Agrarwissenschaft (grundständig)

The studies take place at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries, and laboratories. At home, activities include preparing and reviewing courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

This is an undergraduate (grundständig) study program. Study opportunities are available at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Degrees awarded include Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). The standard period of study is 3-4 years. The undergraduate study program in Agricultural Science (Agrarwissenschaft) provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in agriculture. Content from animal husbandry, horticulture, agricultural technology, or organic farming can also be part of the studies. Agricultural Science is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium). Possible undergraduate study programs include Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Economics/Agriculture, Agricultural Science, Data Science for Agricultural Economics, Organic Farming, and Precision Farming. Admission requirements for universities and equivalent higher education institutions include the general university entrance qualification (allgemeine Hochschulreife) or, if applicable, a subject-specific university entrance qualification (fachgebundene Hochschulreife). For universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), at least the university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife) is required. Additionally, passing an internal university selection process and providing proof of a pre-internship (Vorpraktikum) may be necessary. The study content covers students.

The standard period of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 8 semesters. Source: Federal Statistical Office, Statistical Report - Statistics of Examinations at German Higher Education Institutions - Examination Year 2024.

Study costs include enrollment and administrative fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the student union, student body, semester ticket). Tuition fees may also apply for 'long-term students,' a second degree, or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance (typically when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income limits) are also relevant. For information on funding opportunities, consult the German Student Union (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) and the Federal Education Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG).

Dual study programs (duales Studium) combine academic studies with vocational training (Berufsausbildung) or practical phases in a company. In the undergraduate study program Agricultural Science, there are programs that integrate vocational training or practical experience. For example, the study may include the recognized vocational training occupation of farmer. Further information and search for dual study programs can be found on the AusbildungPlus portal.

Compulsory modules may include: Agricultural Policy, Environmental and Resource Economics, Soil Science, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Fundamentals of Agricultural Management, Fundamentals of Agricultural Ecology, Food Safety of Animal and Plant Products, Mathematics and Statistics, Livestock Farming, Ecological Genetics, Gene Conservation and Use of Woody Plants, Plant Nutrition and Fertilization, Animal Nutrition and Feed Science. Elective modules may include: Animal Biology, Forage Cultivation and Preservation, Molecular Biological Analysis Methods, Organic Farming. Practical study content, depending on the university, may include internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., in agricultural enterprises).

You should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Attend lectures and seminars at the university, participate in practical exercises in laboratories, and potentially take part in online courses. You will need to do independent work such as preparing for and reviewing lectures, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and writing assignments. You must plan your studies independently within the given structure, adhere to deadlines, and complete academic and examination requirements on time. Self-discipline and organizational skills are essential. You may also complete internships, for example, in agricultural or horticultural businesses, to prepare for your career.

The following study programs can be alternatives for Agricultural Science (undergraduate): In the field of Plants: Agricultural Management (undergraduate), Horticulture (undergraduate), Viticulture, Oenology (undergraduate), Forestry Science, -Economics (undergraduate). These programs provide knowledge in areas such as plant breeding and health, cultivation methods, ecology and botany, business management, and landscape planning. In the field of Animals: Equine Management (undergraduate). This program provides knowledge in areas such as agribusiness and corporate management, animal husbandry, animal breeding, and animal health. In the field of Biology: Agricultural Biology (undergraduate), Biology (undergraduate). These programs provide knowledge in areas such as agricultural biology, ecology, plant and animal sciences. In the field of Environmental and Nature Protection: Landscape Ecology, Nature Conservation (undergraduate). This program provides knowledge in areas such as ecology and botany, nature and landscape conservation, and landscape planning.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful Studium (university degree): Physics, Chemistry, Biology: for example, to understand physical laws, environmental chemistry, and biological contexts. Mathematics: for example, to perform statistical calculations. Economics/Law: for example, to analyze economic and environmental economic issues. English: for example, to read and understand foreign language specialized literature.

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. The following topics, for example, are relevant: Business administration, rhetoric, negotiation training. Elective and optional modules such as organic farming can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example, in agricultural or horticultural businesses, specifically prepare for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university).

The undergraduate study program Agricultural Science provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in agriculture. Content from animal husbandry, horticulture, agricultural technology, or organic farming can also be part of the studies. It leads to a first university degree. Agricultural Science is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium).

Examples: Agricultural Engineering (Bachelor), Agricultural Economics/Agriculture (Bachelor), Agricultural Science (Bachelor), Data Science for Agricultural Economics (Bachelor), Agriculture (Bachelor), Sustainable Agricultural Economics (Bachelor), Organic Farming (Bachelor), Organic Farming and Marketing (Bachelor), Plant Technology in Agricultural Economics (Bachelor), Precision Farming (Bachelor).

Bachelor graduates in agricultural science have various career opportunities in the private sector and public service. For example, they can work in agricultural economics, animal husbandry, breeding, care, or sales and marketing.

The 19th century saw the establishment of the first study programs for agriculture. In the 20th century, various specialized fields emerged from agricultural science, including: plant and animal production, agricultural economics, geography, technology, marketing, organic farming, and genetic technology. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education landscape with goals such as creating a unified European Higher Education Area, harmonizing study programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's degrees), and improving the mobility of students and lecturers.

Depending on the study program, possible degree titles include Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.).

The following vocational trainings (Ausbildung) can be alternatives if studies are discontinued: In the plant sector; Agricultural Service Specialist (Fachkraft Agrarservice), Gardener specializing in Vegetable Cultivation (Gärtner/Gärtnerin Fachrichtung Gemüsebau), Gardener specializing in Fruit Cultivation (Gärtner/Gärtnerin Fachrichtung Obstbau), Farmer (Landwirt/Landwirtin), Plant Technologist (Pflanzentechnologe/Pflanzentechnologin). Common aspects: Plant production, agriculture or horticulture, marketing agricultural products. In the laboratory sector; State-Certified Agricultural-Technical Assistant (Staatlich geprüfter Agrarwirtschaftlich-technischer Assistent/Staatlich geprüfte Agrarwirtschaftlich-technische Assistentin). Common aspects: Laboratory work, breeding, plant protection. In the biotechnology sector; Biology Laboratory Assistant (Biologielaborant/Biologielaborantin), State-Certified Biological-Technical Assistant (Staatlich geprüfter Biologisch-technischer Assistent/Staatlich geprüfte Biologisch-technische Assistentin). Common aspects: Laboratory work, biology, chemistry. In the animal sector; Animal Farmer specializing in Poultry Farming (Tierwirt/Tierwirtin Fachrichtung Geflügelhaltung), Animal Farmer specializing in Beekeeping (Tierwirt/Tierwirtin Fachrichtung Imkerei), Animal Farmer specializing in Cattle Farming (Tierwirt/Tierwirtin Fachrichtung Rinderhaltung), Animal Farmer specializing in Pig Farming (Tierwirt/Tierwirtin Fachrichtung Schweinehaltung)...

No remuneration is received during the study period (Studium). However, compensation can be agreed upon for practical phases, for example, during an internship in a company. Remuneration during a dual study program (duales Studium) varies depending on the training model and the company.

Legal regulations for studies are governed at the federal level by the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) and joint structural guidelines for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's programs by the states (Bundesland). A qualifications framework for German higher education degrees also exists. At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations, e.g., on the accreditation of study programs, apply. At the university level, the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective study programs are applicable.

The prerequisite for Studium (university studies) at universities and equivalent institutions is the general university entrance qualification or, if applicable, the subject-specific university entrance qualification. For universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the respective Bundesland (federal state) (e.g., Ministry of Culture) is required. Information on Studium without a school-based university entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals: Access to higher education varies in each Bundesland. Depending on the university, an internal university selection process may take place. For dual study programs (duale Studiengänge), an Ausbildung (vocational training), internship, or employment contract with a suitable company (known as a practical partner) is usually a prerequisite. A pre-internship may need to be proven if required.

Bachelor's graduates in Agricultural Science can continue their studies in an advanced Studium (postgraduate program), such as Agricultural Science or Agricultural Management, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. Possible advanced study fields include Agricultural Management, Agricultural Science, Bioeconomy, Fisheries, Aquaculture, Forest Science, Forestry, Horticulture, Equine Management, and Viticulture, Oenology.