This English-taught master's prepares students for careers in sustainable, ecological and ethically minded food production. It covers the full chain from cultivation through processing to quality assurance, giving either a transdisciplinary or interdisciplinary perspective depending on your interests. The programme responds to the expanding global organic sector and the rising demand from employers for specialists in organic agriculture.
You can complete the course as a single-degree programme on the Hohenheim campus or opt for a double-degree track that includes a study period abroad in the second year at one of three partner universities in Austria, Poland or France. The programme works closely with the Coordination Office for “Organic Farming and Consumer Protection” and maintains many contacts across the farming sector, making it well suited to preparing students for international careers in organic agriculture.
The curriculum adopts a holistic approach to organic farming and develops practical and analytical skills across production, processing, marketing and certification. Core topic areas include organic crop production, organic animal husbandry, organic agriculture in tropical and subtropical regions, organic food chains and networks, consumer behaviour, and market developments in different European countries. Students also build teamwork and leadership abilities and learn to develop systematic, goal-oriented solutions. Graduates commonly work in organic food and cosmetic companies, trade, quality management and certification, agricultural consulting, NGOs and associations, universities and research institutions, or international organic certification bodies. Completion of the MSc also qualifies you to apply for doctoral studies.
Key facts / requirements
This master’s curriculum begins with a strong foundation in core aspects of organic agriculture delivered across three compulsory modules in the first year. A centerpiece is the problem-oriented, interdisciplinary "Project in Organic Agriculture and Food Systems," running over both semesters of year one. In this project you will collect primary data on farms or within companies and carry out scientific work as part of interdisciplinary teams, gaining hands-on research experience and exposure to real-world challenges in organic food systems. Alongside the core modules you select at least three semi-elective and three elective modules that let you deepen subject-matter knowledge in areas such as production, processing and product quality of organic foods, sustainable natural resource use, and the analysis and evaluation of sustainable food systems.
In the second year you design a personalized study profile from a broad selection of modules to match your interests and career goals. You may complete both remaining semesters at the home university, or choose the double-degree option and spend semesters three and four at one of three European partner universities: the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (Austria), Warsaw University of Life Sciences (Poland), or ISARA Lyon (France). Studying abroad gives more detailed insight into organic and ecological sectors in a second European country, broadening your professional and intercultural experience.
The master’s thesis can be written as part of a research project at the home university for a single degree, or at a partner university when following the double-degree track. This flexibility supports either deepening research within the home institution or gaining additional international academic exposure.
Key modules and learning outcomes
Programme requirements (concise)
This programme is aimed at applicants who hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree and who can demonstrate both language ability and a strong orientation toward ecological, agricultural and sustainable issues. The academic entry requirement is a completed undergraduate degree in Agricultural Sciences, Natural Sciences, or a closely related subject, with a standard duration of study of at least three years (equivalent to 180 ECTS credits). If an applicant’s final grade is not above average, they may be required to provide evidence of special suitability for the programme.
In addition to formal qualifications, applicants must show English language proficiency and a set of practical and personal competencies suited to interdisciplinary, systems‑oriented study and teamwork in cross‑cultural settings. Practical experience in nature, agriculture or environmental work is expected and the programme values applicants who can work across disciplines and in intercultural teams.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
1 June 2026
Graduates are prepared for diverse roles across the organic food sector, including positions in organic food and cosmetics companies, trade, quality management and certification bodies, and consultancy services. The programme also equips students for work in NGOs, industry associations, international certification offices, research institutions and universities.
The practical, interdisciplinary training and international exposure (double-degree option) make alumni competitive for roles that require applied knowledge of organic production systems, processing, market development and certification. Successful completion also opens the path to doctoral studies.