Bachelor of Science

Sustainable Food & Agricultural Systems

Some of our planetary boundaries have already been exceeded. To transform our food and agricultural systems, society needs people who can actively shape the shift towards sustainable food systems within businesses, organisations, and communities. We provide you with comprehensive and competent training

Apply now until 15 July!

Applicants with a German university entrance qualification can go directly to the → application portal

Applicants with a non-German university entrance qualification go to → uni-assist

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.

Dates and Events

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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, including "Sustainable Product Development" and "International Transformation of Food Culture".

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.

Application

I want to apply...

Application period

Summer semester:

for higher semester: 1.12. to 15.1. 

Winter semester:

for the first semester: 1.6. to 15.7.

 

Apply now

 

Please first register on the application portal of Hochschulstart to receive the identification numbers (applicant ID and BAN) required for the application. Then submit your application at → https://bewerbung.hnee.de to create an applicant account. You will receive a confirmation from us by e-mail with your user name and a password. Now you can log in and start entering all the information required for the application and uploading your documents. After submitting the online application, the "Print" button will take you to a summary of your details in the online application, which we recommend you print out and check. If you have discovered an error after submitting your application, please contact us by the closing date for applications via e-mail. You can track the status of your application on the Hochschulstart portal as well as on the HNEE application portal. Your application will keep the status "received" on the Hochschulstart portal and will only be changed to "valid" shortly before the ranking lists are compiled.

- general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)

or
- subject-linked higher education entrance qualification or subject-linked higher education entrance qualification or subject-linked higher education entrance qualification

or
- vocational higher education qualification

or
- a vocational qualification according to §9 paragraph 2 points 6 to 11 Brandenburg Higher Education Act of 28 April 2014 as amended (e.g. Meister*in or Fachwirt*in)

- Certificate of general higher education entrance qualification, university of applied sciences entrance qualification, vocationally qualified higher education entrance qualification (according to § 9 (2) No. 1 to 11 of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act of 28.04.2014)
- educational and professional background (curriculum vitae in table form)

Application period

Summer semester:

for higher semester: 1.11. to 1.12. from a non-EU country or from an EU/EEA country

Winter semester:

for the first semester: 1.4. to 15.7. from a non-EU country or from an EU/EEA country

 

Apply now via uni-assist

Please apply early if you need to apply for a visa for your studies. The processing times are sometimes very long.

If you have obtained your degree abroad, then - regardless of your citizenship - do not apply directly to our university, but via the application portal of uni-assist e.V. This is a service point for the preliminary examination of international study applications for many universities in Germany. The uni-assist website will inform you about the application procedure. Please also refer to the country information on the uni-assist portal.
If your application is complete and meets the formal admission requirements, uni-assist will forward your application to our university. After importing your application into our application portal, you will receive an email with access data to the HNEE application portal so that you can follow up on the status of your application.

- a higher education entrance qualification acquired abroad that corresponds to a German higher education entrance qualification
- Feststellungsprüfung
Applicants with a foreign educational biography must also provide evidence of German language skills at level C1 (according to the "Common European Framework of Reference" - CEFR).
You can find this information on the website of uni-assist website to check whether you meet the requirements.

The following application documents must be uploaded exclusively via the uni-assist application portal. Please note that this list cannot be complete and further documents may be requested.
- Copy of the university entrance qualification in the original language
- Depending on the type of degree and country of origin, the university entrance qualification may include the following documents (see uni-assist country information):
- School-leaving certificates with overview of grades
-academic achievements of 1 to 2 academic years
- other certificates relevant to the higher education entrance qualification (e.g. B. Certificate of the Academic Evaluation Centre for applicants from China, India, Mongolia or Vietnam, proof of having passed the university entrance examination)
- German language certificate C1 (according to the "Common European Framework of Reference" - CEFR)

Foreign certificates must be translated into German or English by a sworn translator.

Application period
Summer semester: 1.12. to 15.1. (only possible for higher semesters)
Winter semester: 1.6. to 15.7.

 

Apply now

As a secondary student, you can only apply for modules in the corresponding semester. You can find an overview of the respective offers here. Please note that the modules offered, their dates and contents may be subject to change.

Students who are already enrolled at a university as main auditors can be accepted as secondary auditors at the Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde depending on capacity. The condition is that a simultaneous study at both universities is possible (parallel studies) and that the chosen module is a meaningful addition to the studies taken up.
Adjunct students are not members of the Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde. They may take part in examinations with the consent of the respective examiners and in accordance with the respective examination regulations. The scope of the examinations may not lead to a degree in a degree programme. There is no legal entitlement to take these examinations. Further details are regulated by the applicable matriculation regulations of the Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde.

Formal applications are to be submitted during the application period by post or e-mail to the Department of Student Services.
There is a fee for the secondary auditorium. The amount of the fee depends on the current fee schedule of the HNEE, the AStA and the Studentenwerk Frankfurt (Oder).

Application period

Summer semester: 1.12. to 15.1.

Winter semester: 1.6. to 15.7.

 

Apply now

As a guest student, you can only apply for modules in the corresponding semester. You can find an overview of the respective offers here. Please note that the modules offered, their dates and contents may be subject to change.

As a rule, an application for guest auditor status must be submitted to the Student Services Department prior to the start of the course (guest auditor application).
Persons who are not enrolled as guest auditors can be admitted to courses up to a length of 8 semester weeks within the scope of the available training capacity, even without proof of university entrance qualification.
As a rule, guest auditors are subject to a fee. No fees are charged to students. Guest auditors for interested persons with a refugee background are free of charge.
Participation in the courses in the corresponding teaching areas is confirmed in writing. Participation in examinations is excluded.

Formal applications are to be submitted during the application period by post or e-mail to the Student Services during the application period.

We are happy to welcome you to an → exchange programme at HNEE.

FAQ on application and admission

No, there are no separate application deadlines for those who obtained their Abitur or Fachhochschulreife before the current year. You can find the current application deadlines under the Application section for each degree programme.

If the number of applications is expected to exceed the number of available study places, a degree programme is offered with limited admission. The study places are awarded to the applicants in a selection procedure. Several ranking lists are created. The average grade or waiting period of the most recently admitted applicant determines the selection limit for the respective year.
Here you can find the selection limits for the restricted-admission degree programmes of the past year:
Selection limits for restricted-admission degree programmes of the past years

No, you can only apply for one degree programme at our university. You are welcome to consult with us at an early stage to find out which degree programme might be the most suitable for you. Please contact us via E-mail to arrange an appointment. Consultations are possible by telephone, online and in person.

If the Fachhochschulreife consists of a school-based and a practical part, an application is only possible when both parts have been completed. If, for example, the practical part ends after the application deadline, an application is only possible the following year.
If you are applying for a Master's degree programme, we require a certificate of achievement from your university showing at least 150 ECTS, the provisional average grade and the expected end of studies.

You have the opportunity to apply for a place at our university even without an Abitur. To do so, you need a lower secondary school leaving certificate (Realschule), relevant vocational training and two years of professional experience or a master craftsman's certificate or Fachwirt, regardless of the subject area.

Notifications of admission, rejection or exclusion are made available in the online application portal. At the same time, information on this is sent to the e-mail address stored in the applicant account.
Notifications for degree programmes with restricted admission are usually sent out two to four weeks after the end of the application period for the respective degree programme. 

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Welcome Programme

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FAQ before starting your studies

Are there preparatory courses before the regular start of studies?

You will find the semester dates and the programme for the introductory events for first-year students on this page in good time.

When and how do I start my studies?

You will find the semester dates and the programme for the introductory events for first-year students on this page in good time.
There you will find out where to find your study plan in the campus management system → Mein EMMA and how to register for modules and exams, get to know the Moodle platform, where you will find all learning materials etc., get to know your contact persons and student representatives and initiatives as well as your fellow students and gain initial insights into individual degree programmes. So it's definitely worth taking part!

Please bring a valid ID for the identity check, as well as something to take notes with.
For meals, feel free to take advantage of the great offerings at our sustainability canteen.

You can access your study plan online through our campus management system → Mein EMMA. You will receive your login details by email after enrolment.

No, attendance is not compulsory—neither for courses nor for the introductory week (with the exception of the identity check at the beginning of your studies, most exams, and any registered excursions).
However, regular attendance is strongly recommended. It not only supports your learning progress but also helps foster the positive dynamic within our small learning groups.

Most of your questions will likely be answered during the introductory events at the start of the semester. If you still have questions or specific needs, feel free to make use of → our advisory services.

General information about studying

General study guidance

Stadtcampus Haus 5 ground floor, right
Schicklerstraße 5
16225 Eberswalde

+ 49 3334 657-149
E-mail
Please make an appointment by phone or e-mail.

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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