AgriFood Economics, Policy and Regulation

The agricultural sector is increasingly facing complex challenges. The sustainable production of high-quality food must be harmonized with economic interests and questions of food security for a growing world population. In this context, society has the growing expectation to appropriately consider all of the sustainability pillars, which is reflected in public discussions, for example on the decline in biodiversity. New technologies provide important momentum for technological progress and catalysts for overcoming the challenges, but these are often viewed critically by society, such as seen in recent discussions on genetic engineering. In addition, the agricultural sector is increasingly operating in international structures. This applies both at the level of markets (international interdependencies in the private sector) and at the level of politics (e.g. through a common agricultural policy). Finally, all this is happening against the backdrop of a changing climate, which further exacerbates the scarcity of natural resources and makes sustainable production more necessary than ever. These are all reasons for the emergence of conflicting goals and new social challenges. To resolve these conflicts, well-trained sector experts are needed who have the necessary skills to constructively contribute to possible solutions with great competence. The aim of the M.Sc. AgriFood Economics, Policy and Regulation is to train such experts. With profound systems knowledge, which combines competencies on the technological and ecological level with social science knowledge, graduates recognize and understand the challenges and know which policy measures and incentives can be used to contribute to a solution. Which further expertise and skills will I acquire? By linking economics, politics, technology and ecology, graduates are able to recognize the complex interrelationships agricultural systems. Thanks to the skills acquired during their studies, they are able to identify which policy measures are suitable for steering agricultural markets and what effects and side effects these instruments can have. Due to the international nature of the program, students acquire communication skills and intercultural competencies, which are essential for their later work in this field. Graduates are also trained in scientific work and methods, which will enable them to evaluate the latest scientific findings. Which professional opportunities can I take up with this qualification? Career opportunities span a wide range from the public to the private sector, both nationally and internationally. Possible fields of work are, for example, in international organisations such as FAO or World Bank, ministries or affiliated authorities at EU, national or international level, in private companies in the agricultural and food industry (e.g. corporate social responsibility tasks), consulting, associations or NGOs. Graduates can also follow a scientific career. Program structure In the first semester, students take four compulsory subjects, which form the basis in the fields of economics, political science, ecology and technology. In addition, another compulsory module trains students in quantitative and qualitative methods of social science research. In the second and third semesters, students complete an interdisciplinary research project. In addition, students have a wide range of elective modules from the fields of economics, politics, technology and ecology or climate sciences. Furthermore, the second and third semesters are designed flexibly to allow students to use them as a mobility window for stays abroad, for example in the form of Erasmus. The fourth semester concludes the program with the Master's thesis. In detail: Overview Degree Program Structure (PDF 138 KB) Module Catalog: Description of Program Content Language of instruction Required language skills for admission: You need sufficient English language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your English language skills . This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center. Language of instruction: The language of instruction for this program is English. Information on study organization Information on exams Information on studying abroad Fees for the program The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 4,000 euros per semester . Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here. Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here. Academic Regulations:

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