Bioeconomy

The Master's programme in Bioeconomy offers a comprehensive education for professionals who aim to work in those sectors of the economy that use biological resources and biotechnological processes to produce bio-based goods and services.

Students examine the entire value chain of bio-based products:

• the production of raw material for bio-based products in agricultural ecosystems in diverse climatic regions
• the properties and supply logistics of biological resources
• the biotechnological and industrial processes used to convert these resources into (new) bio-based products
• the marketing and consumption of such products

Students deal with the environmental, social and economic dimensions of the bioeconomy from a micro- and a macro-level perspective, taking innovation, institutions and policies into account.

As an interdisciplinary programme jointly offered by Hohenheim's three faculties (Agricultural Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Business, Economics and Social Sciences), this degree programme enables students to conduct a systematic analysis of entire bio-based value chains. Consequently, students acquire the skills and expertise necessary to deal with a range of issues in this complex field. One of the strengths of this programme is that graduates are able to understand bio-based value chains from each of the following perspectives:

• companies that focus on new bio-based resources, processes and products
• established producers seeking to introduce renewable resources, biotechnological processes and their corresponding products onto the market
• actors attempting to gauge the need and acceptance of such products
• organisations that support the development of bio-based value chains, e.g., through research and advisory services

Educational organisation

During the first year of the programme, students acquire fundamental knowledge of the concept of the bioeconomy as well as the necessary skills that are required in order to deal with all aspects of bio-based value chains, including their interdependencies.

To ensure that all students from varying academic backgrounds are able to successfully complete the programme, three introductory modules are offered in the first semester, allowing students to complement their differing academic qualifications. These modules introduce the basic concepts of the agricultural, natural and economic sciences.

Beyond that, students acquire the knowledge and methods necessary for a systematic analysis of bio-based economies in several compulsory modules. Topics range from the analysis of the properties of bio-based resources from a natural sciences and agricultural sciences perspective to the economic analysis and optimisation of production and processing across the entire bio-based value chain.

The second year of studies gives students the opportunity to design their own curriculum by choosing from a range of elective modules, thus allowing students to specialise in one area of the field. In the module "Projects in Bioeconomic Research", students put their acquired skills into practice in a systematic examination of the entire bio-based value chain and trace a specific product from inception to market launch in cooperation with industry and organisations. A research-intensive Master's thesis, written in the fourth semester, completes the programme.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad during the third semester. Likewise, thesis research may be conducted abroad, e.g., within the Strategic Network Bio-based Economy (BECY) or as part of other international research projects in which the University of Hohenheim is involved. Special travel grants are available for outstanding students.

Internships

Internships are not compulsory, but recommended. Appropriate internships must be found by the students themselves, e.g., via BE-Connected. This is an information platform for students, connecting the university, research institutions, and industry to provide students with suitable contacts for research and job opportunities.

Forms of assessment

Written exams, oral presentations, colloquia, assignments

Course objectives

Graduates possess knowledge, expertise, and analytical skills to deal with all aspects of bio-based value chains. Due to the inter- and transdisciplinary approach of the study programme, graduates are encouraged to think critically; they have the skills and know the necessary tools and methods to develop and execute diverse activities and projects within a bio-based economy.

Our graduates are able to develop strategies for developing bio-based value chains that are sustainable from an ecological, economic, and social perspective. In particular, "Hohenheim bioeconomists" are able to

• navigate, shape, develop and execute the production and processing of renewable resources across all involved sectors
• coordinate the production of bio-based products in a way that is adapted to specific locations
• consider the interconnectedness and interdependencies of different utilisation pathways for biomass including synergies and competitions between food, feed, fibre and fuel production
• understand the key technologies used for the production of bio-based products (such as biotechnological processes and other conversion technologies) and advance their economic use
• consider the growing societal requirements for bio-based products and their production methods
• organise the market launch of new bio-based products
• understand the embeddedness of (new) bio-based products in value chains from micro- and macroeconomic perspectives
• coordinate the cooperation between different stakeholders (political actors, economic agents, academics, civil society groups with environmental and social concerns) in the development of bio-based value chains
• promote the establishment of adequate institutional and policy frameworks, e.g., introducing and establishing standards for sustainability in resource production

Language requirements

Proof of English language skills (TOEFL ibt 90 or equivalent)

Academic requirements

Admission requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with a total of at least 180 ECTS credits or a standard period of study of at least three years or an equivalent academic qualification in the natural sciences, engineering, the agricultural or forestry sciences, or the social and economic sciences
• English language skills (e.g. TOEFL ibt 90 or equivalent)

Selection criteria:

• Overall grade of the Bachelor's degree
• Subject-specific academic achievements
• Completed professional training or work experience in a job requiring professional training (no limitation to certain vocational fields)
• Letter of motivation

For more information, please visit: https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/bioecon-application.

Enrolment fees

160 EUR per semester

Costs of living

According to the German Student Services Office's calculations, students in Germany live on an average of 700 EUR per month.

Arrival support

Assistance with accommodation, health insurance, enrolment, and administrative formalities will be provided by the Office of International Affairs.

Services and support for international students

Every semester the Office of International Affairs organises Orientation Days for the new international students. The programme includes a campus tour, a city tour, a welcome evening at the Hohenheim palace, trips in cooperation with the International Students Organisation (ISO) and seminars to help ensure your study success in Hohenheim.

The summer intensive courses "German in the land of Porsche and Schiller" offered by the Language Centre are for all those who are interested in improving their German language skills, especially international students or doctoral candidates. These three-week intensive courses (especially the one in September) offer an ideal preparation for all students who plan to study at the University of Hohenheim. The courses offer you the opportunity to delve into the German language and, at the same time, get to know one of the most important economic and cultural regions in Europe.

Accommodation

A number of dormitories are available for students of the University of Hohenheim. The residences are maintained by the Student Services Office Tübingen-Hohenheim. A certain number of rooms are reserved for international students. International students who prefer to live in a private room or apartment can contact the housing mentors of the Office of International Affairs for support. More information can be obtained at: https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/housing-int-students