Master of Science in Dairy Science Kiel University

Compulsory modules are held in English (100%). Elective modules can be chosen out of a catalogue of courses held in English. Alternatively, participants can also add elective modules in German language to their curriculum. The Master's thesis is written in the English language.

The Master's programme in "Dairy Science" focuses on the interdisciplinary aspects of on-farm milk production and quality of dairy products. The study programme imparts the most current scientific knowledge in dairy production, including breeding, feed production, animal nutrition, animal welfare and health, milking technology, eco-efficiency, dairy economics, processing of dairy products and milk quality, and it conveys methodological skills to teach students to work scientifically and systematically. Students will strengthen their competences in the field of dairy science and acquire skills in analytical understanding of the entire dairy production process chain.

The Dairy Science study programme will encompass an international Master's degree. It is intended for students who hold a Bachelor's degree in agriculture with focus on animal science or in a related field and have an interest in a consecutive, multidisciplinary qualification with focus on milk production. The programme includes relevant topics from several disciplines of the Faculty of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences such as animal science, food production, and economics. Classes will be held in English and are open for students from all over the world.

Applications must be submitted in February/March (presumably until mid of March) for the following winter semester. Please have a look at our website for detailed information on the final application deadline: https://www.dairyscience.uni-kiel.de/en.

The study programme comprises nine compulsory and six elective modules, and a Master's thesis. The standard period of study is four semesters. Modules encompass lectures, seminars, practical exercises, and field exercises.
The following compulsory modules must be attended, preferably at the first year of studies:

• dsAEF002 Eco-Efficiency of Dairy Systems
• dsAEF003 Health Management in Dairy Herds
• dsAEF004 Dairy Processing and Quality
• dsAEF005 Dairy Cattle Breeding
• dsAEF006 Forage Quality and Conservation
• dsAEF007 Machine Milking
• dsAEF008 Animal Behaviour and Welfare
• dsAEF009 Ruminant Nutrition
• dsAEF010 Biometrical Planning and Inference

Elective modules can be chosen during the first and second years of studies. We recommend to attend one of the following subjects in your first semester.

• agrarAEF902 Dairy Economics: Production and Processing (formerly dsAEF001)
• agrarAEF810 Precision Livestock Farming
• AEF-agr836 Grazing Systems for Dairy Cattle in Europe

Further elective modules are listed in a course catalogue for students in the Dairy Science programme. Note that up to five elective modules can be chosen from the entire course catalogue of the faculty. Students alternatively have the possibility to choose up to two elective courses from other faculties of Kiel University (up to 12 ECTS) or to join the Erasmus+ programme and take elective courses at our partner universities in Europe.

Students are encouraged to spend one semester in another European country within the Erasmus+ exchange programme. Up to 30 ECTS credits earned during this optional study abroad semester can be recognised as elective modules.

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.

A Bachelor's degree (BSc) with a grade "good" (German grading at least 2.5) or higher in agriculture with focus on animal science or equivalent academic and examination achievements in related disciplines with particular relevance to dairy science. The Bachelor's degree will be the basis for your application to this Master's degree programme.

Students with a Bachelor's degree in related disciplines such as agriculture with focus on engineering, plant and environmental sciences or economics, agribusiness, food science or dairy technology must hand in a proof of either 30 credit points in livestock science or equivalent practical or academic experience in this area (such as internships, work experience, research projects) in the past five years.

As all courses are held in English, a good level of English (written and spoken) is mandatory. Students whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency in English. Accepted as proof for language proficiency are the following:

• IELTS: overall score of 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each of the four components) or
• TOEFL® ITP (Paper-based test): overall score of 580 with a Test of Written English score of 5.5 or
• TOEFL® iBT (Internet-based test): overall score of 90 with component scores of at least 20 points or
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency English (CPE)

Certificates from universities stating that English was the medium of instruction during your study programme will not be accepted as proof for your language proficiency.

Applications must be submitted in February/March (presumably until mid of March) for the following winter semester. Please have a look at our website for detailed information on the final application deadline: https://www.dairyscience.uni-kiel.de/en.

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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.

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals are offered by Kiel University's Key Skills Center. Please visit the websites below to find out more.

"FIT – Promotion of International Talents for Integration into Studies and the Labour Market": https://www.zfs.uni-kiel.de/en/studies-with-plus/what-international-courses-can-i-take/fit-promotion-of-international-talents-for-integration-into-studies-and-the-labor-market?set_language=en

https://www.zfs-daf.uni-kiel.de/en/study-support-german-during-the-study/fit-course-programme-2024-2028

Kiel University's International Center offers comprehensive services and support for international students. Please visit the following website to find out more: https://www.international.uni-kiel.de/en/incomings.

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