Sustainable International Agriculture (SIA), MSc University of Göttingen

University of Kassel

Courses are held in English (100%).

The two-year MSc programme in Sustainable International Agriculture (SIA) is a joint study programme of the agricultural faculties of the Universities of Göttingen and Kassel-Witzenhausen. The programme leads to a Master of Science in Sustainable International Agriculture degree. The degree is accepted internationally and qualifies students to progress to a PhD. The study programme is internationally oriented and offers three possibilities for specialisation (profiles):

Specialisation in "International Agribusiness and Rural Development Economics"
This profile trains students to analyse socio-economic interactions between individuals, resources and markets in agriculture using up-to-date quantitative and qualitative methods. Students acquire the tools they need to contribute to the provision of answers to vital questions ranging from the macro-level (e.g. global hunger, the world trade system) to the meso-level (e.g. the structure and performance of national and international food chains; food safety and quality issues) and the micro-level (e.g. the efficiency of agricultural production, participation and poverty at the household level) in agricultural systems. This prepares you for exciting careers in research, business, national and regional governments and administration, and international organisations.

Specialisation in "International Organic Agriculture"
This profile offers students the unique possibility to focus entirely on Organic Agriculture. It includes the broad range of thematic fields from soil, crop and animal science, but also environmental, social and economic science. Students will be asked to examine and assess the validity of literature from the natural and social sciences, statistics and other documents; use state-of-the art statistical techniques to analyse "hard" and "soft" data; apply laboratory methods, technical procedures and qualitative/quantitative approaches of data collection; interpret and display research data; apply your skills in the context of international and organic agriculture and assessment of agroecosystems. Practical facilities, i.e. research greenhouse, research farm of 340 ha, various laboratories and adequate IT equipment, support individual study profiles. Our aim is to educate young people who will be leaders in science, policy and development, contributing to a more resource-efficient and sustainable development of agriculture worldwide.

Specialisation in "Tropical Agricultural and Agroecosystems Sciences"
This profile aims to qualify students to become open-minded, well-trained professionals in sustainable agricultural land use of integrated tropical and subtropical agroecosystems. A wide range of modules in soil, plant, animal and socio-economic sciences as well as method-oriented classes confer skills for in-depth analysis, understanding and possible modification of existing farming systems in the wake of a need for a resource-efficient production of agricultural goods that responds to the challenges of population growth, globalisation and climate change in a site-specific way. A biannual, two-week excursion to a tropical country and participation in ongoing, long-term field research projects of different faculty members allow students to test their skills and apply them under real conditions while collecting credits.

Before the lectures start, there will be SIA introduction sessions for new international students, which provide valuable information about the study programme and the organisation within the joint degree programme of two universities.

Non-European applicants: 1 November - 31 January for the following winter semester
European applicants: 1 May - 15 June for the following winter semester

Teaching focuses on basic methodology, specialised knowledge in the major subjects, capability for interdisciplinary research, and improvement of oral and written communication and presentation skills. Each student will be supported by two members of the teaching staff in the design, implementation, analysis and writing up of the research project. The MSc programme targets highly-qualified, internationally-oriented students of all nationalities who wish to pursue a career in the field of international agricultural and rural development in state, research and non-governmental institutions, agribusiness firms and other private sector institutions.

Specialisation in "International Agribusiness and Rural Development Economics"
Four compulsory modules must be taken (24 ECTS): Sustainable International Agriculture, World Agricultural Markets and Trade, Econometrics I, Socioeconomics of Rural Development and Food Security. Five compulsory elective modules (30 ECTS) must be chosen (among these, at least one methodological module). Six elective modules (36 ECTS) are to be chosen (elective modules can also be chosen from the list of compulsory elective modules not attended so far).

Specialisation in "International Organic Agriculture"
One bridging module and four compulsory modules must be taken: Soil and Plant Science (bridging module), Sustainable International Agriculture, Organic Livestock Farming under Temperate Conditions, Organic Cropping Systems under Temperate and (Sub-)Tropical Conditions, Applied Statistical Modelling (30 ECTS). Four compulsory elective modules (24 ECTS) must be chosen (among these, at least one methodological module). Six elective modules (36 ECTS) are to be chosen (elective modules can also be chosen from the list of compulsory elective modules not attended so far).

Specialisation in "Tropical Agricultural and Agroecosystems Sciences"
One bridging module and four compulsory modules must be taken: Soil and Plant Science (bridging module), Sustainable International Agriculture, Tropical Animal Husbandry Systems, Management of Tropical Production Systems, Applied Statistical Modelling (30 ECTS). Four compulsory elective modules (24 ECTS) must be chosen (among these, at least one methodological module). Six elective modules (36 ECTS) are to be chosen (elective modules can also be chosen from the list of compulsory elective modules not attended so far).

The last six months consist of field research and data acquisition in Germany or abroad followed by data analysis and evaluation and the completion of a Master's thesis (in English, by arrangement in other official languages of the EU). Once the thesis has been completed, it must be defended in a colloquium.

Study trips
A study semester abroad (e.g. ERASMUS+) can be integrated.

There are no compulsory internships, but voluntary internships in Germany or abroad can be included in the studies.

No tuition fees

The fees are around 400 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket, which entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge, as well as buses. 

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age.

Students of SIA receive discounts for cultural events in both cities, Göttingen and Kassel. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.

Successful applicants must have received an above-average (minimum is second-class upper division) or, preferably, a good grade in their undergraduate degree (BSc) of at least six semesters in agricultural sciences or a related study field.

For applicants with academic transcripts and degree certificates from China, Mongolia, Vietnam, and India, only APS-proven (https://www.aps.org.cn/studium-in-deutschland) academic transcripts and degree certificates will be accepted during the application process.

Please see admission regulations at http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/122863.html.

Prior to filling in the application form, each applicant must register online at http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/122864.html.

Applicants whose native language is not English must show adequate English language skills. Adequate English language skills should be proven on the basis of the following minimum performance in an internationally accredited test or comparable qualifications:

• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English at least with grade B
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English at least with grade C
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with at least band 6
• At least 550 points in a paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• At least 80 points in an Internet-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• UNIcert level IIB2 certificate of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)

The language test certificate should be no more than three years old at the time of application.

IMPORTANT: Confirmation letters on English proficiency due to previous studies in English written by universities are no longer sufficient as proof of adequate English language skills.

Non-European applicants: 1 November - 31 January for the following winter semester
European applicants: 1 May - 15 June for the following winter semester

No

A number of student jobs are available at the university. They are announced on the following website: https://www.stellenwerk.de/goettingen

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations.

Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to find a job. Non-EU students are permitted to work an equivalent of a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

Students can choose to live in Witzenhausen or in Göttingen. It is recommended that students of "International Organic Agriculture" live in Witzenhausen as most of their lectures will be held there. Students of "International Agribusiness and Rural Development Economics" will have most of their lectures in Göttingen. Students studying the profile "Tropical Agricultural and Agroecosystems Sciences" will have an equal amount of lectures at both campuses.

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studentenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.

For further information, please see the following link: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html.

The Career Service offers individual support whether you want to work in Germany or abroad.

Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany there are workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities.

For international students and prospective graduates, the “Start Guides” project offers assistance in developing and realising individual career perspectives in Germany.

If you have a promising business idea or are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.

• The International Office provides a wide range of services for international students.
• German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks.
• The orientation week for new international students provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.
• Study Buddy Programme as a part of the project Integration and Diversity at Göttingen University (InDiGU)
• Foyer International: Cultural evenings and more for all students
• German courses during studies (free of charge)

University of Göttingen – Committed to Excellence
Founded in 1737, the University of Göttingen is a research-driven university of high international standing. It is renowned for its diverse range of academic disciplines, research-oriented teaching, and outstanding scientific environment in which more than 45 Nobel laureates have studied, taught, or pursued their research. With about 28,000 students —around 17 percent of whom are international— and more than 210 degree programmes, the university is one of the largest in Germany.

Variety of study programmes
The University of Göttingen offers a vast variety of academic programmes for undergraduate and graduate studies. Internationally renowned expert researchers teach in more than 40 academic disciplines. More than 40 full-time undergraduate and graduate programmes are taught entirely in English. Five International Max-Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) prepare students for unique careers in scientific research. Additionally, a growing number of double degree programmes with prestigious international universities are available.

Guidance, supervision, and study conditions
Students are given comprehensive advisory and supervisory support in all phases of their studies. Since advice and guidance are crucially important for the successful outcome of a university career, the University of Göttingen is constantly improving and extending its performance in this area.

Excellent library
The Göttingen State and University Library (SUB Göttingen) is one of Germany’s leading academic libraries, with holdings of over nine million books, journals, and other media. It offers a wide range of services to support study and research and plays a key role in numerous national and international projects focused on enhancing access to information and developing digital research infrastructures.

Alumni worldwide
As a member of Göttingen alumni, you will remain part of the international "Göttingen Family" even after your graduation. The alumni association connects alumni worldwide and keeps them informed about current developments at the university and in the city of Göttingen. Through online and offline events, workshops, career support and social projects, it offers numerous opportunities for networking, mentoring, and social commitment.

www.uni-goettingen.de/international-students

Göttingen – a good place to live and study

Göttingen, with a population of approximately 130,000, is a city where tradition and innovation complement one another perfectly. The excellently preserved timber-framed houses in the historic quarter and the University of Göttingen with its 28,500 students create a lively atmosphere that would be hard to find elsewhere.

The university departments and buildings are mainly located on two campuses and are within easy walking or cycling distance from each other. Accommodation for 4,500 students and excellent canteens run by the student services organisation ("Studentenwerk") allow for a high quality of life at a low cost.

The university cooperates closely with non-university research institutes in Göttingen. Together, they form the "Göttingen Campus" – an alliance of cutting-edge research institutes. This includes four Max Planck Institutes and the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Lower Saxony as well as the German Primate Center and the German Aerospace Center. The Göttingen Campus has created an environment of openness in which students at all levels (Bachelor's, Master's or PhD) as well as experienced researchers can develop fresh and innovative ideas. Numerous scientists and scholars from the non-university research institutes lecture at the university, and joint professorial appointments create bridges between the university and campus partners. This structure supports the reputation of the University of Göttingen as one of the most successful research-oriented universities in Germany.

Situated in the geographical centre of Germany and Europe, Göttingen has excellent travel connections: Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are only a two-hour train ride away. But you don't have to go that far to take a break; Göttingen itself offers many options for recreational activities. The city boasts three theatres and a symphony orchestra. Many cinemas, cafés, and pubs provide numerous opportunities to meet like-minded people and enjoy yourself. Alternatively, you can play an active role in the student union, which sponsors many cultural and recreational events. Last but not least, the city and the university offer a variety of activities for sports enthusiasts. The "Hochschulsport Göttingen" (University Sports Centre) is one of the biggest in Germany and offers a wide range of disciplines and gyms for members of the Göttingen Campus. More than 150 different sports with an indoor pool, climbing centre, fitness studio, and several outdoor sports fields are offered at an extremely reasonable price.