Environmental Protection and Agricultural Food Production (EnviroFood)

Environmental Protection and Agricultural Food Production (EnviroFood) at the University of Hohenheim is a comprehensive interdisciplinary master's program designed to prepare students for sustainable development in the fields of environmental management and agricultural food systems. This program provides students with a deep understanding of the scientific, technical, and socio-economic aspects of environmental protection, agricultural production, and food security. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling graduates to address complex challenges related to conservation, resource management, and sustainable agriculture in a global context.

Students will explore topics such as ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, soil and water protection, sustainable crop and animal production, and food safety. The program emphasizes the importance of integrating ecological, economic, and social considerations to develop innovative solutions for environmental and agricultural issues. Specialized modules allow students to focus on areas such as organic farming, renewable energy, environmental policy, and food system resilience.

Environmental Protection and Agricultural Food Production includes coursework, laboratory work, field excursions, and project work, fostering hands-on learning and teamwork skills. The program is delivered by experienced faculty members with international expertise, often collaborating with industry partners and research institutions. Internationally oriented, the program attracts students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging intercultural exchange and a global perspective on environmental and agricultural challenges.

Upon graduation, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in environmental consultancy, agricultural management, policy advising, research, and sustainable development projects. The degree also provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies. The University of Hohenheim’s structured and research-oriented approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to contribute to creating environmentally sustainable and socially responsible agricultural practices worldwide.

Educational organisation

The two-year programme starts in October each year. It consists of three in-class semesters comprising 14 modules (six compulsory, three semi-elective, five elective modules).
The compulsory modules have to be completed within the first and second semesters:

1. Agricultural Production and Residues
2. Economics and Environmental Policy
3. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Analytics
4. Environmental Microbiology, Parasitology and Microbial Ecology
5. Environmental Modelling
6. Spatial Data Analysis with GIS

Basic knowledge in chemistry, physics, calculus, and biology are required in order to successfully complete most of the modules.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students have the opportunity to take the third-semester modules at partner universities abroad. The thesis semester may be spent in Germany or abroad (within one of the numerous international research projects conducted by Hohenheim's research staff in cooperation with partner institutions).

Internships

Internships are not compulsory, but recommended. The internship must be organised by the student and has to fit the schedule of the programme. Upon request, the Career Center may assist in finding an internship.

Forms of assessment

Written assessment (exams, presentations, essays, thesis)
Oral assessment (exams, presentations, defence)

Course objectives

Graduates will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to:

• analyse and understand ecosystematic, economic, political, and administrative interdependencies
• understand physical, chemical, and biological properties of agents and matter in order to identify their impact on the environment
• set up models for environmental systems, conduct simulations, and analyse the results
• analyse spatial data with geographical information systems
• develop integrative problem solutions on a global scale

Language requirements

TOEFL: minimum 90 internet-based or
IELTS: minimum 6.5

Academic requirements

Above-average Bachelor of Science (BSc) or equivalent degree in agricultural, environmental, or nutritional sciences, food technology, biology, or a related field

Enrolment fees

About 160 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Living expenses in Germany are relatively high. Each student should calculate at least 700 EUR per month for accommodation, food, health insurance, and public transport.
For the first month, students should expect higher costs, as they have to pay registration fees. Rent for a single room varies from 220 EUR to 400 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

Hohenheim offers enrolled students assistant jobs on campus. Students are responsible for managing working hours and these hours should not conflict with their studies. Working off campus is also possible according to the Aliens Act. However, please be aware that without good knowledge of German, jobs are quite difficult to find.

Arrival support

Assistance with accommodation, enrolment, and health insurance is provided by the international office. The programme coordination office can help with the organisation of the studies and other formalities.

Services and support for international students

German language courses for beginners and advanced learners are offered during the semester.
Students can participate in ten introductory days with trips and presentations to get to know the university facilities and local surroundings.
"Warm-up seminars" (intercultural seminar, facts and skills seminar) are offered before the start of the programme.
Upon request, a personal mentor from the teaching staff can advise students on appropriate study profiles as well as support students in planning their studies in a smooth and goal-oriented way.

Accommodation

There are five residence halls on campus. All rooms are furnished and have telephone and internet access. Kitchens, bathroom facilities, and washing machines are available, and these are mostly shared with flatmates. Personal belongings like towels and bed sheets are not provided. Depending on size and quality, prices for rent vary from 220 EUR to 400 EUR per month. Rooms in dormitories are usually available for the first year. In the second year, students have to look for accommodation on the private market.