Sustainable International Agriculture (SIA), MSc University of Kassel

The MSc programme in Sustainable International Agriculture (SIA) is a joint degree programme offered by the Faculties of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Göttingen and Organic Agricultural Sciences of the University of Kassel in Witzenhausen. The programme is internationally oriented and offers three specialisation profiles:

International Agribusiness and Rural Development Economics: This profile equips students to analyse socio-economic interactions between individuals, resources and markets in agriculture using up-to-date quantitative and qualitative methods. Students gain the tools to address key questions in agricultural systems at different levels, ranging from global challenges such as hunger and international trade to issues at the level of food value chains, food safety and quality, and household-level questions such as agricultural productivity, participation and poverty. The profile prepares graduates for careers in research, business, public administration and international organisations.

International Organic Agriculture: This profile offers students the opportunity to specialise in Organic Agriculture. It covers a broad range of subjects, including soil, crop and animal sciences as well as environmental, social and economic aspects. Students learn to assess scientific literature, apply qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis, and interpret research findings in the context of organic and international agriculture. Practical facilities, including a research greenhouse, a 340-hectare research farm, various laboratories and modern IT equipment, support individual study profiles. The profile prepares graduates to contribute to science, policy and development for more resource-efficient and sustainable agriculture worldwide.

Tropical Agricultural and Agroecosystems Sciences: This profile prepares students for professional work in the sustainable use of tropical and subtropical agroecosystems. A wide range of modules in soil, plant, animal and socio-economic sciences, combined with method-oriented teaching, provides the basis for analysing, understanding and improving farming systems in the context of population growth, globalisation and climate change. A biannual two-week excursion to a tropical country and participation in ongoing long-term field research projects give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge under real conditions.

Students choose one of three specialisation profiles. Each profile combines compulsory modules with a broad range of compulsory elective and elective options, allowing students to build expertise in their chosen field while maintaining a broader perspective on agricultural systems.

International Agribusiness and Rural Development Economics: Students complete four compulsory modules (24 ECTS): World Agriculture Markets and Trade, Socioeconomics of Rural Development and Food Security, Sustainable International Agriculture: Basic Principles and Approaches, and Econometrics I. In addition, they choose five compulsory elective modules, including at least one module that develops methodological skills, and six elective modules.

International Organic Agriculture: Students complete five compulsory modules (30 ECTS): Soil and Plant Science, Organic Livestock Farming under Temperate Conditions, Applied Statistical Modelling, Sustainable International Agriculture: Basic Principles and Approaches, and Organic Cropping Systems under Temperate and (Sub-)Tropical Conditions. In addition, they choose four compulsory elective modules, including at least one module that develops methodological skills and one economics module, and six elective modules.

Tropical Agricultural and Agroecosystems Sciences: Students complete five compulsory modules: Soil and Plant Science, Tropical Animal Husbandry Systems, Applied Statistical Modelling, Sustainable International Agriculture: Basic Principles and Approaches, and Management of Tropical Plant Production Systems. In addition, they choose four compulsory elective modules, including at least one module that develops methodological skills, and six elective modules.

Students can further focus their studies by choosing from a wide range of compulsory elective and elective modules according to their individual interests. An overview of the courses currently on offer can be found in the module handbook: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/studies/104384.html

Additionally, language courses at level B1 or B2 may be considered once as an elective course, provided that the course is not English or the student's native language.

The final semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis. This may include field research and data collection in Germany or abroad, followed by the analysis and evaluation of the results. The thesis is completed with a colloquium.

Georg-August-Universität Göttingen

There are no compulsory internships, but students may choose to complete voluntary internships in Germany or abroad as part of their studies.

Successful applicants must hold an undergraduate degree (BSc) of at least six semesters in agricultural sciences or a related field of study and must have achieved an above-average grade (at least equivalent to an upper second-class degree), with a good overall grade being preferred.

For applicants whose academic transcripts and degree certificates were issued in China, Mongolia, Vietnam, or India, only APS-certified documents will be accepted during the application process.

Please refer to the admission regulations for full details: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/122863.html.

The semester contribution is approximately 460 EUR. It usually includes a prepaid semester ticket, which allows students to use regional trains and buses free of charge.

The semester fee only has to be paid to the University of Göttingen. No additional semester fee is due at the University of Kassel, even though the programme is a joint degree.

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.