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| Application Deadline: | July 15; Non EU: as early as possible | ||
| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 500 | ||
| Location: | Kassel / Germany / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 24 months | Start Date: | October |
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| Credits (ECTS): | 120 | ||
| Languages: | English | ||
Location of University of Kassel
The MSc programme Sustainable International Agriculture (SIA) started in winter semester 2009/2010 as a joint study programme of the agricultural faculties of the University of Goettingen and the University of Kassel - Witzenhausen.
All SIA modules are taught in English. The study programme is internationally oriented and offers three possibilities for specialization (profiles):
* International Agribusiness and Rural Development Economics
* International Organic Agriculture
* Tropical Agriculture
Classes are taught in Goettingen and Witzenhausen according to the chosen profile.
Potential fields of profession include not only agricultural administration, business areas of agriculture and related fields, but also science and research. In order to achieve this there will be a broad and sound spectrum of education based on thoroughly linked teaching contents.
Unique features of education in Witzenhausen - short paths, tradition in project-oriented teaching and working and individual contacts between teachers and students - create the best conditions for the new teaching and didactic approach of the MSc. course.
The faculty is known for its applied, interdisciplinary and culturally open-minded education of students from different countries and cultures. The limited number of 800 students, the close proximity of all buildings, the individual contact to the staff and lecturers and the intimate atmosphere of a small township are advantageous factors.
Objectives of Teaching
The main focus of the study is the elaboration of extensive expert knowledge, an essential pre-requisite of sustainable agriculture with regard to different agro-ecological and economical conditions. The general objective is the development of site-specific solutions with minimal use of non-renewable resources for the sustainable protection of food for a rapidly expanding world population. Main focus will be given to the maintenance of nutrient cycles, the reflected use of standard-conform production means, balanced relation between productive and `non-productive´ area (natural landscape) and the link between agricultural practice, regional market and rural development. Teaching and research is directed towards these fields through elaboration of cause-effect-relationships in system approaches.
Social Responsibility
Basis of the traditionally strong international commitment of the Faculty in Witzenhausen is the understanding that food security is only sustainable if aspects of social justice are taken into consideration and protected. Consequently, students regardless of their later professional activities are to be qualified by their programme in Witzenhausen to achieve a socially responsible contribution to sustainable agriculture and land use.
Teaching methods and didactic approach
The interdisciplinary character of the M.Sc. Programme is based on the experience that an isolated approach is insufficient, especially in the field of Organic Agriculture. Although students must be able to work in a case-related, methodologically clear and discipline-specific manner, they have to achieve key qualifications, i.e. team-work ability, interdisciplinary thinking and self-responsible acting to contribute solutions in a modern and practical way. Therefore, teaching and assessments are organised
* that lectures and assessments are summarised to more comprehensive thematic complexes to facilitate learning and examinations,
* that the modularised programme is structured in five thematic fields (ecology, plant, animal, economics, social aspects) to promote the interdisciplinary perspective and to meet the requirements of the system´s approach of Organic Agriculture.
Contents
The M.Sc. programme is made up of four terms, three of which are dedicated to theoretical and practical knowledge in chosen topics, the fourth for the completion of the Master Thesis.
The curriculum is divided into five thematic fields
* Plant Science,
* Animal Science,
* Economics and Social Science,
* Ecology and Applied Methods,
* Food and Technology Science.
The five thematic fields are arranged in such a manner that students are directed step by step from methodology via discipline-specificity to an overview of the chances and problems of organic farming systems in an international context.
The bridging modules "soil and plant science" and "Sustainable International AGriculture" are compulsory for every student. In addition out of the fields 1 to 4 one module is obligatory. The other five modules of the first study year can be arranged by the students from the obligatory module catalogue or the elective modules. The remaining four modules contain facultative topics. Up to 12 Credits of the elective modules can be replaced by an interdisciplinary project work. Each module is completed by a final assessment.
ECTS points
Each module is made up of 180 hours (within 60 hours lecture time) and is credited with 6 Credits (European Credit Transfer System). Most of the modules will be arranged interdisciplinarily. Another important issue is the project orientation of the curriculum. Within the three semesters students can complete one project. The Master Thesis and final disputation contribute with 24 and 6 Credits to the final sum of 120 Credits for the M.Sc. programme.
IELTS
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
Take testRequirements
Required for the admission to SIA is a BSc degree of at least six semesters in agricultural sciences or a related study field with a good grade point average of at least 2.5 (German grade system, equivalent to a B-). In exceptional cases, a grade point average of 3.0 can be accepted under the condition of an oral exam.
Only APS-proven (chinese academic transcript and degree certificates are accepted for application.
Alternatively, an academic profile from past study achievements, that proves equivalent knowledge and skills, can allow admission.
Additionally, good knowledge of English is required (internet-based TOEFL of at least 80 points or equivalent language certificate).
Applicants whose fist language is not English have to prove a good working knowledge of English. Their proficiency in English must be certified with an international recognised test.
The following tests and levels are accepted:
* Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English at least with the grade "B"
* Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English at least with the grade "C"
* International English language Test System (IELTS) with at least 6 points
* At least 550 points in a paper based TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language)
* At least 213 points in a computer based TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language)
* At least 80 points in the new internet based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
* UNIcert level III
* C1-certificate of CEF (Common European Framework).
The "Institution Toefl Code" for the University of Goettingen is: 4468 University of Goettingen. The "Department Code" for the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences is : 31 Faculty of Agricultural Sciences.
The language test certificate should not be more than 2 years old at the time of application. Excepted from the need to prove language proficiency are students with English as first language and students with a one year study or working experience in an English speaking country within the last five years.
Additional Requirements
| Minimal degree required: | Bachelor's degree |
| Minimal amount of work experience | 6 years |
Language Proficiency
| TOEFL Paper-based: | 550 |
| TOEFL Computer-based: | 123 |
| TOEFL Internet-based: | 80 |
Ask a Question
You can contact Prof. Dr. Eva Schlecht to ask a question about Sustainable International Agriculture at University of Kassel.
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