Structure of the programme
The Double Degree Programme Agroecology – Resilient Farming is designed as a two-year programme curriculum including a practical thesis project. The programme combines 4 semesters with semester 1 and 2 in Wageningen, the Netherlands, and semester 3 at ISARA in Lyon, France. The master thesis in research (semester 4) will be carried out under the major responsability of one of two partners, and will be co-supervised by the other partner. The double degree program is coordinated by a consortium consisting of Isara (France) and Wageningen University (Netherlands). For the two-year programme a double master degree is delivered.
Semester 1
WAGENINGEN, The Netherlands
30 ECTS
Basics of Resilient Farming and Food Systems.
Experiential learning and multiperspective approach to description, sustainability analysis and improvement of agroecosystems.
- W1: Future of food and farming
- W2: Transformation of food systems
- W3: Modular Skills Training
- W4: Elective courses
Semester 2
WAGENINGEN, The Netherlands
30 ECTS
Students can choose among different options for an academic internship or a minor thesis.
Deepen knowledge in different topics/subjects over a longer period.
- W5: Elective courses
- W6: Choose an internship or a minor from one domain:
- Soil Quality
- Farming Systems Ecology
- Crop and Weed Ecology
- Plant Production Systems
Semester 3
ISARA, France
30 ECTS
Project management and application of agroecological science in real-world situations.
- F1: Agriculture and landscape management in a particular agricultural region.
- F2: Agroecological cropping practices.
- F3: World agroecosystems and agricultural use.
- F4: Management of agroecosystems: implications from policies and nature conservation.
- F5: Group project management.
Semester 4
MASTER THESIS
30 ECTS
Translate knowledge, skills, and experience gained so far into responsible action by conduct of an independent, scientific research on priority issues in the agricultural and food sectors.
Teaching methods: action learning and research
The Agroecology programme is aimed at international students with a strong interest in sustainable agriculture and agroecosystem management.
Students will get the opportunity to understand structure and function of complex agroecosystems. They will learn to apply systems approaches in studying, designing and evaluating (agricultural) systems and food production chains, and to develop creative solutions for sustainable farming and marketing of organic products. The program teaches a multidisciplinary approach in which natural science is combined with social science and economics.
Action learning and action research through cooperation with farmers, food system professionals and consumers will shorten the distance between practice and theory.
The proposed programme exploits the strengths of the two co-operating institutes, adding the specialist knowledge in agroecosystems management of Isara with the strengths in designing and evaluating organic food production chains at Wageningen.