Agriculture, Ecology & Societies

Subjects: Agriculture;Ecology;Sociology

M.Sc. | Master of Science

Course description

Agriculture represents the most profound interaction between humans and the planet. It intersects with food, environmental, climate, and political crises globally. Agriculture and rural development are crucial in addressing these challenges. To transform agriculture sustainably and equitably, we need students who can integrate advances across various scientific, social, and political fields. Key areas of study include: - Natural sciences, focusing on the biophysical basis for sustainable agro-ecologies. - Land and farm management practices and their interactions with their biophysical context. - Agri-cultural beliefs and ethics. - The social organization (governance) and economics of agriculture. - Rural geographies and rural-urban linkages. - Political demands and voices within the food system. - Critical food systems research and advocacy. The Master program in Agriculture, Ecology & Societies (AGES) enables students to weave these threads together, studying agriculture as a complex socio-ecological system. It offers a robust agronomic education paired with an understanding of agriculture's economic and social contexts. With a diverse range of modules and projects, students can tailor the program to their interests and career aspirations. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary, critical, and project-based learning, taught by scholars from various disciplinary backgrounds. This

Application Requirements

Language Requirements

A university degree related to a course where the foreign language required was a major focus of studies. A course at a post-secondary education centre (e.g. a university) which lasted at least two years and the language, evidence of which needs to be provided, was the primary language of tuition. Evidence of having successfully completed a language course if a final certificate was issued. Level C 1 Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) Level 4 UNIcert III® C1 Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based iBT total 95+ Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) 490-495 (listening) and 455-495 (reading) International English Language testing System (IELTS) Min. band score 7.0 - 8.0 telc English C 1 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (Cambridge University) Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), Certificate in English Language Skills (CELS) Higher, Business English Certificate (BEC) Higher Pearson PTE Academic Sprachniveau C1: 84 – 76 Punkte

Qualification Requirements

Bachelor degree in Agricultural Sciences, Economics, Social Sciences, Humanities or a similar field of study and with a minimum of 180 ECTS-credit (equivalent). Students with a Bachelor degree in a related field must have passed professional and methodological courses worth (at least) 60 ECTS-credits in Agricultural Sciences, Economics, Social Sciences or Humanities. Students who do not fully satisfy these requirements can be admitted with the additional obligation to pass preparatory courses, as decided on a case-by-case basis by the admission board. Proof of sufficient English language proficiency by previous studies conducted entirely in English, or international language certificate of level C1 according to the Common Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF), or international language certificate of level B2 according to the Common Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF) only if applicant worked minimum one year in an organisation where the communication is English within the last two years prior to the application. In this case, a letter from the organization regarding its office working language should be attached. A one-page letter in English that outlines the applicants' motivation to study in this program, personal experiences and expectations relevant to their further studies, as well as the long-term career goals that drive their application for a transdisciplinary Master program.