MSc Agriculture and Development

Examine the role of agriculture in international contexts with our MSc Agriculture and Development master’s degree, designed for those pursuing careers in rural development, agricultural extension, or research.

Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the 澳门六合彩开奖记录 is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).

You will critically examine how agriculture – including horticulture – and agricultural research are addressing major challenges and opportunities in agricultural intensification and environmental sustainability, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of the developing world.

With an emphasis on farming systems, you’ll explore:

the role and contributions of agriculture and horticulture to human development, food and nutritional security, livelihoods and ecosystem services.
the biophysical, economic and social environments in which agriculture is practised.
advances in agricultural technology, research and practise in response to challenges such as poverty, climate change and environmental sustainability.
how to enhance the relevance, quality and impact of agricultural research and farmer-led innovation processes.

Choose MSc Agriculture and Development at the 澳门六合彩开奖记录

You will:

join the highest placed UK University for Agriculture and Forestry at 22nd in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2024), with its own farms and specialist facilities
develop skills in strategic thinking, quantitative and qualitative analysis, communication and teamwork in biological and social sciences.

Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics, based in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, where we are committed to empowering change through our teaching and research. Our academics tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues across their respective fields of expertise, and our mission is to make a difference in the context of the . Through the MSc Agriculture and Development programme, you’ll be particularly equipped to help implement the goals to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture.

Your learning environment

You’ll learn from academics who are conducting world-class research within:

international development
crop science
animal science
sustainable land management
applied economics and marketing.

Current research, policy and practise examples are used throughout the course and many modules include external seminar speakers. There is also a series of department and research division talks and events.

You can choose to undertake an optional placement during semester 2, as well.

Class sizes vary by module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact with lecturers.

Learning occurs across a variety of:

interactive learning methods
seminars
lectures
tutorials
participation in the classroom: debates, discussions
field trips.

You will also have opportunities for research, networking, and personal development, as well as access to modern study resources and employability support. We also offer study skills support that’s tailored to our School’s master’s students.

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics

As an MSc Agriculture and Development student, you’ll be a member of the School’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE).

GIIDAE attracts a diverse community of master’s students from more than 40 countries, and holds diversity, equality and high-quality teaching and learning as core values in its approach to education.

GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. Visit our dedicated scholarships webpage for more information about scholarships, bursaries, and other sources of funding.
Visit the GIIDAE website for more information about the modules you can take during your degree.
Download a copy of the , which tells you more about postgraduate study in our School.

Overview

Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the 澳门六合彩开奖记录 is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).

With an emphasis on farming systems, you’ll explore:

the role and contributions of agriculture and horticulture to human development, food and nutritional security, livelihoods and ecosystem services.
the biophysical, economic and social environments in which agriculture is practised.
advances in agricultural technology, research and practise in response to challenges such as poverty, climate change and environmental sustainability.
how to enhance the relevance, quality and impact of agricultural research and farmer-led innovation processes.

Choose MSc Agriculture and Development at the 澳门六合彩开奖记录

You will:

join the highest placed UK University for Agriculture and Forestry at 22nd in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2024), with its own farms and specialist facilities
develop skills in strategic thinking, quantitative and qualitative analysis, communication and teamwork in biological and social sciences.

Learning

Your learning environment

You’ll learn from academics who are conducting world-class research within:

international development
crop science
animal science
sustainable land management
applied economics and marketing.

You can choose to undertake an optional placement during semester 2, as well.

Class sizes vary by module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact with lecturers.

Learning occurs across a variety of:

interactive learning methods
seminars
lectures
tutorials
participation in the classroom: debates, discussions
field trips.

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics

As an MSc Agriculture and Development student, you’ll be a member of the School’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE).

GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. Visit our dedicated scholarships webpage for more information about scholarships, bursaries, and other sources of funding.
Visit the GIIDAE website for more information about the modules you can take during your degree.
Download a copy of the , which tells you more about postgraduate study in our School.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (high 2:2 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. Applicants who have relevant career experience are also welcome to apply. Knowledge of agriculture or horticulture is desirable.

Students may join immediately after their undergraduate degree, or after some years of employment to enhance career prospects by acquiring further skills.

For a list of requirements by country, please visit our Country-Specific Information page.

Your personal statement

In your personal statement, you will need to demonstrate motivation to contribute towards solving global problems linked to agriculture or food production. Knowledge of agriculture or horticulture is desirable. You may reflect on paid or unpaid experience in the field to help support your personal statement.

Your statement needs to demonstrate that you understand what the course is about, your motivation for studying, and what you would like to get out of your studies.

Language requirements

Applicants may need to provide evidence of their ability to study in English (if required by UK Visa and Immigration). Our online list of English language tests and qualifications is routinely updated, so please check to see if you already have an acceptable qualification or test, and for the most recent changes to language requirements.

If you have any questions about your evidence of English language proficiency, please email pgadmissions@reading.ac.uk.

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Pre-sessional English language Programme

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

Structure

Modules

Compulsory modules

Rethinking Agricultural Systems

Develop your knowledge of contemporary agricultural systems by integrating ecology and environmental science with social, economic and policy-governance considerations. You’ll learn about the state of twenty-first century agriculture in different parts of the world, and in a range of ecological and socioeconomic contexts.

Agriculture in the Tropics

Delve into tropical agriculture and farming systems, with a focus on the physical, climatic, edaphic, and biological factors influencing crop and animal production. Through case studies, you’ll observe how these factors interrelate and integrate within farming systems and livelihoods.

Theories and Practices of Development

Explore contemporary theories and practices of international development. You’ll gain a broad and comprehensive understanding of the key ideas influencing efforts to reduce poverty and achieve social justice around the world.

Research for Development

Learn how to design and undertake meaningful and effective research for development. This will help prepare you to undertake both your dissertation and research as part of your future career.

Experimental Agriculture

Conduct and analyse agricultural experiments and communicate findings through a structured scientific paper using open-source tools. You’ll also explore result dissemination in different contexts through outside visits.

Dissertation

Explore and independently research a topic of your choice, integrating your course knowledge with guidance from an academic supervisor.

Optional modules

Climate Smart Agriculture

Explore global climate systems, assess scientific methods in climate-smart agriculture, and gain hands-on experience with crop modelling and irrigation scheduling. You’ll examine climate change adaptation, mitigation, and legislation, and their impact on stakeholders during the transition to Climate Smart Agriculture.

Principles of Integrated Pest Management

Learn the essentials of integrated pest management for sustainable agriculture and understand the impacts of plant diseases, pests, and weeds. You’ll explore global case studies to see how integrated pest management can be integrated into holistic farming approaches.

Horticultural Crop Technology

Study advanced aspects of temperate horticultural production systems, focusing on the link between plant physiology, genetics, and new technologies. Learn to research and critically assess innovations for improved production efficiency through interactive lectures.

Agricultural Technology: Application, Adoption and Ethics

Explore sustainable agricultural technologies', such as AI, robotics, drones, and gene editing, and their adoption on farms. Discuss ethical considerations, trust in food production, data ownership, security, privacy, animal welfare, and farmer well-being in the context of the proposed 'fourth agricultural revolution.

Agricultural Project Planning and Management

Navigate the challenges in agricultural project design and tackle crucial issues in managing projects in the developing world through contingency management principles.You’ll acquire the relevant skills to carry out each stage of the project cycle, including budgeting and procurement.

Energy, Climate Change and Development

Explore the social and economic factors behind climate change, and critically assess solutions using ecological and energy economics. You’ll gain the ability to analyse causes and evaluate mitigation and adaptation policies.

Appraisal of Agricultural and Rural Development Projects

Explore the role project appraisal in development, and its financial, economic, and social aspects. You’ll also understand the need for integrating environmental assessments, and explore macroeconomic, policy, and management factors in developing countries.

Research Methods in Economics and Marketing

Gain an in-depth understanding of research methods in economics and marketing, and learn to design and conduct original research projects. You’ll explore the key concepts, theories, and methodologies used in economics and marketing research, and develop the practical skills to collect, analyse, and interpret data.

Concepts and Practices of Communication

Learn how communication processes influence social and technological change in development contexts. You’ll gain the relevant skills to design and implement effective communication strategies for development practice.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Examine the connections between knowledge, communication, and ecology, emphasising environmental knowledge like climate change. Offered online in collaboration with the University of Guelph, it includes co-taught sessions, guest lectures, and online interactions with postgraduate students from both institutions.

Food Security and Global Issues

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 澳门六合彩开奖记录.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £11,750

New international students: £25,850

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read .

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics also offers a number of scholarships.

Careers

Your MSc Agriculture and Development degree will help prepare you for a career in rural development, agricultural extension, or research within private and public sectors, nationally and internationally.

A wide variety of visiting speakers and field trips means you’ll have many opportunities for networking, while competitive internships, placements, and research dissertations provide opportunities to showcase your skills, undertake field research, or link with organisations in the development sector.

Our graduates

Read about David Asiamah, an MSc Agriculture and Development graduate who is now the founder and CEO of Agro Mindset Group in Ghana.
Read about Larissa Setaro, an MSc Agriculture and Development graduate who now works as an Operations Assistant at Positive Planet International in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Read about Adrienne Attorp, an MSc Agriculture and Development graduate who is now studying for a PhD in sociology and social policy.

澳门六合彩开奖记录