PhD Monitor
/Detail
Sustainable Agriculture, Food Systems, and Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies● OpenMastersPreview

Master of Arts/Master of Science in Agriculture, Ecology & Societies (AGES)

Interdisciplinary master’s programme exploring sustainable agriculture and food systems from ecological, social, and governance perspectives.

Best for:Best for graduates in agricultural sciences, social sciences, economics, or humanities seeking to specialize in sustainable food systems, interdisciplinary research, and transdisciplinary problem-solving.

University of Kassel · Witzenhausen (with campus in Kassel), Germany
More professors at University of Kassel
Sustainable agricultureAgroecologyFood systems governanceEcological land managementSocial organization of agricultureRural-urban linkages
This is a masters position — not a PhD studentship.
Deadline
For applicants with a degree earned outside Germany, the application period runs annually from 1 December to 1 March of next year. For applicants with a degree earned in Germany, the application period runs annually from 1 June to 1 September.
Funding
Unfunded
4 semesters (2 years)
Start date
Winter semester (typically October)
Full-time
Location
Witzenhausen (with campus in Kassel)
Germany

Overview

The Master of Arts/Master of Science in Agriculture, Ecology & Societies (AGES) at the University of Kassel is a two-year interdisciplinary programme focused on sustainable agriculture. Students engage with natural sciences, social sciences, economics, and humanities to address critical challenges in food systems, governance, and ecological land management. The curriculum combines compulsory modules on ecosystem services and food systems governance with bridging modules tailored to students’ academic backgrounds. Electives, interdisciplinary projects, and a master’s thesis allow for deep specialization, while international elements and study abroad opportunities enhance global perspectives. The programme is designed for graduates seeking to become change-makers in sustainable food systems, with a strong emphasis on transdisciplinary collaboration and societal impact.

sustainable agricultureagroecologyfood systems governanceinterdisciplinary researchtransdisciplinary studiessustainable food systemsecological land managementsocial sciences in agriculture

What you'll do

  • Complete 15 modules (6 credits each) covering natural sciences, social sciences, economics, and humanities related to sustainable agriculture and food systems.
  • Engage in two interdisciplinary project modules, collaborating with peers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds to address complex societal challenges.
  • Select electives from a wide range of courses, ensuring at least two courses from Agriculture and Ecology, two from Socioeconomics and Humanities, and two methodological courses.
  • Develop and present an independent, transdisciplinary master’s thesis project under the supervision of two professors from different disciplines.
  • Participate in international elements, including study abroad opportunities, guest lectures, and projects with partners in Germany and abroad.
  • Develop a thematic profile aligned with career goals, such as governance, advocacy, or sustainable agricultural ecosystems.

Requirements

Degree required: Above-average Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences, Economics, or Humanities

Language: English proficiency at B2 level (TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS Academic 5.5, or equivalent)

Instruction: English

Required skills
  • Strong academic background in Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences, Economics, or Humanities
  • Ability to engage in interdisciplinary research and collaboration
  • Basic proficiency in research methods relevant to the chosen disciplinary background
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills for addressing complex societal issues
Nice to have
Prior experience in fieldwork or research related to agriculture or environmental studiesFamiliarity with data science or quantitative methods (for students with a life sciences background)Experience with project-based learning or teamwork in academic settings
Eligibility
  • Applicants with a degree earned outside Germany must apply between 1 December and 1 March of the following year.
  • Applicants with a degree earned in Germany must apply between 1 June and 1 September.
  • No minimum German language skills required

Funding & terms

Type
Unfunded
Amount
—
Duration
4 semesters (2 years)
Programme
—

Programme and admissions

Admissions not verified

A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.

Intake
Not confirmed by the source
Duration
Not confirmed by the source
Teaching language
Not confirmed by the source
Taught / research mode
Not confirmed by the source
Study mode
Not confirmed by the source
Campus
Not confirmed by the source
Prerequisites
Not confirmed by the source
Application instructions
Not confirmed by the source
Tuition
Not confirmed by the source
Funding
Not confirmed by the source

How to apply

Deadline: 1 March (for applicants with degree earned outside Germany) or 1 September (for applicants with degree earned in Germany)

Applicants must submit their application through uni-assist, an external application service. The application requires a completed online form, proof of degree, proof of English proficiency, a one-page motivation letter, and any additional required documents. Detailed instructions and application forms are available on the University of Kassel’s official admissions webpage.

Documents required
  • Completed online application form
  • Proof of Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Proof of English proficiency (B2 level)
  • One-page motivation letter detailing interest in the programme
  • Passport-sized photograph
  • Proof of health insurance coverage
↗Check programme and admissions

Contact

Lab
AGES Programme (Agriculture, Ecology & Societies)
University of Kassel
Germany
See the full position

Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.

No card · 10 free AI match scores
Explore this programme
Check admissions, intake and funding with the official source; a listing does not mean applications are open.