Managing agriculture successfully despite challenges such as climate change
IU study programme Agricultural Management combines state-of-the-art knowledge with technical basics in agriculture
IU study programme Agricultural Management combines state-of-the-art knowledge with technical basics in agriculture.
- Study content on precision farming, sustainability, livestock management, renewable raw materials and artificial intelligence.
- The programme is completely online and can be studied flexibly.
- Students can apply their theoretical knowledge in practical projects.
Erfurt, Germany, 26 September 2023. Societal demands on agriculture have increased in recent years: ensuring food supply, animal welfare, increasing regulation and extreme weather events. The new degree programme in Agricultural Management (B.Sc.) at IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) addresses these challenges. It teaches the technical basics of agriculture, systemic thinking and in-depth economic knowledge. This enables graduates to independently manage, develop and optimise production processes and operations in agriculture.
Against the backdrop of growing challenges such as climate change, the supply of healthy and affordable food, animal welfare or drinking water protection, the new IU degree programme in Agricultural Management (B.Sc.) creates sustainable approaches to solutions to meet the increasingly diverse economic, social and political demands on agriculture.
The aim of the study programme is to provide students with up-to-date knowledge to remain economically successful despite these challenges for agriculture. This involves, for example, the question of how synergy effects can be achieved by only fertilising as much as the plant can absorb and thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions, or how farm animals can be kept in a species-appropriate manner according to the latest standards. At the same time, the degree programme offers opportunities to combine sustainability and economic success, for example using state-of-the-art technologies such as AI or drones.
The course is also aimed at those interested in the topic of nutrition
"Of course, we combine aspects such as biodiversity or material cycles in agro-ecosystems with intensive teaching of agricultural and economic basics to optimally prepare our students for various career paths. However, I am firmly convinced that the degree programme is not only suitable for farm managers with their own farms, for example. Rather, it appeals to many people, especially young people, who are generally interested in sustainability and nutrition," says programme director Prof. Dr. Robert Simon, Professor of Agricultural Management and Agricultural Economics at IU International University of Applied Sciences, emphasising the orientation of the bachelor's programme.
The distance learning programme Agricultural Management (B.Sc.) at IU is one of the few agricultural economics programmes in Germany that are offered via distance learning. Using digital online formats and, among other tools, the use of a learning app, the programme teaches fundamental principles of modern agriculture as well as advanced economic expertise with a strong focus on management.
The topics of sustainability, management and digitalisation are at the centre of the study programme, which lasts 36, 48 or 72 months, depending on the chosen time model: modules such as production management in agriculture, crop protection, precision farming, smart farming, and agricultural economics prepare students for later specialisation and the practical part of the study programme. In the further course of their studies, they can focus, for example, on agribusiness, animal management, resource management and material flow balancing, renewable raw materials in agricultural economics or artificial intelligence and programming.
In three practical projects, students actively work in an agricultural business as well as in upstream or downstream areas (agricultural trade, production, industry) and can underpin the knowledge they have acquired in their studies with practical experience.
Know-how for sustainable management in the agricultural sector
"Agricultural management at IU not only deals with a socially relevant topic," explains Robert Simon. "It provides answers to pressing challenges in agriculture caused in particular by climate change and environmental problems." These include questions such as: What interactions exist in agricultural systems at local, regional and global levels? How do material cycles function in agro-ecosystems and what influence does the management of a farm have on natural cycles? How can energy be saved in production processes and how can land- and product-related greenhouse gas emissions be reduced?
The development of future-oriented study programmes is a central concern of IU International University of Applied Sciences, which is the largest university in Germany with more than 100,000 students. With the bachelor's programme in Agricultural Management, IU is expanding its portfolio of flexible study models with another technology- and future-oriented programme. The programme imparts skills at the interface of technology, economy and ecology. It thus forms an essential basis for the expertise of specialists in a sector that is becoming increasingly important for society, for example, in ensuring the basic supply of food.
Further information on the Agricultural Management (B.Sc.) degree programme at IU International University of Applied Sciences at: https://www.iu.de/en/bachelor/agrarmanagement/
With over 130,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-recognised educational institution with its headquarters in Erfurt began operations in 2000 and is now represented in more than 35 German cities. Students from over 190 nations design their studies according to their needs: whether practice-integrated dual studies, flexible distance learning or individual “myStudium”, which combines online self-study and campus life. IU wants to give people worldwide access to personalised education for a fulfilled and self-determined life. In more than 250 bachelor's, master's and MBA programmes, including over 50 in English, IU teaches students key skills relevant to the future. A digitally supported learning environment and the use of AI solutions help students to achieve optimal learning results and experiences. IU is one of the first universities in the world to have developed and deployed its own AI-supported learning buddy. IU cooperates with over 15,000 companies and supports them in the academic training of professionals. Partners include Motel One, Vodafone, AWO and Deutsche Bahn. Further information at: iu.org
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