Sustainable International Agriculture (SIA), MSc University of Göttingen

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 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 as elective course once, 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.

University of Kassel

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 fee is approximately EUR 460. 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.

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.

Students at the Universities of Göttingen and Kassel benefit from discounts on, or free admission to, many cultural events in both cities. Meals are available at reduced prices in the university canteens.

A number of student jobs are available at the university. They are announced on the following website: https://www.stellenwerk.de/goettingen.

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

Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to find a job. Non-EU students are permitted to work an equivalent of a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

The university’s Career Service offers individual support for entry into the job market. In particular, for international students aiming to start their careers in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific workshops, online learning modules and a qualification programme.

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.

Students are free to choose whether they want to live in Göttingen or in Witzenhausen. The more convenient location depends partly on your study profile.

Students in the “International Organic Agriculture” profile will have most of their courses in Witzenhausen. For this reason, living in Witzenhausen may be the more practical option. Students in the “Tropical Agriculture and Ecosystems Sciences” profile usually have courses in both Göttingen and Witzenhausen. Students in this profile may therefore choose either location according to their personal preferences. Students in the “International Agribusiness and Rural Development Economics” profile will have most of their courses in Göttingen. For this reason, living in Göttingen may be more convenient.