MSc International Food Business and Consumer Studies (IFBC) University of Kassel

Fulda University of Applied Sciences

Courses are held in English.

The Master's programme in International Food Business and Consumer Studies is characterised by a multidisciplinary approach at the interface between agriculture, food business and consumer science within an international context. Our students gain skills and competencies to manage complex processes along the food chain, to develop and market food products and related services according to the needs of different consumer groups.
During the first semester, students are assigned one bridging module to compensate for different levels of students' background knowledge and skills.

Compulsory modules

International legislation on consumer protection and food introduces key institutions and related administrative bodies in the EU, food products labelling, legislation for production, distribution or sale of novel or functional food, risk management and risk communication, the barriers to the free flow of goods, and the national food control systems in Europe.

The module on International Organic Food Markets and Marketing covers the analysis of international markets for organic products, organic regulations, and basics of food marketing for exporters.

The module on Research Methods provides basic knowledge in research methods as well as competencies to understand and work with qualitative and quantitative research methods including knowledge of data survey and analysis and data evaluation.

An applied research project provides the opportunity to develop advanced competencies in managing research and development projects. In cooperation with external partners, students work on interdisciplinary problems.

The module on Trends in Food Sciences and Sustainable Consumption covers recent scientific results on food constituents and processing, their physiological effects within various nutritional patterns, and their influence on the quality of raw material and final food products. It enables the students to understand the social and psychological impact on consumer behaviour, recent developments in consumption and the deduction of future trends with emphasis on sustainability.

Food Product Development explores stages of product development, quality function deployment, processing and product formulations, food chemistry, manufacturing, food regulations, food additives, product testing, shelf life studies and factors affecting shelf life.

The module on Quality Management in the Food Business enables students to describe and understand the main challenges in developing and implementing an effective quality management system, to determine the verification of food security according to international standards and the traceability within the food chain, and to implement an effective risk management system.

From a catalogue of business and food-related modules three elective modules have to be chosen.
The Master's thesis is an individual research study. Students work on topics related to international food economics and consumer science, often in cooperation with external partners in this field.

The programme starts annually in the winter semester.

• Applicants with a first academic degree acquired outside of Germany: 1 March
• Applicants with degrees earned in Germany: 1 September

The programme duration is four semesters, starting in October. Teaching is organised on a module-credit basis and is delivered over three semesters. The fourth semester is dedicated to the completion of the Master's thesis. Students must complete 14 modules in order to successfully finish the programme. A module overview and more detailed information on all subjects are available on the website.

Learning methods include lectures, workshops, seminars and project work. The "Applied Research Project" module includes intensive group work and teamwork activities.

Each course module is assessed individually, generally on the quality of written or visual presentation work and on oral presentations. Assessment methods may include reports, seminar papers, formal written examinations, project work, visual and oral presentations, workshops, simulations and practical exercises. The majority of the assessments are based on individual assignments but group work is also assessed.

The unique features of the programme - such as short paths, a tradition of practice-orientated teaching and work, and close personal contact between teachers and students - create optimal conditions for an excellent learning experience in the programme.

This is a joint degree programme between two German universities: University of Kassel (Organic Agricultural Sciences) and Fulda University of Applied Sciences (Nutritional, Food and Consumer Sciences). The main course location is Witzenhausen campus. Classes are taught regularly one or two days per week at the Fulda campus.

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

No compulsory internship, but support and contact with companies and institutions is available.

No tuition fees

Mandatory registration fees allow students to use public transport free of charge and to eat at the university's refectories and cafeterias at reduced prices. The registration fee for the summer semester 2025 was approximately 356 EUR.

The semester fee changes annually. For the current fees, please refer to this link.

In order to cover personal expenses while studying in Kassel, it is recommended that students budget around 750 to 1,000 EUR per month for accommodation, food, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.

Applicants are welcome from academic disciplines in the fields of agricultural science, nutrition, food and consumer sciences and food technology.

Admission is normally open to those with a good undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent overseas degree from a recognised institution) with a "B" (upper division) grade average assessment on the final certificate or an average final grade of at least 2.5 on the German scale. 

Additionally, one letter of reference and a one-page convincing letter of motivation in English are required to prove your motivation and eligibility.

For further information, see: http://www.uni-kassel.de/go/m_ifbc/

Applicants whose first language is not English should be able to demonstrate a satisfactory level of spoken and written English and provide a proof of their language skills in English, level B2 according to CEFR or equivalent (e.g. TOEFL – Internet-based, IELTS or an equivalent certificate).
Further information: http://www.uni-kassel.de/go/m_ifbc/

• Applicants with a first academic degree acquired outside of Germany: 1 March
• Applicants with degrees earned in Germany: 1 September

No

Students can apply for various part-time jobs or work as student assistants on campus. Please have a look at www.uni-kassel.de. Some departments also provide positions as tutors or working students.

International students enrolled at the University of Kassel can choose between staying at a student residence hall ("Wohnheim") or private accommodation. There are about 1,000 rooms available in the student residencies around the campus. Please have a look at https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/en/wohnen/. Rent for a room varies between 200 and 350 EUR per month depending on the location and facilities. Students can choose single apartments with en-suite facilities or a shared flat with fellow students. Private furnished or unfurnished accommodation in Kassel is also available and can be found in the local paper, on flyers on campus, or on the Internet (e.g. social media).

The career service of University of Kassel offers individual support to facilitate your successful transition from academic to the professional world. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides workshops, seminars, assistance with their portfolio, and individual advisory.

To learn more, see: https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/en/studium/kontakt-und-beratung/servicestellen/career-service/home

The Welcome Centre at the International Office provides support and information to new students. Tutors and mentors are available for additional support in easing the transition of studying in Germany.

Additionally, we offer a tutoring and mentoring system on the faculty level. Before lectures begin, there is a welcome week as well as introduction sessions for new international students, which provide valuable information about both Kassel University and Fulda University of Applied Sciences and the study programme.