Sustainable Agriculture, BSc

The focus on sustainability analysis methods, combined with the strong international focus of this English-taught degree programme, opens up a wide range of global career opportunities. For example, you could work in agricultural consultancy firms, the food industry, or for manufacturers of animal feed, fertilisers and seeds, or in mechanical engineering. Career paths are also open to you in agricultural businesses, associations, government agencies or international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the environmental, development and agricultural sectors.

• Semesters 1–3 (Foundation): You will acquire a broad foundation in the natural, economic and social sciences through subjects such as biology, agroecology, agricultural chemistry, soil science, agricultural engineering, livestock science, as well as international economics and agricultural policy.
• 4th–5th semesters (specialisation): You will choose your own areas of specialisation (e.g. in animal sciences & aquaponics, plant & soil sciences, or sustainability analysis & food sciences) and work on interdisciplinary practical projects.
• 6th semester (Internship or study abroad): You will undertake an Internship at an agricultural farm or business, or spend a semester studying at a university abroad.
• 7th semester (final stage): You will learn scientific methods and successfully complete your degree with a Bachelor’s thesis and the associated Colloquium.

Yes, work placement or a year abroad – the choice is yours!

Yes, work placement or abroad – the choice is yours! The 6th semester of your Degree programme is specifically set aside for you to gain practical or international experience. You have the choice between two exciting options:

• Internship semester: Complete an internship semester of at least 20 weeks at an agricultural or horticultural business or a company in Germany or abroad, and make valuable contacts to kick-start your career.
• Study semester abroad: Alternatively, spend a study semester at a university anywhere in the world, take courses worth at least 15 ECTS credits, hone your intercultural skills and broaden your horizons in an international context. If you’re planning your stay within the European Union, you may be eligible for financial support through Erasmus+.

Whatever you decide, both options will help you develop professionally and personally and look great on your CV.

To start your degree with us, you must meet one of the following requirements:

an Unrestricted university entrance qualification or an Entrance qualification for university of applied sciences

a qualification recognised as equivalent

or a vocational qualification, e.g. as a master craftsman or through a technical college qualification

These prior knowledge and skills will help you get started:

An interest in the ecological design of agricultural production and global agricultural systems

A basic understanding of scientific, economic and technical contexts (important for modules such as soil science, livestock science or agricultural engineering)

An enthusiasm for intercultural exchange and teamwork

The following additional requirements apply to the Sustainable Agriculture degree programme:

English language skills (Certificate of Level B2 according to the Common European Framework (CEF)), as the programme is taught entirely in English

This corresponds to seven years of English at a German school. At enrolment, you can prove your English language proficiency using your Final grade certificate if it states that you have had seven consecutive years of English lessons with a grade of ‘sufficient’ or better. Some schools state the language level (such as ‘B2’) directly on the Final grade certificate. However, you may also submit several annual reports which, taken together, demonstrate seven years of English lessons.

Good to know: A formal basic intership is no longer a mandatory requirement for admission. However, to ensure you are fully prepared for the course content, the Head of Degree Programme strongly recommends gaining practical experience at an agricultural or horticultural business beforehand (ideally for 8 weeks or longer). The degree programme also has open admission (no NC).

Your entire degree programme is taught in English. This will prepare you perfectly for careers around the world.

• A solid foundation is all you need: your English doesn’t have to be perfect at the start – all you need to get started is the B2 certificate.
• Natural language development: By interacting with fellow students from all over the world (currently from over 60 countries), you’ll improve your language skills effortlessly in an authentic environment.
• Additional support: If you’d like to practise your English in a more targeted way, our accompanying language courses are here to help.

In accordance with Section 62a of the Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (HG NRW), this degree programme is suitable for part-time study.