Master of Science in AgriGenomics Kiel University

English

In the past decade, the knowledge of genome composition and gene function has increased tremendously. The shift from single gene to whole genome analysis and the complete sequencing of higher eucaryotic genomes offer the possibility to study how all genes work together. These recent developments in genomics have great impact on agricultural research. Genome resequencing will give further insights into evolutionary processes and how modern crops and livestock arose from their ancestors. Furthermore, we can genotypically select individuals based on whole genome sequences or whole genome chip arrays.

There is an increasing demand for specialists who understand both the fundamentals of agricultural production and the application of genomics for breeding and cultivation of crops and livestock.

The deadline for applications for the winter semester is 15 April every year.

Please submit your applications for the winter semester 2026/27 between 1 March and 15 April 2026.

The Master's programme will require four semesters of courses including a Master's thesis. Successful students will receive a full-time, postgraduate Master's degree (Master of Science, MSc). Using the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), students' achievements will be transferable to other universities.

The Master's programme will be structured into ten mandatory and six elective modules, which will encompass lectures, seminars, practical courses and excursions. Classes will take place on Kiel University campus in Kiel. Optionally, off-campus internships at partner research institutes or German life science and breeding companies can be included in the curriculum.

No tuition fees

An enrolment fee ("Einschreibgebühr") of 55 EUR is charged for the first enrolment at Kiel University. A semester contribution ("Semesterbeitrag") currently amounting to 302 EUR must be paid each semester. This covers free public transport ("landesweites Semesterticket") for trains and buses in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg, reduced lunch prices, a culture ticket and other benefits for students.

The monthly costs of living in Germany are currently at least 992 EUR per month. Please note that when applying for a visa (from countries requiring a visa) and also later in Germany when extending a residence permit, financial means in the amount of the living costs for one year (11,904 EUR) must be proven.

More information can be found here: www.international.uni-kiel.de/en/incomings/planning-arrival-and-stay/visa.

• Successful applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or Biology with special knowledge in genetics, zoology or botany with an ECTS grade of B- or higher.
• In countries in which a Master's degree is a postgraduate degree, admission to a Master's programme normally requires holding a Bachelor's degree (in the United Kingdom, Canada and much of the Commonwealth, an "honours" Bachelor's degree), although relevant work experience may qualify a candidate.
• Progressing to a doctoral programme often requires that the candidate first earns a Master's degree.

As all classes are given in English, a good level of English (written as well as spoken) is mandatory. Accepted as proof for language proficiency are:

• 580 points in TOEFL-paper based (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• 230 points in TOEFL-computer based (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• 90 points in TOEFL-internet based (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• 6.5 band score in IELTS, no band less than six (International English Language Testing System)
• Eight years of English classes at German Schools in "Sekundarstufe I und II"
• A stay of six months in a native English-speaking country

The deadline for applications for the winter semester is 15 April every year.

Please submit your applications for the winter semester 2026/27 between 1 March and 15 April 2026.

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Please find information on accommodation in Kiel on the following website: https://www.international.uni-kiel.de/en/incomings/planning-arrival-and-stay/accomodation.

Kiel University (also referred to as the CAU) was founded in 1665. It is Schleswig-Holstein's oldest, largest and best-known university, with 27,000 students and 3,700 staff members. It is also the only full-fledged university in the state. Seven Nobel Prize winners have worked here. The CAU has been successfully taking part in the Excellence Initiative since 2006.

We use research, teaching and the transfer of science to address the great challenges of our time in health, environmental and cultural change, nutrition and energy. In doing so, we ensure peace and preserve livelihoods for future generations. We use responsible actions to make sure that scientific discoveries are transferred into all sectors of our society by interdisciplinary thought – regardless of short-lived trends – where they are incorporated into political, economic and social decisions aimed at securing peace and prosperity.

When it was founded back in 1665, the CAU had the motto “Pax Optima Rerum: peace is the most valuable asset.” This maxim is as applicable today as it was over 350 years ago. We want to follow this key idea and contribute towards creating a peaceful, fair world in which everyone lives freely and comfortably. We aim to create a world in which treating the environment with respect also enables future generations to enjoy the same benefits.

CAU’s mission:
Our mission is to deliver research and teaching that contribute to peace, prosperity and maintaining a pluralistic, free society as well as address the challenges we are facing. Our strong disciplines carry out this mission. The fulfilment of this mission requires interdisciplinary collaboration and involves transdisciplinary issues. We find solutions to today’s pressing problems and implement these solutions together with stakeholders from society, industry and politics.

Teaching profile:
We are dedicated to research-based teaching and learning. Therefore, the development of new teaching approaches is evolving constantly at the interfaces between research from the different scientific disciplines. Students from all over the world benefit from this: research results are quickly integrated into programme curricula and our academic staff is trained in state-of-the-art teaching methods.

Research profile:
The CAU is Schleswig-Holstein’s only full-fledged university with a major focus on research. Over time, four dynamic priority research areas have systematically developed. These are based on strong disciplines interacting together – Marine Science, Life Science, Societal and Cultural Change, and Nano Surface and Interface Science. Each individual research area makes a substantial contribution towards dealing with at least one of the grand challenges of our time.

Transfer profile:
A university is not an island. It is an entity that impacts on, with and for society in a number of ways, by offering space for new ideas, passing on knowledge and values, and enabling debates about controversial subjects. Universities train specialists, produce innovative products and start-ups, help companies to develop further and assist politics by giving advice and warnings. The CAU encompasses top quality, innovative science, a sense of responsibility and the transfer of knowledge. We advocate for the university’s active role in society and aim to work closely together with the community to be the driving force behind regional, national and international development by looking for and finding pioneering solutions for our most pressing issues. This is the reason why we maintain a variety of active connections with our partners in science, industry, politics and society.

Read more about our profiles.

The city of Kiel is located directly on the Baltic Sea coast and is the capital of the northernmost German federal state, Schleswig-Holstein. Famous for its sailing tradition, Kiel has hosted two Olympic sailing competitions. The city's annual "Kiel Week" is the world's largest sailing event and one of the biggest cultural festivals in northern Europe. Kiel's international flair is enhanced by its port, where Scandinavian ferries dock next to cruise liners and historic ships. Those who enjoy going out will benefit from the city's lively cultural life as well as the many clubs and bars to be found between the campus and the city centre. Kiel is a strong centre of science and research. Our students benefit from studying by the sea in a city that offers short distances and a wide range of leisure facilities by the waterside. It takes less than 20 minutes to get from the lecture hall to the beach. A fresh breeze on your face and the right books on hand create a great atmosphere for learning. The social conditions for studying in Kiel are excellent. Freshmen receive a welcome payment of 100 EUR when they come to Kiel to commence their undergraduate studies. They have the opportunity to live in one of the many halls of residence, which are reasonably priced and situated close to the universities. In our bicycle-friendly city, not only the universities but also other inner-city locations can be reached conveniently by bike. The new scientific generation represents the most important resource for making Kiel, the state capital, fit for the future.

www.kiel.de