Agricultural Biology (Master’s)

Agriculture & Nature - Combine knowledge from two disciplines!


Agricultural Biology in Hohenheim

Practical research work in direct contact with the lecturers characterizes the Agricultural Biology program at the University of Hohenheim and ideally prepares you for a career in research, industry, and agriculture.

At Hohenheim you determine the structure of your studies yourself. You can study agricultural biology in its full breadth or specialize in one area.

  • Specialization areas with related modules: Plants, soil and atmosphere, animals and environment, food and nutrition
  • Reasons to Choose Hohenheim

Degree
Master of Science
4 semesters
120 credits
Language
German/English
University places
40
Location
Stuttgart

Study plan:

Each semester 30 credits are planned.

1st semester, 2nd semester, 3rd semester, 4th semester,
Compulsory modules and/or semi-elective modules, depending on the specialization or non-specialist focus Compulsory modules and/or semi-elective modules, depending on the specialization or non-specialist focus In each of the four subject areas or non-specialist areas, 30 credits can be freely selected, so that the 3rd semester is also suitable for a semester abroad.

Master’s Thesis
(30 credits)

The first semester includes compulsory modules and basic modules, each of which is worth 6 ECTS. These modules provide a sound basic knowledge of biology and agricultural science, supplemented by a module on methods of project planning, data collection, and data evaluation. This will prepare you for the specialization area in the second and third semesters.

In the second semester you will acquire in-depth knowledge in subject-specific and interdisciplinary modules in fields of your choice. The modules of the semi-elective area each comprise 7.5 ECTS and take place in blocks. They are research-based, with an emphasis on knowledge transfer, experimental analytical methods, and data analysis. Here you have the possibility to deepen your knowledge in one of three areas: Plants and their interaction with soil and atmosphere, animals and their environment, or food and nutrition.

The third semester can be freely designed to a large extent. It can be used as a mobility window for stays abroad. During an internship, contacts can be made with potential employers. Research internships at the University of Hohenheim, another German university, or a research institution are another option. Alternatively, modules from the extensive range of electives can be taken. These can be modules from the chosen specializations or those that teach interdisciplinary professional skills.

In the fourth semester you will complete your Master's thesis. You will use what you have learned to work independently on a scientific question. In doing so, you will demonstrate your ability to think analytically, to work in a solution-oriented manner, and to reflect critically on results.

  • Management of interdisciplinary working groups in the field of laboratory analysis, consulting, or quality management in natural and agricultural sciences.
  • Research and development in industry, e.g. in the fields of agribusiness, food, biotechnology, etc.
  • Research and development of plant and animal welfare, trait development, breeding, feed production, crop production, and animal husbandry
  • Creation of start-ups in the field of agricultural sciences / bioeconomy
  • Public research institutes at the federal and state levels
  • Environmental and nature protection, regional planning
  • Public service
  • Business consulting firms

Good reasons to study at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences in Hohenheim

We welcome you spending some time abroad during your studies. To make this step easier for you, the University of Hohenheim is a member of the Europe-wide university network ELLS. In addition to stays abroad at partner universities, it offers intensive programs, summer schools, or a "marketplace for Master's theses". Of course, you can also simply extend your study period and use this time for a stay abroad as well.

Research

The Agricultural Biology program is closely linked to current research projects at the biological and agricultural science institutes. The course teaches integrative and holistic methods for analyzing and evaluating the biological basis of agricultural systems (soil, plant, animal). With our expertise in the sub-disciplines of plant and animal physiology and genetics, microbiology and biotechnology, as well as soil science and ecology, we offer a wide variety for future research activities.

Core research areas

The content of the Master of Agricultural Biology covers many of the University’s profile topics. These range from global food security, climate change and resource scarcity to bio-based value networks and bioenergy, and genomic diversity in agriculture. An important link to these topics is digitalization in agriculture and Big Data management. Another research focus is represented by the Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research - HoLMiR, which is concerned with interfaculty knowledge-based basic research in the thematic focus "Microbiota in livestock".

Cooperation agreements

With the aim of further expanding our successful research projects and achieving sustainable synergy effects, we maintain intensive cooperation with our excellent partners:

  • University of Stuttgart
  • University of Tübingen
  • Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)
  • Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI-MP)
  • Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI)
  • Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN)
  • Other national and international research institutions.

If you choose to study in Hohenheim, you will have to look for a room or an apartment in the region. We can help you with this. more


Semester fees, rent, costs of living - How much will studying cost you and how can you finance it? We have collected the most important information. more

Application deadlines
1st subject-related semester

only for the winter semester: 15 June

Germans, EU citizens, holders of a German university entrance qualification (Bildungsinländer), and non-EU citizens

Higher subject-related semesters

for the winter semester: 15 June

Germans, EU citizens, holders of a German university entrance qualification (Bildungsinländer), and non-EU citizens

for the summer semester: 15 January

Germans, EU citizens, holders of a German university entrance qualification (Bildungsinländer), and non-EU citizens

Requirements
Formal requirements

Bachelor's degree in one of the following courses (min. 180 credits):

  • Agricultural Biology,
  • Agricultural Sciences,
  • Biology,
  • Nutritional Science,
  • Food Science and Biotechnology,
  • Geoecology,
  • Biobased Products and Bioenergy,
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Other degree programs with a standard period of study of at least three years or an equivalent academic qualification may be permitted by the admission committee
Content requirements

Interest in:

  • Natural sciences
  • Farming
  • Various areas of Agricultural Biology
  • Scientific working methods

Skills:

  • Commitment
  • Team work
  • High degree of motivation
  • Logical thinking
  • Precise, structural, and independent work
  • Good communication skills and motivation to discuss topics with others
Language skills

German C1

English B2

Pre-study internshipno
Selection procedure
Selection criteria

If the total number of applicants exceeds the number of places, a ranking will be made according to the following criteria:

  • Average grade of the degree program or the average grade of exams already taken
  • Additional points for prior knowledge of the subject
  • Additional points for vocational training, professional activities, or volunteer work during a gap year (comparable to German FSJ, FÖJ, BFD)
Selection interviewno

Contact

Dr. Silke Schmalholz
+49 711 459 23763
Email

Accreditation

The quality of the degree program is checked regularly.

Learn more about our quality management