

Additionally, students can develop their own professional profiles to orientate their studies better towards career plan. Possible thematic profiles include:

• Profile Management of transformation in the agricultural and food sector
• Profile Governance and transformation of the agricultural and food system
• Profile Social Movements and Advocacy 
• Profile Sustainable Agricultural Ecosystems
• Profile Innovation and Modelling of Agricultural Ecosystems in Transition
• Profile Research and Teaching on Agriculture and Food Systems

No compulsory internship is included, but support and contacts to companies and institutions are available.

For applicants with a degree earned outside Germany, the application period runs annually from 1 December to 1 March of next year. 

For applicants with a degree earned in Germany, the application period runs annually from 1 June to 1 September.

1. An above-average BA or BSc degree in a relevant subject area: Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences, Economics or Humanities
2. A one-page letter detailing your motivation for studying this programme

Please refer to the official admissions homepage.

The semester contribution (391.27 EUR for the 2026 summer semester) includes the "Deutschlandticket", which allows you to use all regional trains and local transport throughout Germany free of charge! You will also receive discounts on meals in the canteens and much more.

To cover their personal expenses while studying in Kassel or Witzenhausen, students are advised to budget between 950 and 1,100 EUR per month for accommodation, food, health insurance, books and other miscellaneous expenses.

Students can apply for various part-time jobs, including positions as a student assistant or tutor on campus. The University of Kassel's Career Service can help you find a part-time job.

The Career Service of University of Kassel offers individual support to facilitate a successful transition from academic to the professional world. Especially for international students aiming for a career in Germany, the Career Service provides workshops, reviewing application documents, networking with alumni and individual counselling. Learn more about the Career Service.

You can find useful information on accommodation, how to find a place to live, and the private housing market in Kassel and on the Witzenhausen campus on the University of Kassel website. More on accommodation in Kassel and Witzenhausen.
International students enrolled at the University of Kassel can choose to stay in a private accommodation or in a student hall of residence ("Wohnheim"). Around the campuses, there are about 1,000 rooms available in the student halls. Further information can be found at the Website of Studierendenwerk Kassel. Rent for a room varies from 260 to 545 EUR per month, depending on location and facilities. Students can choose between single apartments with en-suite facilities and shared flats with fellow students.

Why should you choose the University of Kassel?

Our university is an inspiring educational and research hub located in the heart of Germany. You will find the ideal environment in which to learn, grow, and take your first steps towards a fulfilling career, all the while making a meaningful global impact.

• Innovative learning: We encourage creativity, cross-disciplinary thinking and teaching excellence to unlock your potential.
• Sustainability Focus: We offer pioneering research and programmes in sustainability to address global challenges.
• Dynamic Location: Live in the vibrant city of Kassel with its cultural offerings, natural beauty and excellent transport links for exploring Germany and beyond.
• Welcoming community: Thanks to our diverse campus community of over 3,000 international students, you will feel right at home in our inclusive and supportive environment.

Facts & Figures

Founded in 1971, the University of Kassel is committed to international cooperation and interdisciplinary research. It has ten faculties and a School of Art and Design. It has 3,000 international students from over 130 countries among its 21,000 students. Around 300 professors teach and conduct research here.

Most faculties are located on the main campus (Holländischer Platz) and on four other campuses in Kassel. The Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences is located in the nearby town of Witzenhausen.

Thirteen international and interdisciplinary graduate programmes combine profound knowledge with applied research and project-based learning. Explore our English-taught Master's programmes.

The university also provides a wide range of leisure activities, such as sports facilities, cultural events and social gatherings.

If you’re looking for a place that offers the perfect balance of academic excellence, affordability and a high quality of life in a green setting, then Kassel is the ideal place to study in Germany.

Your Green Hub in the Heart of Germany

With a population of around 200,000, Kassel is located in the centre of Germany, next to the Fulda River. The city boasts a rich cultural and economic diversity.

• Kassel is a vibrant hub where opera, theatre, and world-class art meet. Every five years, the world-famous "documenta" contemporary art exhibition transforms the city into a cosmopolitan hub.
• There are also many parks and forests in and around the city where you can relax or enjoy outdoor activities. The "Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe", Europe's largest mountainside park in Kassel, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Thanks to its central location in Germany and excellent motorway and rail links you can easily and quickly explore other German and European cities (e.g. Berlin, Hamburg or Munich are just three hours away).
• Your semester ticket includes the "Deutschlandticket", which allows you to travel on all buses, trams, regional trains and underground services throughout Germany free of charge.
• Compared to other major German cities, Kassel is surprisingly affordable, with comparatively low rents. Many cafés, bars and cultural venues offer students special discounts.

Witzenhausen, where the Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences is located, is a charming little town about 30 km east of Kassel. Around 1,000 students live and study here. The town's historic half-timbered houses lend it a unique charm, and it is famous for its cherry orchards in the surrounding areas. The annual spring cherry blossom festival is a highlight for all ages.