Tropical and International Agriculture

The Sustainable International Agriculture (SIA) program is a joint Master of Science program offered by the University of Göttingen and the University of Kassel-Witzenhausen. It is designed for students aiming to contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture worldwide. The program provides knowledge of biophysical and socioeconomic factors influencing agricultural systems, understanding of global ecosystems, and expertise in social, professional, and methodological areas.

The program offers three specialization profiles:

• International Agribusiness and Rural Development Economics: Focuses on analyzing socioeconomic interactions in agriculture using quantitative and qualitative methods. Compulsory modules include World Agricultural Markets and Trade, Econometrics I, Socioeconomics of Rural Development and Food Security, and Sustainable International Agriculture: Basic Principles and Approaches.




• International Organic Agriculture: Offers a focus on organic agriculture, covering soil, crop, and animal sciences, as well as environmental, social, and economic sciences. Compulsory modules include Soil and Plant Science (bridging module), Organic Livestock Farming under Temperate and Tropical Conditions, Organic Cropping Systems under Temperate and (Sub)tropical Conditions, Applied Statistical Modelling, and Sustainable International Agriculture: Basic Principles and Approaches.




• Tropical Agricultural and Agroecosystems Sciences: Aims to train professionals in sustainable agricultural land use of integrated tropical and subtropical agro-ecosystems. Compulsory modules include Soil and Plant Science (bridging module), Tropical Animal Husbandry Systems, Crops and Production Systems in the Tropics, Applied Statistical Modelling, and Sustainable International Agriculture: Basic Principles and Approaches.

Graduates can pursue careers in European and international agricultural administration and consultancy, organic agriculture, economic sectors related to agriculture, international organizations, and science and research.

The program spans 4 semesters (2 years) and requires the completion of 120 ECTS credits. The curriculum includes compulsory and elective modules, as well as a Master's thesis and colloquium in the 4th semester. Teaching methods include direct contact courses, seminars, excursions, exercises, work groups, e-learning, and projects.