About Us
Hochschule Geisenheim University (HGU) was founded in 2013 as a “new type of university”. The foundation was the result of a merger between the Geisenheim Research Institute and the Geisenheim faculty of Hochschule RheinMain. Our university combines comprehensive research with application-oriented, practical teaching. We also have the right to ward doctoral certificates. Offering students the best of both worlds, we combine the strengths of traditional universities with the application-oriented focus of universities of applied sciences across a unique range of subjects: From wine and beverages to food, horticulture, and landscape architecture. The cross-cutting topics of climate protection and sustainability are also an integral part of all of our degree programs and are at the center of our research. In addition, we are characterized by a broad international focus based on a wide range of partnerships, and a deep commitment to sharing knowledge with professionals, policymakers, local communities, NGOs and institutions.
Unique Approach
We are Germany’s first Hochschule neuen Typs – a ‘new type’ of university – and are proud to have over 150 years of history behind us. Our origins date back to October 1872, with the founding of the Royal Prussian Institute of Pomology and Viticulture in Geisenheim.
At the center of our approach is the holistic consideration of the entire value chain of special crops, including grapevines, fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. We are committed to studying the diverse production and processing methods of these crops, as well as food safety, food logistics, and the economics and marketing of wine and other beverages. Other focus areas at the university include cultural landscape development, urban open space design, architecture, and nature conservation.
Our Mission
Research, education, practice: this triad is at the beating heart of Hochschule Geisenheim University. Our goal is to find new and unique ways to make use of the interplay between these three areas; we conduct both applied and basic research, go far beyond fundamental teaching approaches with a range of practice-oriented study programs, and promote the transfer of knowledge into real-world application.
With around 50 professors (incl. adjunct professors and joint appointments) and numerous scientific staff members, our students are provided with extensive support and an excellent learning environment. We currently offer 7 practice-oriented bachelor’s degree programs, 5 of which are available as dual work-study programs and all of which lead to a professional qualification. Additionally, we offer 10 research-based master’s degree programs and have the right to award doctoral certificates. Our students and researchers benefit from our global network of renowned partner universities, institutions, and companies. Our degree programs, including two programs that are taught entirely in English, bring together students from over 50 different nations; approximately 13% of our current 1,200 students are from countries outside of Germany.
With more than 550 employees, Hochschule Geisenheim University is also a major regional employer. Our campus is nestled in the unique cultural landscape of the Rheingau region and has excellent connections to the broader Rhine-Main metropolitan area.