Agrarmanagement (weiterführend)

For more information, you can refer to the information services of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency), the film 'Agrarmanagement - Duales Studium', and other information sources such as agrarheute, agrarzeitung, Bildungsserver Agrar, FISA, MWonline, and top agrar.

The university degree (Studium) takes place at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Learning locations include the university campus (lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries, computer labs) and at home (e.g., preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments; possibly participating in online courses).

Core competencies acquired or deepened during the degree (Studium) include agricultural economics, agricultural policy, agricultural law, agricultural sciences, business management, planning of operational resources, business administration, calculation, cost and performance accounting, customer consulting, agricultural trade, marketing, and sales. Further competencies that may be relevant for later professional practice include arable farming, agricultural biology, agricultural technology, agroforestry systems, agrophotovoltaics, work preparation, biogas plants, biotechnology, creating specialist publications, research, grassland management, warehouse management, teaching (university), logistics, market research, dairy farming, organic farming, plant protection, plant breeding, quality management, and animal husbandry.

The standard duration of the university degree (Studium) is 2 to 4 semesters.

University degree (Studium) costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the student union, student body, semester ticket). Tuition fees may apply in certain cases (for 'long-term students', for a second degree (Studium), or after exhausting a set study credit). Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialist literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required when exceeding the age limit of 25 years or certain income thresholds. For information on funding opportunities, refer to the Deutsches Studierendenwerk – Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten and the BAföG (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz) law.

Modules may include applied econometrics, soil science/plant nutrition, business plan and operations research, field trials, measurement technology, production key figures, international feed evaluation, geographical information systems in agricultural sciences, international agricultural and food policy, land use modeling, agricultural technology, human resource management, planning and construction of animal husbandry projects, plant protection and stock analysis in arable farming, traceability, quality and environmental management, special genetic engineering, environmental economics/environmental policy. Practical study content varies by university and may include internships, practical modules, practical semesters (e.g., in an agricultural consulting institution, possibly abroad), research projects, and excursions.

Students should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Attend lectures and seminars during the semester, possibly participate in online courses from home. For part-time students, professional work takes place during the day, with university attendance in the evenings or on weekends. Practical exercises, such as examining seeds in a laboratory, are part of the curriculum. Independent work includes preparing for and reviewing lectures, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during lecture-free periods). Scientific research skills are deepened. Students must independently plan their studies, adhere to given study periods, and submit study and examination work on time, requiring self-discipline and organizational talent. Internships, for example, in an agricultural consulting institution, prepare students for professional life.

Students can complete parts of their studies abroad. Various countries offer international master's programs in Agrarmanagement. For example, Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences collaborates with partner universities in Mongolia (Mongolian University of Life Sciences), Austria (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU)), Paraguay (Universidad San Carlos (USC)), or Poland (Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences) for an MBA in Agrarmanagement. In the Netherlands, the University of Bonn and the University of Wageningen offer the international master's program 'Agricultural and Food Economics (AFECO)' (M.Sc.), with a double degree option.

The following study programs can be alternatives for Agrarmanagement (advanced): In the plant sector, Agricultural Science (advanced), Forestry Science/Economics (advanced), Viticulture, Oenology (advanced) provide knowledge in areas such as plant breeding and health, cultivation methods, ecology and botany, business management, and possibly animal husbandry. In the animal sector, Equine Management (advanced) offers knowledge in animal husbandry and breeding, animal health, agribusiness, and business management. In the management and business administration sector, Business Management, Management (advanced), Business Administration (advanced), and Economics (advanced) provide knowledge in business administration, marketing, sales, accounting, and corporate organization.

Universities typically require the following degrees for admission: Agrarmanagement (undergraduate), Agricultural Science (undergraduate), Horticulture (undergraduate).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. Topics such as business administration, communication, and project management are relevant. Elective modules like animal housing and feeding management can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example, in an agricultural consulting institution, specifically prepare students for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities.

This advanced study program deepens knowledge from undergraduate studies and, if applicable, professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics such as management and controlling, crop production, animal production, agricultural engineering, organic farming, or environmental economics. The program leads to a second university degree. Agrarmanagement is also available as a distance learning program.

Examples of postgraduate programs in this field include: Advisory and Innovation Services in Agri-Food Systems (Master), Agricultural Management (Master), Agricultural and Resource Economics (Master), Agribusiness (Master), Agricultural and Food Economics (Master), Sustainable Agricultural Management (Master), Sustainable Agricultural Production Management (Master), Eco-Agricultural Management (Master), Production Management in Agriculture and Horticulture (Master), Sustainable Transition (Master).

For Master's graduates in agricultural management, various career fields are available in the private sector, such as agricultural economics, controlling, or sales. Those aiming for an academic career at a university usually need to pursue a doctorate. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector and research.

The 19th century saw the establishment of the first study programs for agriculture. In the mid-20th century, increasing economic content in agricultural sector study programs led to the foundation of Agricultural Economics and the establishment of Agricultural Management programs. The Bologna Process, which began in 1999, aimed to create a unified European higher education area, harmonize study programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's programs), and improve the mobility of students and lecturers.

Associations and organizations include VDL-Bundesverband Berufsverband Agrar, Ernährung, Umwelt e.V. and Verband der Landwirtschaftskammern e.V.

Depending on the study program, master's degrees such as Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Science (M.Sc.) can be obtained.

No remuneration is received during the Studium (university study). Compensation may be agreed upon for practical phases.

Legal regulations for university studies in Germany are determined at both federal (Bundesebene) and state (Landesebene) levels. At the federal level, these include the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) and joint structural guidelines for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. At the state level, higher education laws, administrative regulations concerning accreditation, and qualification or university admission regulations apply. At the university level, the university's own statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective degree programs are in effect.

To be admitted to this advanced study program (weiterführendes Studium), a first professionally qualifying university degree (Hochschulabschluss) is required, usually in Agrarmanagement. For continuing education programs, at least one year of professional experience (Berufspraxis) is necessary. Depending on the university, an internal selection process may be conducted. Selection criteria often include academic performance from the first qualifying degree. Proof of English language proficiency may also be required.