How about my prior knowledge in maths, physics, chemistry and biology?
Agricultural Sciences are a science course and that means you should definitely be interested in and have previous knowledge of the natural sciences - biology, chemistry and physics.
In addition to scientific knowledge, mathematical knowledge is also important for Environmental Engineering Sciences. Of course it would have been advantageous if you had studied all subjects until the end of your school career, but only very few graduates here had that. Even students with only one year of chemistry at school have passed their exams. You learn in the lectures, exercises, internships and tutorials what you should know in the exam. Many things from school are repeated and only then deepened.
Well, and sometimes, it’s just: Grit your teeth and get to it! If you notice a lack of knowledge: study, study, study – that is how you become a student!
Are there restrictions on admission?
To gain admission to a degree programme, applicants must provide evidence of having successfully completed preparatory education for university study in the form of
- the general university entrance qualification, or
- a relevant subject-specific university entrance qualification, or
- an entry qualification recognised as equivalent, or
- an entrance examination for professionally qualified applicants without a university entrance qualification
If the qualification for university entry was not obtained at a German-speaking institution, proof of German language proficiency at B2 level must also be provided. Apart from that, there are no admission restrictions.
Agricultural sciences, civil engineering and environmental engineering are degree programmes with a very strong focus on practical issues. For this reason, practical knowledge and experience gained in the professional field are of great importance. Students must provide evidence of practical study periods. To strengthen the practical focus, additional practical modules are offered as part of the compulsory-elective component, in which you can apply the knowledge you have gained during your studies and learn job-related skills.
Please note: The work placement must be completed by the time you register for your Bachelor’s thesis. For all degree programmes, vocational training may be recognised as a work placement. Incidentally, the work placement may also be undertaken abroad.
Agricultural Sciences
The compulsory elective modules in the 3rd, 5th and 6th semesters are designed to help you explore your interests in greater depth and shape your own academic profile. There is a wide range of options available in the areas of Animals, Soil & Plants and Practical Studies. Students must complete compulsory elective modules totalling 36 credit points. This usually corresponds to five to six modules. You are free to choose which modules to take.
Civil Engineering
The compulsory elective modules and elective modules offered in the second half of the Bachelor’s programme enable students to tailor their studies to their individual interests and abilities and to prepare specifically for a Master’s programme or entry into professional practice. The Bachelor’s programme offers four specialisations. Students must take compulsory elective modules totalling 18 credit points and one elective module worth 6 credit points. Here you will find an overview of the specialisations on offer and the elective options:
Environmental Engineering Sciences
The compulsory elective modules in the 6th semester are designed to provide a deeper understanding of working practices in environmental engineering and to prepare students for a wide range of career paths. This gives students the opportunity to tailor their course of study to their own abilities and interests. Students are required to complete compulsory elective modules totalling 18 credit points.
Please note: All three degree programmes offer practical modules in which students can acquire work-related skills under appropriate supervision (work-related placement). In addition, the compulsory elective area can be combined with a period of study abroad.
In Rostock, the basics from the animal and plant sector are taught to all students in agricultural sciences. Specialisation only takes place later in the Master's programme.
Many students chose Rostock because they wanted to get to know both sides before deciding on one, or they wanted to learn something from the other area even though they had already decided on one. Some also decided on Rostock because of the good options in the compulsory elective area.
Are the studies specialised on Mecklenburg-Vorpommern?
No, a lot of the basics apply worldwide to agricultural systems. Yet, many examples are taken from cooperating farms, companies and institutions in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Where do I find the study regulations?
Framework examination regulations for the bachelor's and master's degree courses at the University of Rostock
- Examinations regulations for the bachelor's and masters's programmes
Source: University of Rostock, Official Announcements 5/2023 - Regulations supplementig the RPO for the conduct of online examinations
Source: University of Rostock, Official Announcements 3/2023 - 1. Amendment of the examinations regulations for the bachelor's and master's programmes
Source: University Rostock, Official Announcment 6/2024
unofficial consolidated reading version
Examination and study regulations for the bachelor and master programmes
How about my English skills? Are there lectures held in English?
With only a few exceptions, e.g. if you have an English speaking guest lecturer, the lectures will be held in German. Even though you will probably rarely speak or hear English, it’s an advantage to understand. Especially if you read professional and specialized literature you’ll find most of it in English. Also most of your own papers in later studies and research will have to be written in English.
A good opportunity to upgrade your English is a course at the Language Centre. It helps to refresh your knowledge on different levels and deepens it with technical vocabulary. In addition, the Language Centre offers a range of other languages, e.g. Spanish, French and Italian at various levels.
How do I build my schedule?
The AUF is offering schedules for all programmes, so you don’t have to build your own timetable. About 2 weeks before the semester start and the beginning of classes you can download it from this page. A predetermined schedule saves you time and guarantees no overlapping of the various courses within the faculty. Even optional modules are usually coordinated in accordance to make it possible to visit all of them if you wish. If you study each semester according to the predefined schedule and if you pass all the tests in intended time, you’ll finish your bachelor’s degree after 3 years.
Lectures at the AUF begin at 7:30am and end at 18:00pm. But don’t be afraid. Note that this is not your everyday timetable! This are the times in between which lectures can take place. The average attendance time for courses during a week amounts to only 20x45 min. So you might find three very early lectures per week, but just one very late, and sometimes even a day off.
Where do I get the teaching materials?
Most of the lecturers will tell you, where to find their materials in the first lecture. Almost everything can be found online on different university platforms. With your enrolment, you’ll get an access authorization and a guideline how to use these platforms. Required books you can usually find in sufficient quantities in the library. Sometimes the lecturer brings materials to the lecture (being a PDF file or copy). If you miss something there, ask your fellow students
Is there just theory or also practice during the studies?
A university degree usually includes a lot of theory. Nevertheless, the practical references are necessary, too. So you will find both in your studies. The practical part includes excursions, field trips, seminars and exercises in which the theoretical knowledge is applied: you’ll have to identify bottomset beds and plants, vet an animal, whether it is healthy, or survey a little part of the world.
How is the student structure?
Currently we have students from the age of 18 to 40. It is striking that there are quite a few students with prior professional training in agricultural work, who want to deepen their practical knowledge with modern theory, which not only appears to be very interesting, but is also offering better job perspectives for the future.
More than 50% of our students are female and there are no differences in successful completion of the studies between male and female students! Nor are we aware of any preconceptions against women in agricultural, civil and environmental engineering professions. Many senior positions are now held by women.
How is the faculty atmosphere?
The atmosphere in our small faculty is very pleasant and enjoyable. With just about 600 students it’s a nice environment to study and to get into personal contact. It won’t take you long before you’ll find your way around the campus, and start greeting your professors in the hallway. Those lecturers with a good memory for names will know yours soon!