Biotechnology has rapidly become a central technology shaping global economic development and competitiveness. Advances in genomics, cell biology (including cell factories) and related technologies since the 1990s have driven fast-paced growth in the field. This Master's programme at Justus Liebig University Giessen is delivered in English and responds to that expansion by training graduates to translate the surge of fundamental biological knowledge into technologies that benefit society, particularly in plant and animal production and nutritional sciences.
The programme aims to equip students from both traditional life-science backgrounds and agricultural or nutrition-related disciplines with the scientific grounding and practical skills needed to take leadership roles in the agriculture and food sectors. JLU was the first German university to introduce an internationally oriented course of study designed to provide top-level academic preparation for careers in the global biotechnology and agricultural economy.
This master’s curriculum is structured around modular courses, each delivered as four semester hours per week and concluded with a final examination. The overall degree grade is calculated from the grades achieved in individual modules. The programme comprises eight mandatory core modules, a set of profile (optional) modules, a practical work placement (which can be replaced by two additional profile modules), and a Master’s thesis. Completing the core modules gives students a solid scientific foundation that prepares them to specialise in particular research areas.
Key core modules give exposure to both theoretical and practical aspects of agrobiotechnology. Core topics include Applied Statistics; Plant Protection and Bioengineering; Molecular Phytopathology; Biochemistry and an associated Biochemistry Lab Course; Biotechnology and Genomics; Microbial Food Biotechnology; Animal Nutrition and Feed Science; and Principles of Scientific Practice. Through these modules students gain foundational knowledge in molecular and applied methods relevant to plant health, biotechnological tools, microbial applications in food, and principles guiding scientific work.
Students personalise their training by selecting profile modules from the faculty’s catalogue. The standard option is to take six profile modules plus the work placement, or alternatively choose eight profile modules instead of a placement. Example subject areas available for profile modules include:
Requirements (concise)
You may be eligible to apply if you hold a Bachelor’s degree of at least three years’ duration (180 Credits) or an equivalent qualification, ideally completed in a closely related scientific subject. Degrees in fields such as Agricultural Biology, Agricultural Science, Biology, Biotechnology, or Crop Biomass and Bioresources are explicitly considered closely related. Applications from candidates with degrees in other scientific areas or from foreign institutions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. A specialist commission at JLU makes the final admission decision, and the university cannot provide information about acceptance before the application process is complete.
For full details on how to apply and what documents are required, consult the university’s application information page linked below.
Admission requirements (summary)
More information about the application process: https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/faculties/f09/studies/general
Winter Semester (International)
15 June 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 June 2026
Graduates are prepared for scientific and leadership roles at the interface of biotechnology, agriculture and food sciences. Typical career paths include research positions in universities and research institutes, roles in the agricultural and food industry (R&D, quality assurance, product development), positions in biotech companies, and work in governmental agencies, regulatory bodies or NGOs concerned with food security, sustainability and technology assessment.
The programme’s combination of laboratory skills, applied problem-solving and optional industry placements also supports further academic study (PhD) or employment in multidisciplinary teams addressing agricultural innovation, bioprocessing and environmental biotechnology.