This two-year Master of Science trains students to approach sustainable agriculture from an interdisciplinary perspective. You will study the biophysical foundations of agroecological systems, ecological land- and farm-management methods, and the social, economic and political dimensions of food systems — including governance, rural–urban linkages, agricultural beliefs and ethics, and critical food-systems research and advocacy. Students tailor their course mix to their interests and career aims, combining natural-science and social-science approaches to sustainability in agriculture.
Teaching emphasizes critical, project-based and transdisciplinary learning. Courses are delivered by scholars from diverse (inter-)disciplinary backgrounds with the explicit aim of equipping graduates to be change-makers in food-system transformation. The programme also offers international specialisation opportunities through a distinctive network of partner institutes abroad, where you can deepen expertise in agroecology, agricultural development, environmental governance and related fields.
The degree is administered by the Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences — a central research and teaching hub for the German and European organic-agriculture movement for about 40 years — and draws on resources and staff from four additional faculties: Humanities; Social Sciences; Economics and Management; and Architecture, City and Landscape Planning. For videos, detailed course descriptions, admission criteria and application deadlines, consult the programme webpage.
Key facts and application notes
The programme is structured around 15 taught modules, each worth six credits, plus a 30‑credit Master’s thesis and colloquium. Two core modules are mandatory for all students: Agriculture and Ecosystem Services, and Food Systems Governance and Agriculture. To ensure students can engage across disciplines, there are specific bridging modules tailored to prior training: students from life sciences take Research Methods in Social Sciences and History, Societies and Environment; students from social sciences or humanities take Research Methods and Data Science in the Life Sciences plus one applied life‑science option (choose from Principles of Organic Farming; Soil and Plant Sciences; or Organic Livestock Farming under Temperate Conditions).
Two interdisciplinary project modules bring small, mixed teams together to tackle complex, societally relevant problems. Each project is co‑facilitated by two professors from different disciplines and runs over one or two semesters, encouraging integration of complementary methods and perspectives. In the third semester students choose nine electives from courses across the faculty, the wider university and partner institutions (including international partners); scheduling electives in the third semester makes it easier to plan an exchange semester.
The programme culminates in a 30‑credit Master’s thesis and colloquium in which students independently design, carry out and present a transdisciplinary research project of societal relevance. Each thesis is supervised by two supervisors from different disciplines. Overall learning outcomes include the ability to integrate ecological and socio‑economic perspectives on agricultural problems, apply both life‑science and social‑science methods, lead interdisciplinary research projects, and communicate policy‑relevant findings to academic and non‑academic audiences.
This master's programme seeks applicants with a strong undergraduate background in areas closely related to agriculture and society. Successful candidates typically hold an above-average BA or BSc in a relevant discipline and should be prepared to explain their reasons for pursuing interdisciplinary study at the intersection of agriculture, ecology and social systems.
As part of the application you must submit a concise, one-page letter that outlines your motivation for joining the programme. This is your opportunity to describe why the programme fits your interests and goals and to highlight any relevant experience or perspectives you would bring.
Please consult the official admissions homepage for the complete application procedure, deadlines, and any additional documents or formalities required.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
1 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
1 September 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles addressing sustainability and transformation in food systems, including positions in agroecology, agricultural development, environmental governance, NGOs, policy-making, consultancy, and international organisations. The programme’s interdisciplinary training, project experience and transdisciplinary thesis supervision equip students for applied research, advisory roles and stakeholder engagement in public and private sectors.
Alumni may work as researchers or practitioners in universities and research institutes, advisors for sustainable agriculture and rural development projects, policy analysts in governmental or intergovernmental bodies, programme officers in development agencies and NGOs, or consultants for sustainable food systems and organic agriculture enterprises. The international network and optional exchange opportunities further support careers with global or cross-border organisations.