Organic Agriculture

The ever increasing demand for organically produced foods requires new production systems. In order to create such sustainable organic production systems a fresh scientific approach is needed. WU has created a programme to train academic professionals who want to work in this field. The programme has been designed to train in multiple aspects of organic agriculture and the associated processing and marketing chain. An important goal is to prepare for interdisciplinary teamwork. This study is unique in that it combines detailed consideration of the underlying principles and processes from a natural science perspective with social and economic studies. Creative thinking is required to design new sustainable farming and marketing systems. The programme has an international character which uses case-studies and offers project opportunities in both the developed and developing world. The curriculum has been formulated to provide a balance between fundamental and applied science. Various groups as agronomy, ecology, soil science, animal sciences, pest and disease management, food technology, sociology, communication science and economics participate, making this a well-rounded programme.

Instruction modes

case study, integration module, practicum, colloquium, internship, project, computer exercise, laboratory work, self evaluation, lecture, self study, literature study, seminar, excursion, research, tutorial, research project, research proposal, working group, group assignment, oral presentation, group discussion, individual assignment, poster presentation

Accreditation: NVAO

Erasmus Mundus program: This is an Erasmus Mundus program.

Admission requirements

Grade Point Average of at least 70%; good skills in mathematics and/or statistics; basic computer skills.

Other requirements

1. minimum kennis (ISPAC: overige vereisten) Grade Point Average of at least 70%; good skills in mathematics and/or statistics; basic computer skills.
2. taaltoets cijfer Applicants must provide recent evidence of their spoken and written command of English.
3. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) Bachelor's degree in the agricultural sciences, social sciences, biology, economics or related fields.