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MSc AGRICULTURE AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Year of entry
    2021
  • Course duration
     12 months
  • Year of entry
    2021
  • Course duration
     12 months
View all

Start date: September 2021

Our MSc Agriculture and Development course examines the role of agriculture in development, and is designed for those pursuing careers in research, extension or development, with national and international institutions.

The University of Reading is the highest-ranking UK University for Agriculture and Forestry and is ranked 9th in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020- Agriculture & Forestry.) We are the only UK University in the top 50.

In this programme you will:

  • examine the role of agriculture in addressing the global challenges and opportunities of agricultural intensification and environmental sustainability particularly in developing countries, 
  • gain skills in strategic thinking, quantitative and qualitative analysis, communication and teamwork in biological and social sciences.

As a school, we are committed to empowering change through our teaching and research, with our academics working to tackle some the world’s most pressing issues across their respective fields of expertise. Our mission is to make a difference in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, so we offer a diverse range of modules giving you the knowledge and skills that will enable you as an individual to have an impact and be part of global change, whatever your chosen pathway.

Students will be able to help implement the Sustainable Development Goals with our approach that emphasises farming systems. The programme explores: 

  • 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. 
The programme is well suited for those interested in pursuing a career in research, extension or development within national and international organisations. As a member of the School's Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE), you will also have the option of undertaking a placement during the summer period.

GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. For more information about the scholarships, bursaries and other sources of funding available, please visit the GIIDAE website.

To learn more about postgraduate study in the School, please see the GIIDAE brochure.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £8,100 per year

New international students: £17,100 per year

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated, and relate to courses starting in September 2021. 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 the UK government's guidance for EU students.

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.

Our programmes are excellent preparation for careers in practice, research and policy in the areas of international and rural development, agricultural economics, and marketing within the food chain.

Engagement with a wide variety of visiting speakers and field trips provides many opportunities for networking. In addition, competitive internships, placements and research dissertations are opportunities to showcase your skills, undertake field research or link with organisations in the development sector. For examples of organisations our graduates go on to work for, please visit the GIIDAE website.

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