This English-taught Master of Science programme prepares you to actively shape transitions toward sustainable agri-food systems. It responds to major sector challenges—climate change, biodiversity loss and rapid digitalisation—while contributing to global sustainability targets such as the 2°C goal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The course trains professionals who can think strategically, anticipate change, and bring together diverse social stakeholders whose interests sometimes conflict.
As a specialised major within the Master’s programme in Agricultural Sciences, the curriculum builds the knowledge and practical skills needed to guide societal transformation processes at multiple levels. You will learn to analyse sustainability challenges from a systems perspective, apply contemporary theories of social and institutional change, design and manage transformation processes, and recognise and mediate between differing values and viewpoints.
Graduates are prepared to work with a wide range of partners—including businesses, public authorities, NGOs and project teams—both in Germany and internationally, especially in contexts related to food production. Typical career paths include sustainability management in companies and organisations, positions in non-governmental or international organisations, roles in ministries and environmental or agricultural authorities, specialist journalism or public relations in the environmental sector, and research positions in public agricultural and environmental institutions. The programme also provides a foundation for doctoral studies.
Who should apply / entry profile (skills and interests)
Key skills and competencies you will gain
Typical employers and career paths
This four-semester MSc is built around three compulsory modules—Transformation, Sustainability, and Communication—together worth 18 ECTS. These core subjects provide a theoretical and practical foundation for understanding and guiding systemic change in agri‑food systems. Expect an emphasis on tools for analysing change processes, applying sustainability principles to production and supply chains, and communicating with diverse stakeholders (farmers, policymakers, consumers, and NGOs).
Beyond the cores, you select two compulsory elective modules (12 ECTS) from agricultural, environmental, or social science fields to deepen disciplinary knowledge. A substantial elective block (60 ECTS) lets you tailor the programme from the Faculty’s wide Master’s offerings; to help with focus, the curriculum suggests specialisation tracks that combine suitable electives, including: Agroecology and Environment; Diversified Farming Systems; Tropics and Subtropics; Rural Development; and Consumers and Food Value Chains. You can also incorporate a 15 or 30 ECTS internship to gain hands‑on experience and boost employability. The third semester is well suited for spending time abroad, and the programme makes it straightforward to have external modules recognised. The Master’s thesis is written in the second year and aligned with each student’s chosen specialisation.
Key learning outcomes
Program structure and requirements (concise)
This master's programme looks for applicants who already hold a relevant bachelor's-level degree and a solid foundation in the natural or social sciences related to agriculture. Accepted undergraduate fields include agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, geography, and closely related subjects — explicitly including agricultural biology, bio‑based products and bioenergy. The qualifying degree must represent at least three years of full-time study (equivalent to 180 ECTS).
If an applicant’s final grade or GPA is not above average, they must provide evidence of special suitability for the programme (as assessed by the admissions committee). Applicants without a prior agricultural degree will need to make up specific subject knowledge by taking at least two of three designated agricultural elective modules. All applicants must also submit proof of English language proficiency.
The programme particularly favors candidates who combine analytic and interpersonal strengths: strong communication and negotiation abilities, a genuine interest in designing and managing change processes, and a practical commitment to implementing sustainability concepts in agri‑food systems.
Requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
15 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 September 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles that require guiding and implementing sustainability transformations in the agri-food sector. Typical employers include private companies (sustainability or supply‑chain management roles), public authorities and ministries, NGOs and international organisations working on environmental and agricultural issues, as well as projects and consultancies focused on sustainable food production.
Other possible career paths include communications and specialist journalism related to environmental topics, public relations roles, and research positions in public research institutions. The programme also provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies.