MSc International Food Business and Consumer Studies (IFBC) University of Kassel

The Master’s programme in International Food Business and Consumer Studies (IFBC) focuses on how value chains in the food industry can be designed to be both sustainable and consumer-oriented. Students analyse consumer trends, cultural differences and the role of regional and global markets.

Sustainability runs like a thread through the entire course. Around 430 graduates from 56 countries have already completed the programme – and it is this diversity that continues to shape the course to this day. Different cultural perspectives come together, whether in discussions, projects or research work. This gives rise to new ideas and fresh perspectives on global food systems – practical, interconnected and with an international outlook.

If you are looking for a programme that combines academic depth, real-world relevance, and a strong international community, this is the right place for you.

Compulsory modules are:

International Legislation on Consumer Protection and Food: Gain an in-depth understanding of EU institutions, food labelling, novel foods regulations, risk management, and trade barriers.

International Organic Food Markets and Marketing: Build marketing strategies for global organic markets and understand key regulations.

Food Product Development: Dive into product stages – from formulations and additives to testing, shelf life, and regulations – for innovative foods.

Applied Research Project: Enhance your project management skills by leading research and development projects with external partners.

Quality Management in Food Business: Optimise supply chains, manage risk safety, traceability, and processes in the food industry.

Trends in Food Sciences and Sustainable Consumption: Explore food science, nutritional impacts across diets, and sustainability in raw materials and products.

Consumer Behaviour and Consumer Science: Explore social and psychological drivers of consumer behaviour, consumption trends, and future patterns with a sustainability focus.

Research Methods: Build foundations in social science research, analyse qualitative and quantitative data, and integrate theory, data, and interpretation.

Electives (choose three): Assessing Food Quality; Digital Transformation in the Food Sector; Innovative Product Development; Innovation Management in the Food Sector; Quality Management and Certification for Organic Foods; Strategic Management; Sustainable Food Systems and Management

Profile module: Choose a module closely aligned with the individual academic focus.

Master's thesis 

Programme structure

Full-time over four semesters (start in October): three semesters of modules (14 total), one for your Master's thesis

Teaching & Assessment

Lectures, workshops, seminars, projects, and group work — especially in the Applied Research Project
assessed via exams, reports, presentations, and practicals

Joint degree

20+ years of success by 

• Kassel University — Witzenhausen campus (Organic Agricultural Sciences) and 
• Fulda University of Applied Sciences (Nutritional, Food, and Consumer Sciences) 

Classes are split between Witzenhausen and Fulda campuses.

Fulda University of Applied Sciences

Please note that there is no compulsory internship. Programme advisers are available to assist students in finding appropriate internships.

• Applicants with a first academic degree acquired outside Germany: 1 December - 1 March
• Applicants with a degree acquired in Germany: 1 June - 1 September

Open to students from nutrition, food and consumer sciences, food technology, agricultural science, and related fields

Applicants must hold a solid Bachelor's degree with a final grade of at least German 2.4 or equivalent.

For further information on admission requirements, see: http://www.uni-kassel.de/go/m_ifbc/.

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.

The Career Service of University of Kassel offers support to facilitate your successful transition from academic to the professional world. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides workshops, seminars, assistance with their portfolio, and individual advisory.

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.