RTG 2654: Sustainable Food Systems

Structured doctoral programme on sustainable food systems that trains researchers to analyse food and agriculture through an integrated food-systems perspective with interdisciplinary coursework, supervision, and research exchange.

Academic requirements

Successful candidates will have an outstanding Master’s degree (or equivalent) in food and agricultural economics, development economics, general economics, sustainability studies, (food) marketing, or related social sciences disciplines, strong analytical skills, experience with relevant statistical methods, proven interest in topics related to sustainable food systems, and strong computer skills. We also expect successful candidates to be active team players in the RTG. Experience with data collection in an international context will be a plus.

Minimum GPA

No fixed minimum GPA is published on the current official programme page.

English requirements

Excellent command of the English language.

Accepted bachelor fields

Outstanding master's degree or equivalent in food and agricultural economics, development economics, general economics, sustainability studies, food marketing, or related social sciences disciplines. The official programme page also expects strong analytical skills, relevant statistical-methods experience, and proven interest in sustainable food-systems topics.

APS Certificate

Yes

Tuition fee

None

Semester contribution

EUR 466.40 per semester (Summer Semester 2026 standard semester fee).

Funding info

Tuition: None Semester contribution: EUR 466.40 per semester (Summer Semester 2026 standard semester fee).

The official training page states that scholars with a profound understanding of the links and interdependencies in food systems are in high demand on national and international job markets.

• 1

  International Food Business and Consumer Studies (IFBC)

  Fulda University of Applied Sciences

  Fulda · Master of Science · English

• 2

  Animal Science

  University of Hohenheim

  Stuttgart · Master of Science · English

• 3

  Resilient Horticulture

  Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences

  Freising · Master of Science · English

• 4

  Agricultural, Food and Environmental Policy Analysis (AFEPA)

  University of Bonn

  Bonn · Master of Science · English

• 5

  Biological Resources MSc

  Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences

  Kleve · Master of Science · English