In the first academic year,
you will deepen your knowledge in six compulsory modules. Lecturers present and analyze many aspects of agriculture in tropical and subtropical agroecosystems in these modules. In addition to animal production and plant production, you will learn about systemic interrelationships.

The program focuses on the ecology of tropical agricultural systems and on the economy and social significance of small-scale farming systems in the tropics and subtropics. In practical modules, students examine and explore responsible use, recycling, and conservation of natural resources in-depth.

In the first year of study, special emphasis is placed on methods of interdisciplinary cooperation, and teamwork in student groups is practiced. Besides the compulsory modules, you choose three modules from more than 15 elective modules specific to the tropics and subtropics for your specialization.

In the second academic year,
you choose five more modules from a wide range of elective modules. This allows you to develop your individual professional profile and tailor your knowledge to your career aspirations.

In the second year, you will also carry out research on a subject-specific Master's thesis topic. This research work is usually carried out as part of an international, development-oriented research project in the target countries being conducted by the department of the instructing lecturers.

If you opt for the double degree with the Czech University of Life Sciences, you will transfer to the partner university in Prague for your third and fourth semester.

Students who do not wish to take advantage of this option still have the possibility to spend a semester abroad and have their achievements recognized.

The academic program advisors advise you on your choice of modules and in planning your studies to ensure that you progress smoothly and directly.

The degree program is designed to teach the following skills and competences:

• Specific knowledge in development-oriented agricultural research
• Competence in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary cooperation
• Ability to assess the influence of availability, quality, and quantity of natural resources on agricultural production in tropical and subtropical agro-ecosystems
• Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of material cycles (water, nitrogen, carbon) in agricultural production systems at different temporal and spatial scales
• Ability to take advantage of opportunities to reduce post-harvest losses and encourage innovation in product processing
• Ability to manage and promote gender-sensitive development and extension approaches for sustainable agricultural production at different levels (farm, project, institution, administration, policy) in a socio-economic context
• Competence and capacity to take a leadership role in improving the marketability of agricultural products and increasing rural incomes by reducing infrastructural constraints or socio-economic limitations to market access
• Transfer and application of integrated knowledge for management recommendations and to evaluate different strategies for the sustainability of agricultural production in the context of climate change.

More information about the individual modules can be found in the module descriptions.

Jonathan Löffler, Germany, Graduate of 2019
Sourcing specialist for fatty oils, waxes

"You feel passion for issues connected to countries in the global south? Agricultural practices, interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific methods interest you? The Agritropics program in Hohenheim clearly is an excellent option to build up solid background knowledge in this field. Moreover, you can proactively specialize and advance in subjects of free choice. Personally, I enjoyed the international community in the Agritropics program. It gave me the opportunity to get in touch with people and topics, who were as diverse as the tropics!"

Sangeun Bae, South Korea, currently an intern with the GIZ in Ghana, Graduate of 2018

"AgriTropics provides you with diverse opportunities to design your own learning experience and career pathway. Cooperations with many organizations, both within and outside Germany expose you to seminars and internship opportunities where you can build your knowledge base. Professors have an international recognition and their projects offer great research topics for your thesis. Not to forget the valuable friendships with colleagues from all over with world!"

Guilherme Amorim Franchi, Brazil, PhD Fellow an der Aarhus University, Graduate of 2017

"If you are proactive, cooperative and interested in agricultural sciences, Hohenheim is the right place for you. You will have hands-on experience in a range of agricultural science fields under the supervision of internationally-known scientists in a multicultural environment. So, be prepared to profit from a broad network and seek the best professional opportunities worldwide. Surely, studying at the University of Hohenheim was very important to my career and personal development."

• More of our alumni