Crop Sciences (Master’s)

Cultivated Plants for the Future


Strong in science and international

Crop scientists develop cultivation systems that have high yields and are also ecological and sustainable. The program is therefore designed to train students to take on scientific tasks in research institutions and the private sector, offering a well-founded methodological and biotechnological education for up-and-coming crop scientists.

  • Options to specialize in “Plant Breeding and Seed Science” or “Plant Nutrition and Plant Protection”
  • Optimal scientific infrastructure for crop sciences
  • Practically oriented with the Agricultural Experiment Station and the State Plant Breeding Institute
  • Reasons to Choose Hohenheim

Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
4 semesters
120 credits
Language
English
University places
30
Location
Stuttgart

Crop Sciences - Plant Breeding and Seed Science

1st Semester 2nd Semester 3rd Semester 4th Semester
Methods of Scien-tific Working
(for Crop Sciences)
(6 Credits)
Advanced Statistical Methods for Metric and Categorical Data
(6 Credits)
Planning of Breeding Programmes
(6 Credits)
Master’s Thesis
(30 Credits)
Population and Quantitative Genetics
(6 Credits)
Breeding Methodology
(6 Credits)
Selection Theory
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Seed Research
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Compulsory Modules Elective module Credits

Crop Sciences - Plant Nutrition and Protection

1st Semester 2nd Semester 3rd Semester 4th Semester
Methods of Scientific Working
(for Crop Sciences)
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Master’s Thesis
(30 Credits)
Methods in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
(12 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Physiology and Biochemistry of Crops
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
From Genes to Transgenic Plants
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Elective Module
(6 Credits)
Compulsory Modules Elective module Credits

More information about the individual modules can be found in the module descriptions.

In the first year of studies,

students choose one of two specializations:

  • Plant Breeding and Seed Science

The students obtain solid knowledge of the traditional and modern seed breeding methods as well as in biometric evaluation procedures.

The seven compulsory modules are distributed across the first three semester, which means that from one semester to the next a more intensive and in-depth look at the specific topics in the degree program is given. Eight elective modules make it possible for students to design their individual profile according to their career plans and interests.

  • Plant Nutrition and Protection

This specialization conveys knowledge of molecular biology, biotechnology, physiology, and plant nutrition as well as strategies of plant protection. Students also look at the development of biotechnological approaches and management practices to produce plants with higher yields and high quality.

The compulsory modules in this specialization are all in the first semester. This means that in the second and third semesters, students have a completely free selection of elective modules from the more than 260 modules offered in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences.

In the second year of studies,
the Master's thesis is also completed according to the students’ chosen specialization.

The scientific infrastructure combined with the practical opportunities to carry out experiments at the Agricultural Experiment Stations and in the State Plant Breeding Institute offer optimal conditions to students.

Students in this Master's program are introduced to methodical, biological, physiological, molecular-genetic, and biometric principles.

The goal of the program is to increase the efficiency of arable crops and cultivation systems regarding the transformation of light and additional resources into

  • food for humans
  • feed
    and renewable resources.



In the face of a growing world population and limited availability of farmland, achieving this goal remains a key challenge. Graduates of this program are capable of developing approaches of their own to address the changing problems in modern crop breeding, crop biotechology, and in plant production systems. This requires a broad-based understanding of a wide range of issues including basic biology, physiology, ecology, bioinformatics, and expert systems.

Graduates acquire in-depth knowledge in their field of study, develop critical thinking skills, and are able to conduct cutting-edge research. Potential areas of employment are:

  • Plant cultivation and seed companies
  • Grain and greenhouse companies
  • Chemical-pharmaceutical industry
  • Service industry and consulting
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • Public and private research facilities
  • Agrochemical companies

The M.Sc. program also qualifies and prepares students to pursue a doctoral degree.

Marcus Olatoye Olalere (Nigeria) Graduate 2013

Marcus Olatoye Olalere (Nigeria) Graduate 2013, PhD at Kansas State University:

“Today, I still look back in time and wish I was able to challenge myself more than I did then, because now I realize how invaluable my developmental experience in Hohenheim was. I am proud to call Universität Hohenheim my “Alma Mater”

 
Linda Homann (Germany) Graduate 2012, Officer for InnovationPromotion, Federal Office for Agriculture and Nutrition:

“I found the international focus very inspiring. The statistical analyses as well as the broad choice of topics were an enrichment.”


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.

In addition to comprehensive teaching, Hohenheim offers excellent opportunities at experimental stations and laboratories. As a result, hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge are closely connected.

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
Field of expertise: International agricultural trade and world food economy

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
Department of Social and Institutional Change in Agricultural Development

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 offers from the scholarship organizations for students by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research

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.

Because the last year of studies can be designed very flexibly, the credits completed during an exchange semester can be transferred as elective modules. Therefore, studying abroad does not mean that students have to repeat semesters at their home university.

The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences cooperates with 80 partner institutions in research and teaching, 40 of which are universities in ERASMUS programs.

The Office of International Affairs of the University of Hohenheim offers information and advice on studying abroad and scholarships.


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

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

Start of the application period
Non-EU citizens: Mid-November of the year before the program starts
German, EU citizens, holders of a German university entrance qualification (Bildungsinländer): Mid-March
Application deadlines
1st subject-related semesterOnly possible for the winter semester!
German, EU citizens: 15 July
Non-EU citizens: 15 March

Higher subject-related semesters

For the winter semester:
German, EU citizens: 15 July
Non-EU citizens: 15 March

For the summer semester:
All applicants: 15 January
Requirements
Formal requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Natural Sciences, or a related program at a university in Germany or abroad or at a university of applied sciences with a standard period of study of at least 3 years (totaling 180 ECTS credits)
  • Proof of English language skills
  • Result of the Crop Sciences pre-test
Content requirementsWe require a solid knowledge of plant physiology and plant breeding, as well as a good foundation in statistics and computer applications. We also expect students to have the ability and willingness to work in cross-cultural teams.
Applicants must self-evaluate their prior experience on the Crop Sciences pre-test before applying.
Language skillsEnglish language proficiency required
Pre-study internshipno
Selection procedure
Selection criteria
  • Grades and ranking in previous studies
  • Letter of recommendation from professors
  • Stay abroad lasting 3 months or longer
  • Letter of motivation
  • Additional points are given for vocational training, an intern examination, or proven two years of professional experience related to the degree program.
Selection interviewno

Accreditation

The quality of the degree program is checked regularly.

Learn more about our quality management