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Full Time: 12 months | Part Time: 24 months
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 ranked 9th in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2020 – Agriculture & Forestry. We are the only UK university in the top 50).
This MSc Agriculture and Development critically examines the role of agriculture (including horticulture) and agricultural research in addressing the major challenges and opportunities related to agricultural intensification and environmental sustainability particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of the developing world.
It explains the role of agriculture in development, the different biophysical, economic and social environments in which agriculture is practised, elaborates recent developments in agricultural research and practice in response to challenges such as poverty, climate change and environmental sustainability, and describes the factors and processes that influence and enhance the relevance, quality and impact of agricultural research and farmer-innovation processes.
This master's programme:
- examines the role of agriculture and agricultural research for development in response to challenges such as the food crisis, poverty, climate change and environmental sustainability.
- provides skills in strategic thinking, quantitative and qualitative analysis, communication and teamwork in biological and social sciences.
- is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in research, extension or development, within international and national institutions.
Class sizes vary by subject and module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact time with lecturers. Learning occurs across a variety of lectures, seminars, tutorials and field trips.
On joining this course, you will become a member of the School's Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE). As a GIIDAE student, you will have the option of undertaking a placement during the summer period, however this is not a requirement of the degree.
For information on the scholarships, modules, bursaries and other sources of funding available to you, visit the GIIDAE website.
For more information, please visit the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development website.
Entry requirements
What will you study?
How much will it cost?
New UK/EU students: £8,100 per year
New international students: £17,100 per year
Please note
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 on fees and funding, including for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.
Additional costs
These course fees cover the cost of your tuition. 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 and other EU countries 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.
What career can you have?
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.