Integrated Plant and Animal Breeding (MSc) University of Göttingen

The International Master's programme in “Integrated Plant and Animal Breeding”

• provides a profoundly interdisciplinary approach to breeding research by bridging the gap between animal and plant breeding
• covers all relevant disciplines of breeding research
• is supplemented by external lecturers from leading international breeding companies, research institutions, and national authorities

Animal breeding and plant breeding are driving the development of new livestock and crop varieties that can cope with the challenges of the changing environment and the demands of consumers. Breeding research integrates areas such as quantitative and molecular genetics, biotechnology, and breeding informatics. It has close links to neighbouring fields such as animal and plant nutrition, animal health and crop protection, marketing, economics and ethics. Highly specialised experts in this field are required worldwide. Graduates of this programme will have excellent career opportunities in both academia and industry.

The two-year Master's programme requires 120 ECTS, divided into the study programme with 81 ECTS (lectures, internships, seminars), a six-week internship (9 ECTS) and the Master's thesis including colloquium (30 ECTS).

Compulsory modules:

• Quantitative genetics and population genetics
• Breeding schemes and programmes in plant and animal breeding
• Statistical genetics, breeding informatics and experimental design
• Biotechnology and molecular genetics in plant and animal breeding
• Selection theory, design and optimisation of breeding programmes

Internship (at least six weeks): research-intensive internship in the industry or public research institutes

Elective modules (examples):

• Breeding informatics
• Poultry breeding and genetics
• Biotechnology and forest genetics
• Root biology
• Applied Machine Learning in Agriculture with R
• Molecular genetics and genomics

Master's thesis and Master's defence

An internship of six weeks is a compulsory module. This has to be completed during one semester break. Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship. Students will carry out practical work in areas of plant, forestry, or animal breeding.

Specific knowledge of the respective area of work/research will be acquired, and social abilities like work organisation, teamwork, interdisciplinary work, and flexibility will be practised.

Successful applicants must have an above-average or preferably good grade in their undergraduate degree (BSc) from a programme with a duration of at least six semesters in agricultural sciences, biology or a related study field.

Please see the iPAB admission criteria.

The fees are around 460 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket, which entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge as well as buses. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals are available at reduced prices at university canteens.

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 800 to 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. International students should note that it is not possible to study in Germany without sufficient financing.

Further information on the requirements for non-EU citizens (proof of finances) can be found on the Visa and Residence Permit page of the International Office.

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de.

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations.

Foreign applicants should note that it is not easy to find a job to finance their studies, as German students are also searching for jobs. Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to find a job. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

Germany scholarship: Deutschlandstipendium
Lower Saxony scholarship: Niedersachsenstipendium

Application is only possible after enrolment!

The Career Service of the university offers individual support for the job entry. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme.

If you are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.
Start-up support

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studierendenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.