Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics & Subtropics (Master’s)
International agriculture degree program with a focus on development aid
Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics & Subtropics (Master’s)
International agricultural program with a focus on development service
The production of quantitatively sufficient food and access to high-quality food are globally anchored in the Sustainable Development Goals. Continued population growth, climate change, and increased resource use threaten food and nutrition security and thus the livelihoods of millions of small farmers. Only with an interdisciplinary effort based on evidence-based, scientific knowledge can a paradigm shift towards agroecological, sustainable, and highly productive agriculture be achieved that will secure these farmers their livelihoods and people their food in the long term. The world needs the collaboration of trained scientists from different disciplines to achieve this goal. Agritropics provides broad-based knowledge in tropical agriculture and combines interdisciplinary approaches in a degree program that specifically trains you in development-oriented agricultural research, preparing you to lead multidisciplinary teams.
The program can optionally be studied as a "Single Degree" in Hohenheim or as a "Double Degree" with a stay in the 2nd year at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague with the title "Tropical Agriculture and Farming Systems".
- Study of sustainable agricultural systems with the goal of food security
- Can be studied either as a single degree in Hohenheim or as a double degree with the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague
- Excellent career opportunities in international organizations
- Reasons to Choose Hohenheim
| Degree Master of Science |
4 semesters 120 credits |
Language English |
University places Unlimited |
Location Stuttgart |
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| 1st Semester | 2nd Semester | 3rd Semester | 4th Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crop Production Systems (6 Credits) |
Interdisciplinary Practical Science Training (7.5 credits) |
Elective Module (6 Credits) |
Master Thesis (30 Credits) |
| Ecology and Agroecosystems (6 Credits) |
Elective Module (7.5 credits) |
Elective Module (6 Credits) |
|
| Methods in Interdisciplinary Collaboration (6 Credits) |
Elective Module (7.5 credits) |
Elective Module (6 Credits) |
|
| Natural Resource Use and Conservation in the Tropics and Subtropics (6 Credits) |
Elective Module (7.5 credits) |
Elective Module (6 Credits) |
|
| Livestock Production Systems and Development (6 Credits) |
Elective Module (6 Credits) |
More information about the individual modules can be found in the module descriptions.
In the first year of studies,
students deepen their knowledge in six compulsory modules. Agriculture in tropical and subtropical agroecosystems is presented and analyzed in many aspects in these modules. In addition to animal production and plant production, systemic interrelationships are presented.
The ecology of tropical agricultural systems is a focus, as is the economy and social significance of small-scale farming systems in the tropics and subtropics. Responsible use, recycling, and conservation of natural resources are considered in depth and explored and applied in practical modules.
In the first year of study, special emphasis is placed on methods of interdisciplinary cooperation, and teamwork in student groups is practiced. Besides the compulsory modules, students choose three modules from more than 15 elective modules specific to the tropics and subtropics for this specialization.
In the second year of studies,
students select five more modules from a wide range of electives. This allows them to develop their individual, professional profile and tailor their knowledge specifically to their career aspirations.
In the second year of study, research is carried out on Master's thesis topic and the Master's thesis is written. These research projects are usually carried out with reference to an international, development-oriented research project in the target countries being conducted by the department of the instructing lecturers. It is possible to complete a thesis in a group.
Students who opt for the double degree with the Czech University of Life Sciences transfer to the partner university in Prague for their third and fourth semesters.
Students who do not wish to take advantage of this option still have the possibility to take a semester abroad and have their achievements recognized.
The curriculum is designed to teach the following skills and competences:
- Specific knowledge in development-oriented agricultural research
- Competence in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary cooperation
- Ability to assess the influence of availability, quality, and quantity of natural resources on agricultural production in tropical and subtropical agro-ecosystems
- Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of material cycles (water, nitrogen, carbon) in agricultural production systems at different temporal and spatial scales
- Ability to take advantage of opportunities to reduce post-harvest losses and encourage innovation in product processing
- Ability to manage and promote gender-sensitive development and extension approaches for sustainable agricultural production at different levels (farm, project, institution, administration, policy) in a socio-economic context
- Competence and capacity to take a leadership role in improving the marketability of agricultural products and increasing rural incomes by reducing infrastructural constraints or socio-economic limitations to market access
- Transfer and application of integrated knowledge for management recommendations and to evaluate different strategies for the sustainability of agricultural production in the context of climate change.
Graduates have very good chances on the international job market. Possible fields of work depending on the profile focus are e.g.:
- International and national agricultural research centers (CGIAR or departmental research)
- Ministries for development cooperation, land or environmental protection - Development cooperation organizations
- Consulting firms
- International or national non-governmental organizations
- Universities and other research institutions
- Businesses in the agricultural sector
- EU institutions
It makes sense to complete internships (international or in Germany) within the Master's program. The lecturers in the program are happy to help arrange such offers. In addition, the Master's program qualifies students to embark on a doctoral project. Most universities as well as most graduate schools expect above-average performance in the Master's program for this.
Jonathan Löffler, Germany, Graduate of 2019
Sourcing specialist for fatty oils, waxes
"You feel passion for issues connected to countries in the global south? Agricultural practices, interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific methods interest you? The Agritropics program in Hohenheim clearly is an excellent option to build up solid background knowledge in this field. Moreover, you can proactively specialize and advance in subjects of free choice. Personally, I enjoyed the international community in the Agritropics program. It gave me the opportunity to get in touch with people and topics, who were as diverse as the tropics!"
Sangeun Bae, South Korea, currently an intern with the GIZ in Ghana, Graduate of 2018
"AgriTropics provides you with diverse opportunities to design your own learning experience and career pathway. Cooperations with many organizations, both within and outside Germany expose you to seminars and internship opportunities where you can build your knowledge base. Professors have an international recognition and their projects offer great research topics for your thesis. Not to forget the valuable friendships with colleagues from all over with world!"
Guilherme Amorim Franchi, Brazil, PhD Fellow an der Aarhus University, Graduate of 2017
"If you are proactive, cooperative and interested in agricultural sciences, Hohenheim is the right place for you. You will have hands-on experience in a range of agricultural science fields under the supervision of internationally-known scientists in a multicultural environment. So, be prepared to profit from a broad network and seek the best professional opportunities worldwide. Surely, studying at the University of Hohenheim was very important to my career and personal development."
Award-winning teaching, good career prospects, and the most beautiful campus in the state are only three of the many good reasons to study in Hohenheim.
Here we have collected several reasons why other students have decided to study at the University of Hohenheim.
First Place not Once but Three Times: The current Global Universities Ranking from U.S. News & World Report, the renowned NTU ranking, QS World University Ranking, and dathe Center of World University Ranking put University of Hohenheim’s agricultural research in 1st place in Germany.
In the agricultural university ranking from top agrar, the agricultural students at the University of Hohenheim give the grades 1.5 to 2.0. According to the ranking 2016, 88% of the students surveyed would recommend the University of Hohenheim for agricultural studies.
The University of Hohenheim puts great importance on quality teaching, which is demonstrated by several award-winning reform projects.
These projects include for example mobile teaching (German e-learning innovation and young scientists award (d-elina) in the category “Campus” at the BITKOM) or the ethics module, developed by the student group FRESH and awarded by the UN.
The study program was designed in cooperation with representatives from the GIZ (German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation) and instructors from the Hohenheim institutes for the tropics and subtropics and offers a perfectly tailored education for working in the area of development.
The vision of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences is a global agricultural system which is productive, environmentally-friendly and socially-minded, and which is in harmony with society’s demand for a multi-purpose orientation.
Agricultural research at the University of Hohenheim is focused on four areas:
- Food for all: Security of global food supply
- Hazard prevention: Climate change and scarcity of resources
- Beyond fossil fuels: Bioenergy and bio-based value-creation networks
- Diversity instead of monoculture: Genome Diversity in Agriculture
There are no easy answers to these kinds of questions. That is why agricultural researchers at the University of Hohenheim work across disciplinary boundaries, collaborating with colleagues in the natural sciences, business administration and economics, and the social sciences, for instance in bioeconomics, a field of research and teaching that will become even more important in the future. That collaboration also has an impact on teaching.
Number 1 in internationalization: In the current EU ranking U-Multirank, the University of Hohenheim has a top spot in internationalization.
The basis for this placing is the decades-long, global commitment of the Agricultural Sciences. Especially our tropics research with 10 professorships has made the University known around the world.
International opportunities for students:
- 80 partner institutions worldwide (40 of which are in the Erasmus+ program)
- Member of the Euroleague for Life Sciences - the network for Europe’s best
- scholarship programs for travel, research, and exchange
- Worldwide alumni network
- Studies according to international standards for excellence and international competitiveness of graduates
Professors of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences are in high demand.
The top experts include:
 | Chair of the scientific advisory council Prof. Dr. Martina Brockmeier The German Council of Science and Humanities is considered the highest-ranking advisory committee on topics of science in Germany. Its scientific members are appointed by the Federal President. |
 | In the Bioeconomy Council Prof. Dr. Regina Birner The Bioeconomy Council is an independent advisory committee for the German federal government. The goal: to establish a cross-sectoral and bio-based economy in Germany that uses as few fossil raw materials as possible. |
Further members in important commissions and expert lists
- Prof. Dr. Iris Lewandowski and Prof. Dr. Joachim Müller are members of the BMBF scientific advisory council "Agricultural Systems of the Future”
- Prof. Dr. Enno Bahrs is member of the BMEL scientific advisory council for biodiversity and genetic resources
- Expert lists on various agricultural topics
Scholarship and awards for studies, final theses, travel, and attending conferences: Thanks to many supporters, the University of Hohenheim has an unusually extensive scholarship culture.
Around 100,000 Euros is the total amount of all scholarships and awards that are presented each year at the Dies academicus.
More than 700 hectares of test area: Among German universities, the University of Hohenheim owns the largest amount of property. For students, this means a lot of room for their own experiments, research, and a great deal of hands-on experience.
Also directly on campus: State institutes for transferring science into practice, the Hohenheim Gardens, and the German Agricultural Museum.
The University of Hohenheim is a university with a long tradition. You will experience a truly unique university atmosphere enriched by the Baroque palace, the historic gardens and parks, and modern architecture: In 2009, the University of Hohenheim was declared the most beautiful campus university in the state.
In 2017, Hohenheim's President Stephan Dabbert was chosen by the German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (DHV) as the most popular president in Baden-Württemberg for the third year in a row. He was ranked second in all of Germany.
This jewel is located south of the state capital Stuttgart. Because it is close to Stuttgart, you have all the opportunities available in a big city. The University of Hohenheim is only a few minutes away from the airport, the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre, and the autobahn and is easily reached with public transportation.
 | Unique party atmosphere: The historical Thomas-Müntzer-Scheuer, an old barn with a new purpose, is the party center of Hohenheim. |
 | The University ball in the pompous palace rooms is the social event of the year. |
Double degree students spend the second year of their studies at their host university in Prague.
Single degree students can also spend the last year of their studies abroad. The work completed there can be easily recognized as elective modules. This will not prolong your studies.
The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences cooperates in research and teaching with 80 partner institutions worldwide including 40 universities in the ERASMUS+ program.
The University of Hohenheim’s Office of International Affairs offers extensive information and advising on stays abroad and financing these stays with scholarships.
| Start of the application period | |
|---|---|
Non-EU citizens: Mid-November of the year before the program starts |
| Application deadlines | |
|---|---|
| 1st subject-related semester | Only possible for the winter semester! German, EU citizens: 15 September Non-EU citizens: 15 March |
Higher subject-related semesters | For the winter semester: All applicants: 15 January |
| Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Formal requirements |
|
| Content requirements | We expect good English skills, a team spirit, and willingness to work in a multicultural environment. Experience abroad or in the field and knowledge of Office applications are advantageous. |
| Language skills | English language proficiency required |
| Pre-study internship | no |
| Selection procedure | |
|---|---|
| Selection criteria | No An above-average grade in the Bachelor’s program (see admission regulations) is a requirement for admission, however |
| Selection interview | no |
Katrin Winkler