Agriculture, Ecology and Societies (Master)

The content on this page was translated automatically.

Agriculture stands as one of the most profound intersections between humanity and our planet. In the midst of interconnected crises spanning food security, environment, climate, and politics, the role of agriculture and rural development is pivotal. Achieving a sustainable and equitable transformation of agriculture necessitates the emergence of students who can bridge advancements across diverse scientific, social, and political realms. These include:

  • The realm of natural sciences, underpinning sustainable agro-ecological systems.
  • The dynamic interplay between land and farm management practices and their biophysical contexts.
  • The incorporation of agricultural beliefs and ethics.
  • The intricate web of social organization, governance, economics within agricultural landscapes, and the rural-urban continuum.
  • The amplification of political voices and demands within the complex food system.
  • The pursuit of critical research and advocacy within the domain of food systems.

The Master’s program in Agriculture, Ecology & Societies (AGES) serves as a conduit for students to weave these strands together, comprehending agriculture as intricate socio-ecological systems. This program not only provides a robust agronomic foundation but also fosters a profound grasp of agriculture’s economic and social entrenchment. With a diverse array of modules and projects to select from, students are actively encouraged to tailor the program to their individual interests and career aspirations. This endeavor centers on interdisciplinary, critical, and project-driven learning, facilitated by a faculty encompassing a spectrum of interdisciplinary backgrounds. Notably, all AGES modules are conducted in English.

Housed within the Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, AGES, as a transdisciplinary program, draws upon the expertise and resources of four additional faculties at Kassel University:

  • Faculty of Humanities
  • Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Architecture, City and Landscape Planning
  • Faculty of Economics and Management

Our distinctive network of international partner institutes allows students to specialize further in fields like agroecology, agricultural development, and environmental governance, among other focal points. Moreover, students can incorporate fieldwork into their Master’s thesis projects.

Agriculture holds ground as the locus of paramount interactions between humanity and our shared Earth. Within the nexus of political, environmental, food, and climatic dilemmas worldwide, agriculture and rural development emerge as pivotal players. Achieving a sustainable and just revolution of agriculture hinges upon the amalgamation of advances and concerns from diverse scientific, societal, and policy domains. This encompasses the exploration of:

  • The scientific bedrock, intertwining agricultural and natural sciences to underpin sustainable agroecologies.
  • The amalgamation of environmental and business economics within this biophysical framework.
  • The cultivation of agricultural values and ethics.
  • The intricate interplay of social organization, governance structures, and economic interconnectedness within agriculture, rural realms, and the rural-urban interface.
  • The mosaic of policy stances, vested interests, and voices resonating throughout the food system.
  • The pursuit of transformative research and impassioned advocacy.

The AGES Master’s program serves as a conduit for students to weave these parallel threads into a tapestry of comprehension, unraveling agriculture’s tapestry as a complex socio-ecological entity. Beyond furnishing a robust agronomic foundation, the program cultivates a nuanced understanding of agriculture’s economic and social embedding. Through project-based study and a diverse array of modules, AGES empowers students to tailor their education to align with their aspirations and interests. Central to this approach is the emphasis on interdisciplinary, critical, and project-oriented learning, facilitated by a faculty boasting diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds. Noteworthy, all AGES modules are conducted in English.

Situated within the Department of Ecological Agricultural Sciences, AGES stands as a transdisciplinary initiative, synergizing the expertise and resources of four other departments at the University of Kassel:

  • Department 02 – Humanities and Cultural Studies
  • Department 05 – Social Sciences
  • Department 06 – Architecture – Urban Planning – Landscape Planning
  • Department 07 – Economic Sciences

Furthermore, through collaborations with our international partner universities, students can delve deeper into domains such as agroecology, rural development, and environmental management. International stays can also be woven into the fabric of Master’s thesis development through field research.

Program Overview:

  • Degree Awarded: Master of Science or Master of Arts (based on specialization)
  • Commencement of Studies: Winter Semester
  • Duration: 4 Semesters
  • Language of Instruction: English