IPAG – International PhD Programme in Agricultural Science IPAG – International PhD Programme in Agricultural Science

Degree

PhD, Dr sc agr, Dr rer nat (doctoral studies with a focus on natural sciences), or Dr rer pol (doctoral studies with a focus on economic sciences)

Teaching language

• English

Languages

Courses are usually held in English. The dissertation is written in English.

Mode of study

Less than 50% online

Programme duration

6 semesters

Beginning

Only for doctoral programmes: any time

Application deadline

No application deadline

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master’s degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

The International PhD Programme in Agricultural Science (IPAG) is designed to provide PhD candidates with specialised professional training in one of the following eight majors:
Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Agronomy, Animal Production, Management of Natural Resources, Agribusiness, Tropical and International Agriculture, Global Agri-Food Systems, and Animal Welfare.
The PhD programme emphasises independent research on the part of the participants. The graduate programme includes lectures, tutorials, seminars, and methods courses. In addition, IPAG provides training in oral and written communication skills, including scientific writing and publishing, elective courses, and participation in international conferences or workshops. IPAG also emphasises soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and moderation techniques. The study adviser provides any necessary assistance with regard to courses and logistic matters.
At the end of the PhD programme, a doctoral dissertation can be submitted either in a traditional format or as a collection of scientific publications: the latter must have been published in internationally recognised journals and must be supplemented with a general introduction and a discussion of the results.
The degree PhD or, alternatively, Dr sc agr, Dr rer nat, or Dr rer pol will be awarded after the successful defence of the doctoral dissertation and its subsequent publication.

Course organisation

The programme is mainly modular and includes participation in various types of modules and courses, writing of the dissertation and the disputation. Successful completion of the PhD studies gains 180 ECTS credits (one credit = 30 hours workload). The modules equal a workload of 6 ECTS each. Preparation of the dissertation equals a workload of 150 credits. The regular study time is six semesters.
Modules can be composed of various forms of teaching: lectures, seminars, exercises, practicals, colloquia as well as project work or combinations of these various forms.
In each of the following four areas, one module with a workload of 6 ECTS credits must be completed successfully:
I. module: progress reports
II. courses in the area methodology
III. courses in the area of expert knowledge
IV. courses in the area of soft skills
In addition, other courses of a more in-depth character may be offered. Attendance at the latter type of courses is voluntary.
Support can be given by the Graduate School of Forest and Agricultural Sciences concerning travel arrangements, translation, and methodological aspects of the PhD work.

International elements

• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad

Description of other international elements

It depends on the dissertation and the countries with which the PhD student collaborates. During the PhD programme, many students present their studies at international conferences.

Integrated internships

None

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

No

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

No

Pace of course

Self-paced (Material is always available and students progress at their own speed)

Phase(s) of attendance (on-site)

Yes, compulsory

Types of online learning elements

• Chats (with lecturers and other students)
• Online sessions

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

Fees are around 400 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains (in Lower Saxony and Bremen) and city buses in Göttingen free of charge. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
Fees: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee
Semester ticket: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/16432.html

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html  

Funding opportunities within the university

No

Academic admission requirements

Academic admission requirements include an outstanding Master of Science (MSc) degree or its equivalent in agriculture, biology, geography, or related fields. To apply, students need to find a professor at the University of Göttingen who is willing to supervise their research. Applications are processed through the online application portal.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/application-and-enrolment/532016.html

Language requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English are asked to submit proof of proficiency in English (e.g., TOEFL: iBT at least 81 points; IELTS: band 6; or Cambridge English Scale: min. 160 points). Proven higher education in English or a reasonably long stay in an English-speaking country may also be accepted.

Application deadline

No application deadline

Submit application to

Please see our website for questions regarding application:
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/application+and+enrolment/532016.html

Possibility of finding part-time employment

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Foreign applicants should note that it is not easy to find a job to finance their studies, as German students are also searching for jobs. Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to find a job. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

Accommodation

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services (“Studentenwerk”). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible. For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/364086.html

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Career advisory service

The Career Service of the University of Göttingen offers individual support to facilitate your successful transition from the academic to the professional world — whether you want to work in Germany or abroad. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific “Career Impulse Sessions”, workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme in “Building International Careers” as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/292.html

Specific specialist or non-specialist support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Buddy programme
• Tutors
• Specialist counselling

University of Göttingen

University location