Bachelor of Science

Shaping a sustainable food & agricultural culture

Some of our planetary boundaries have already been exceeded, largely due to the current design of our food systems. For the transformation towards a sustainable food and agricultural culture, we need people in our society who are committed to shaping this change in companies, organisations and the public. We will train you competently to do this.

A degree programme focused on nutrition within planetary boundaries

ErnA is the first bachelor’s programme to combine sustainable food and agricultural culture with nature and resource conservation. The Bachelor’s programme in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems (ErnA) provides you with an understanding of, and opportunities to address, the major challenges of our time. We offer a comprehensive range of courses, including subject-specific, artistic, and practical elements. Individual mentoring supports you in developing a profile that fits your study and career goals.

Study content

Individual study contents

The study programme is firmly rooted in the principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Its structure is guided by six interdisciplinary key competences for sustainability: value orientation, systems thinking, future thinking, strategic thinking, implementation skills, and collaborative competence — all closely integrated with subject-specific expertise. This approach represents a paradigm shift in programme development, as it aligns the entire learning process with overarching sustainability learning objectives that span the full duration of the programme.

Modules per semester

In the first semester, you discover the diversity of perspectives on agri-food culture and sustainability. With artistic, creative approaches to agricultural and food culture, you will change perspectives and learn the basics of sustainable food production and plantar health. You will also receive a methodological basis for scientific work.

The second semester shows you challenges and potentials in the current agricultural and food culture. You will gain initial experience in transdisciplinary cooperation in the project module "Study partner organic sector". In the module "Acting Sustainably Effectively" you will learn about theoretical and methodological foundations of transformation research.

The third semester is entitled "Exploring potential". You start an eight-week, accompanied practical phase in internship companies from our practical network. In the module "Policy Field Food Systems" you will deal with the diversity of perspectives of actors and the influence of legislation on social reality.

The fourth semester is all about "building bridges". In the project module "Food Cultures of the Future", you will work with local actors to develop exemplary solutions to problems. With your topic and, if necessary, with mentoring, you will sharpen your profile. You also choose a specialisation from 6 compulsory elective modules.

Strengthening one's own profile is also the goal of the fifth semester, which begins with a twelve-week practical phase for all students and is supplemented by elective modules and a compulsory module on communication and participation. The latter is intended to prepare the results of the project module "Food Cultures of the Future" and make them publicly accessible.

In the sixth semester, all the knowledge and experience from the degree programme come together; the goal is synthesis. They complete their practical-conceptual final thesis, if possible in cooperation with a practice partner.

After graduation

Career prospects

Upon completing your studies, you can enter the professional field directly, already benefiting from a network of contacts built during your time at university. Alternatively, you may choose to deepen your expertise through the consecutive M.Sc. degree programme Sustainable food and agricultural systems.

Specialisation options

Specialisation "Sustainable Product Development"
Do you enjoy experimenting in the lab kitchen and creating new recipes? This specialisation equips you with the skills to develop food products where sustainable production and consumption go hand in hand — generating real added value for both human health and the planet.

Specialisation "International Transformation of Food Culture"
This specialisation encourages you to think outside the box. You will explore global contexts of agriculture and food systems through English-language modules alongside international students from other degree programmes. Your final thesis will be completed abroad or in collaboration with an international project partner.

Individual specialisation
Design a specialisation that reflects your personal interests and goals. You chart your own path — into the heart of transformation.

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Stadtcampus Haus 5 ground floor, right
Schicklerstraße 5
16225 Eberswalde

+ 49 3334 657-149
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Subject-specific information on the degree programme

Student counselling

Isabel Rosen

Studiengangskoordination

Head of degree programme (acting)

Prof. Dr. Sonja Geiger

Chair for Psychology and Marketing in Sustainable Food Systems

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