Program Overview

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Agricultural Sciences and Horticultural Sciences

The Bachelor's program in Agricultural Sciences and Horticultural Sciences deals with processes of plant and animal production, and associated fundamentals relating to the natural sciences, economics, and ecology.

Key Data

• Type of Study: Full Time
• Standard Duration of Studies: 6 Semesters (Full Time)
• Credits: 180 ECTS
• Main Locations: Weihenstephan (Freising)
• Application Period: Winter semester: 15.05. – 15.09.
• Admission Category: Unrestricted Admission
• Start of Degree Program: Winter Semester (October)
• Costs:
  • Student Fees: 85.00 €
  • Tuition fees for international students
• Required Language Proficiency: German

Program Profile

The interdisciplinary Bachelor’s program in Agricultural Sciences and Horticultural Sciences is devoted to processes of plant and animal production, and associated fundamentals relating to the natural sciences, economics, and ecology. These play a role in both agrarian and horticultural value-added chains. Of central importance here is the production of high-quality food and feed products, ornamental plants, and biogenic raw materials. The purpose is to exploit the substance and energy that these products contain, in the context of a sustainable and multi-functional agricultural and horticultural sector. The preservation of natural resources is also an important factor in this context.

The program offers students content that gives equal coverage to basic knowledge of the natural sciences, engineering, production technology, and economics, as well as of discipline-specific matters. In accordance with their individual interests, students can choose whether to specialize in agricultural sciences or in horticultural sciences. Depending on their choices, the discipline-specific modules incorporate content from:

• soil science and site feasibility,
• causal relations in agricultural ecosystems as regards material and energy flows,
• methods of plant cultivation and precision agriculture,
• fundamentals of phytopathology and plant protection,
• modern methods of plant breeding and genetic engineering,
• fundamentals of systems engineering in arable farming, horticulture, livestock farming,
• principles of plant nutrition and agricultural chemistry,
• corporate leadership, production theory, accounting systems,
• as well as marketing and research.

Program Structure

• In the first two semesters, the basics of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and economics are taught, supplemented by subject-specific compulsory modules from the fields of plant, animal, and environmental sciences and technology, as well as practical training.
• From the third semester onwards, modules such as Agroecosystems, Plant Production Systems, and Horticultural Physiology of Production convey the systemic nature of the subject. In the block course Agricultural Production Systems, the knowledge acquired in the various disciplines is applied on a project basis.
• From the fourth semester onwards, the wide range of elective modules allows students to develop their individual profile.
• In the sixth semester, a scientific question is dealt with in the Bachelor’s thesis.

Language of Instruction

• Required language skills for admission: You need sufficient German language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline.
• Language of instruction: The language of instruction for this program is German.

Fees for the Program

• The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 2,000 euros per semester.
• Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them.

Academic Regulations: Application, Studying, and Exams

• General Academic and Examination Regulations
• Academic and Examination Regulations
• All regulations and legal framework concerning studies

Application and Admission

Application Process

Admission requirements and the application procedure vary depending on the type of higher education entrance qualification you hold.

• During the application period, you must apply through the application portal and upload your application documents.
• Here you will find detailed information on the requirements for the documents you need to upload for application and admission.

Documents Required for the Online Application

• Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) by uni-assist - for international applicants only
• if applicable: Proof of Internships or Professional Experience (optional)

Application Deadlines

• Application period for the winter semester: 15.05. – 15.09.
• For information on applying for a higher semester, please contact the Departmental Student Advising.
• An application for the summer semester is only possible for higher subject semesters. Application deadline: 15.01.

Admission Process

• Unrestricted Admission

Career Opportunities

This Bachelor’s degree provides you with various career options: Students have chosen jobs as diverse as agricultural consulting, research in, for example, phytopathology or plant breeding and economics, just to name a few. Nevertheless, the university strongly encourages its students to continue education at the graduate level – therefore every successful student is offered consecutive graduate studies. Possible Master’s programs are offered in Agricultural Biosciences, Agrosystem Sciences, and AgriFood Economics, Policy, and Regulation. Since you will have completed the common basic curriculum in Weihenstephan, you may even opt to apply for graduate education in different disciplines, for example, Biology or Consumer Economics.