Agriculture, Ecology & Societies (AGES)

In the two-year Master's programme in "Agriculture, Ecology & Societies" (AGES), students explore sustainable agriculture from an interdisciplinary perspective. Depending on their career objectives and thematic interests, students may combine courses in the following areas of expertise: the natural sciences and biophysical basis for sustainable agroecologies ecological land and farm management practices the social organisation (governance) and economics of agriculture, rural geographies and rural-urban linkages political demands and voices within the food system agricultural beliefs and ethics critical food systems research and advocacy The programme emphasises interdisciplinary, critical and project-based learning, and is taught by scholars from a variety of (inter-)disciplinary backgrounds. Its common denominator is the search for more sustainable, equitable food systems, and the need to train and equip young change-makers with an interdisciplinary skill set for food system transformation. AGES is offered by the Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, which has been a core research and education hub for the German and European organic agriculture movement for 40 years. As a transdisciplinary programme, AGES combines the expertise and facilities of four more faculties at the University of Kassel: Fac­ulty of Humanities Fac­ulty of Social Sciences Fac­ulty of Economics and Management Faculty of Architecture, City and Landscape Planning We maintain a unique network of partner institutes abroad where students can further specialise in agroecology, agricultural development and environmental governance, among other focus areas. Click here to visit our webpage with videos about the degree programme and find out more. The programme is divided into 15 modules (six credits each): Two compulsory modules: Agriculture and ecosystem services Food systems governance and agriculture Two bridging modules: Students with a life sciences background take: Research methods in social sciences History, societies and environment Students with a social sciences or humanities background take: Research methods and data science in the life sciences and either Principles of organic farming or Soil and plant sciences or Organic livestock farming under temperate conditions In two interdisciplinary project modules, small groups of students approach a complex topic of societal relevance, using and combining their respective methodological strengths. Interdisciplinary projects are each facilitated by two professors from different disciplines, over the course of one or two semesters. Nine electives from a wide range of courses are offered at our faculties as well as at the University of Göttingen and a number of international partner universities. The curriculum lets students take electives during the third semester, making it much easier to arrange an exchange semester.  The choice of electives must include: At least two courses from the subject area Agriculture and Ecology  At least two courses from the subject area Socioeconomics, Humanities and Environment  At least two methodological courses Optional and with prior approval: up to two courses taught in German Finally, in the Master's thesis module and colloquium (30 credits), students develop and present an independent, transdisciplinary research project of societal relevance. Each thesis is supervised by two supervisors from different disciplines. Additionally, students can develop their own professional profiles to orientate their studies better towards career plan. Possible thematic profiles include: Profile Management of transformation in the agricultural and food sector Profile Governance and transformation of the agricultural and food system Profile Social Movements and Advocacy  Profile Sustainable Agricultural Ecosystems Profile Innovation and Modelling of Agricultural Ecosystems in Transition Profile Research and Teaching on Agriculture and Food Systems PDF Download