Agricultural Economics (AgEcon)

This research- and methods-focused Master's trains students to analyse the economic, agricultural and development-policy links between the agri-food sector, the environment and rural areas. Taught in English as an international programme, it places economic growth, sustainability and social justice at the centre of study—particularly in international and development-related contexts. The course is DAAD-funded and emphasises empirical research and rigorous methodological training.

The programme aims to give a solid grounding in economic and agricultural theory and to develop the skills required to apply those theories to real problems in the international agricultural and food sector. Graduates acquire competencies in agricultural economics theory, both quantitative and qualitative research methods, the incorporation of sustainability into policy analysis, interdisciplinary system analysis, and effective communication and presentation of results.

As the global agri-food sector becomes more diverse and technically sophisticated, graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers: employment in upstream and downstream agribusinesses, regulatory bodies and value-chain organisations, governmental and non-governmental organisations, national and international agencies, and teaching and research institutions. The programme also opens strong pathways to doctoral study and academic careers. Students learn and network alongside peers from around the world, and benefit from a strong alumni network; there are DAAD-funded full scholarships available for outstanding applicants from developing countries.

Important notes for applicants

• Language of instruction: English.
• Programme emphasis: research- and methods-oriented training.
• Funding: DAAD-funded; full scholarships are offered for outstanding applicants from developing countries.
• International cohort with a strong alumni network and diverse career routes in public, private and academic sectors.

Curriculum overview

This two-year MSc programme combines a firm core in agricultural economics with flexible elective options so you can shape the degree to match your career goals. In the first year you follow five compulsory modules that build foundational skills in economic theory, quantitative analysis and sector-specific applications. Practical learning—computer exercises, group discussions, seminar papers and case studies—reinforces lecture material and trains you to communicate and apply results in teams and individually. In the second year you expand or deepen your expertise through a further set of electives and complete a Master’s thesis tied to your chosen specialisation.

Key modules and what you will learn

The core modules are Agricultural and Food Policy; Applied Econometrics; Environmental and Resource Economics; Farm System Modelling; and Microeconomics. Together they provide:

• quantitative and empirical skills (especially econometric methods) for analysing data and testing hypotheses;
• the economic theory needed to understand market behaviour and farm-level decision-making;
• tools to model farm systems and to evaluate environmental and resource-related trade-offs; and
• the ability to assess and design agricultural and food policy.
  Electives cover topics such as agricultural development, international agricultural trade, the world food economy, and advanced methods of empirical economic and social research. Choosing five electives in Year 1 and five more in Year 2 allows you to create a coherent study plan—whether you want a broad grounding or a specialised profile.

Structure, assessment and support

Teaching is reinforced by practical coursework and presentations so you graduate able to produce policy-relevant analysis and clear written and oral research outputs. Academic programme advisers (members of the teaching staff) help with module selection and study planning to ensure timely progress. The second year culminates in a Master’s thesis, which you complete according to your area of specialisation.

Requirements (concise)

• Complete five compulsory first-year modules: Agricultural and Food Policy; Applied Econometrics; Environmental and Resource Economics; Farm System Modelling; Microeconomics.
• Select five elective modules in Year 1 from areas such as agricultural development, international agricultural trade, world food economy, agricultural and food policy, and empirical research methods.
• Select a further five elective modules in Year 2 from a large catalogue to deepen or broaden your profile.
• Participate in practical coursework: computer exercises, group discussions, seminar papers and case studies (group or individual).
• Complete a Master’s thesis in Year 2 aligned with your chosen specialisation.
• Use academic programme advisers for module selection and study planning.

Graduates acquire analytical, methodological and policy-oriented skills that prepare them for roles across the agri-food sector, public administration, non-governmental and international organisations, and private companies operating upstream and downstream in food and agriculture. The programme also provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies and academic careers.

Typical employers include regulatory bodies along value chains, national and international organisations (e.g. development agencies), NGOs, private-sector firms in agricultural industries and research and teaching institutions. The degree supports careers in policy analysis, project design and evaluation, market and trade analysis, and advisory positions related to sustainability and rural development.