Overview
This English‑taught master's major concentrates on the scientific and practical aspects of plant breeding and the seed sector — the upstream industry that supplies seed multiplication, processing and marketing to agricultural production. The major is offered as a specialization within the Crop Sciences M.Sc. and is designed for students who already hold an agriculturally oriented bachelor's degree. The curriculum links biological and technical foundations with modern breeding practice so you can contribute directly to improving crop productivity and seed quality.
What you will learn
The programme trains you to apply broad knowledge in biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics and data science to real‑world breeding problems. You will gain skills to design, run and evaluate research projects on seed quality, and to handle and analyse complex analytical and phenotyping datasets using advanced statistical and bioinformatic approaches. Courses and practical work cover standard and modern seed quality assessment methods and technologies, while also addressing the societal, ethical and scientific implications of breeding interventions.
Career prospects and development
Graduates are prepared for roles in private breeding companies, public breeding institutes, seed production firms and seed research organizations in Germany and internationally. The programme also fosters communication skills for interdisciplinary and cross‑cultural collaboration. For those aiming to lead breeding programmes or laboratories, pursuing a doctorate is recommended and graduates are well positioned for PhD studies.
Requirements (concise)
This four-semester master’s programme is structured to combine a firm core foundation with flexible specialisation and a substantial independent research project. Over the course of the programme students complete seven compulsory modules (42 ECTS) that establish the essential theoretical and practical base, plus eight elective modules (48 ECTS) that let you tailor the profile of your degree. The programme culminates in a 30 ECTS Master’s thesis, bringing the total to 120 ECTS.
The third semester is explicitly reserved as a mobility window, giving you space to pursue a study or research stay abroad, or to complete a longer practical placement. An internship—for example within a plant breeding company—can be built into the degree as part of an elective via the portfolio module. Elective choices are drawn from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences’ Master’s offerings, allowing you to craft a specialisation that matches your interests and career goals.
Key learning outcomes include mastering the core principles of plant breeding and seed science, acquiring hands-on and industry-relevant experience through the mobility and internship options, and developing the ability to plan and execute independent research as demonstrated in the Master’s thesis. The combination of compulsory modules, elective depth and the thesis is designed to prepare graduates for professional roles in breeding, seed technology, research and related sectors, or for further academic study.
Requirements (concise)
This master's programme requires a solid agricultural or closely related bachelor’s background and strong subject-specific preparation. International applicants should note that a three-year bachelor (180 ECTS) is the minimum academic entry level. You will also need to show language ability and evidence of relevant prior learning in quantitative and molecular methods used in modern plant breeding.
If your bachelor’s final grade is not above average, the admissions process asks you to document special suitability for the programme (for example through relevant experience, additional coursework, or other evidence). All applicants must complete a compulsory Crop Sciences pre-test before the application deadline; the university uses completion of the test as part of the application process but the test score itself will not change your likelihood of admission.
The programme expects students to be comfortable with computers and data work and to be ready to collaborate in multicultural teams. In addition to formal qualifications, successful candidates typically have above-average prior study or experience in statistics/biometrics, data science, genetics/genomics, molecular techniques, and experimental science.
Admission requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
15 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are well suited for positions in private plant-breeding companies, seed production and seed research firms, as well as public research institutes and agricultural organisations in Germany and internationally. Typical roles include plant breeder, seed technologist, breeding programme staff, quality-assurance specialist and research scientist in R&D teams.
For those aiming for senior leadership—such as director of a breeding programme or head of a breeding laboratory—a doctoral degree is recommended. The programme’s combination of practical training, quantitative skills and research experience also provides a strong foundation for PhD studies.