Agrarwissenschaft (weiterführend)

This (postgraduate) Studium (university study) takes place at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Learning locations include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries, and laboratories at the university; at home, it involves preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

The standard duration for this (postgraduate) Studium (university study) is 2-4 semesters.

(Postgraduate) Studium (university study) costs include enrollment and administrative fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the Studierendenwerk (student services), student union, semester ticket). Potentially, tuition fees may apply for "long-term students," for a second (postgraduate) Studium, or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred, along with student health insurance contributions (typically when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income thresholds). For information on funding opportunities, refer to Deutsches Studierendenwerk - Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten and the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG) (Federal Education Assistance Act).

Compulsory modules include topics such as Advanced Food Biotechnology, Applied Molecular Biology, Crossmedia Management, International Management, Product and Innovation Management, Quality Management in Food Production, Corporate Management, Corporate Planning and Controlling. Elective modules may cover subjects like Agricultural Electronics, Renewable Resources/Bioenergy, Livestock Management/Smart Farming, Special Animal Nutrition, Animal Welfare Indicators, and World Food Economy. Practical (postgraduate) Studium (university study) content, depending on the university, includes internships, practical modules, practical semesters (e.g., at authorities in the agricultural and environmental sector), and research projects.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Courses involve attending lectures and seminars in university lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester, and potentially participating in online courses from home. Practical exercises include, for example, checking seed quality in laboratories. Independent work requires preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during lecture-free periods). Scientific research involves deepening skills in academic work; organization and planning mean independently planning the (postgraduate) Studium (university study), adhering to prescribed study durations, and timely completion of study and examination requirements (self-discipline and organizational talent are necessary). Career preparation includes, if applicable, completing internships (e.g., at associations and authorities in the agricultural and environmental sector) and preparing for entry into the profession.

Students can complete parts of their (postgraduate) Studium (university study) abroad. For example, there is an international Master's program called "Sustainable International Agriculture (SIA)" in Chile/Indonesia. This program is offered by the University of Göttingen, the University of Kassel-Witzenhausen, and partner universities in Chile (Talca) and Indonesia (Bogor). The degree awarded can be a Master of Science (M.Sc.) or a double degree. Further information can be found on the University of Göttingen's "Sustainable International Agriculture - International Organic Agriculture" page.

The following (postgraduate) Studium (university study) fields can be alternatives to Agricultural Sciences (postgraduate) (Agrarwissenschaft (weiterführend)): For the plant sector, alternatives include Agricultural Management (postgraduate), Horticulture (postgraduate), Viticulture, Oenology (postgraduate), Forest Science, -Economics (postgraduate). The commonality is acquiring knowledge in areas such as plant breeding and health, cultivation methods, ecology and botany, business management, and landscape planning. For the animal sector, Equine Management (postgraduate) is an alternative. The commonality is acquiring knowledge in areas such as agribusiness and corporate management, animal husbandry, animal breeding, and animal health. For the biology sector, Biology (postgraduate) is an alternative. The commonality is acquiring knowledge in areas such as genetic technology, plant and animal sciences. For the environmental and nature conservation sector, Landscape Ecology, Nature Conservation (postgraduate) is an alternative. The commonality is acquiring knowledge in areas such as ecology and botany, nature and landscape protection, and landscape planning.

Universities typically require the following (undergraduate) Studium (university study) degrees for admission: Agricultural Sciences (undergraduate), Agricultural Management (undergraduate), Agricultural Biology (undergraduate).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. For example, topics such as business administration, negotiation techniques, and customer communication can be considered. Elective and compulsory elective modules, like special animal nutrition, can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for instance, in associations and authorities within the agricultural and environmental sector, specifically prepare individuals for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities. For universities in Germany, the university search section of Hochschulkompass can be consulted.

This (postgraduate) Studium (university study) field deepens knowledge acquired from an undergraduate (grundständig) (university study) field and, if applicable, from professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics, which might include plant production, animal breeding, or agricultural ecology. Additionally, there are Master's programs that cover a broad spectrum of agricultural sciences. This (postgraduate) Studium leads to a second university degree. Agricultural sciences are also available as a teaching degree (Lehramt) (university study) program.

Examples: Agricultural Economics (Master), Agricultural and Food Economics (Master), Agricultural Science and Resource Management in the Tropics and Subtropics (Master), Agriculture, Ecology and Societies (Master), Crop Sciences (Master), Environmental Protection and Agricultural Food Production (Master), Integrated Plant and Animal Breeding (Master), Livestock Sciences (Master), Plant Production and Environment (Master), Sustainable International Agriculture (Master).

Master's graduates in Agricultural Science can find various career opportunities in the private sector and public service, such as agricultural economics, expert appraisal, consultancy, or process and product development. Those aiming for an academic career at a university typically need to pursue a doctorate. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector and research.

In the 19th century, the first degree programs (Studium) for agriculture were established. The 20th century saw the emergence of various specialized fields from Agricultural Science, including plant and animal production, agricultural economics, geography, technology, marketing, organic farming, and genetic technology. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, bringing reforms to the European higher education landscape (Hochschullandschaft). Its goals included creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing degree programs (Studiengänge) and qualifications by introducing Bachelor's and Master's degrees, and improving the mobility of students and teaching staff.

Degree awarded: Master of Science (M.Sc.).

No remuneration is received during the degree program (Studium). Payment may be agreed upon for practical phases (Praxisphasen).

At the federal level, regulations include the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) and joint structural guidelines from the states (Bundesland) for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. There is also a qualifications framework for German higher education (Hochschul) degrees. At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations apply, for example, regarding the accreditation of degree programs or qualification and higher education admission regulations. At the university level, the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective degree programs are applicable.

The prerequisite for the degree program (Studium) is a first professionally qualifying higher education (Hochschul) degree; typically, an undergraduate degree (grundständiges Studium) in Agricultural Science is required. Depending on the university, an internal selection process takes place. Selection criteria may include academic performance in the first professionally qualifying degree. English language proficiency may need to be demonstrated if required.