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MSc Food Economics and Marketing
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Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months
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Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months
Train in applied economics, policy, marketing and research methods in the context of food with our MSc Food Economics and Marketing master’s degree.
Focusing on how economic and marketing forces influence decisions of producers, processors, retailers, consumers and policy makers along food supply chains – at a domestic and international level – this programme will provide you with critical training in applied economics, marketing, and quantitative and qualitative research techniques.
Choose MSc Food Economics and Marketing at the University of Reading
You will:
- join the highest-ranking UK university for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 - Agriculture & Forestry). We’re ranked 11th in the world, and are the only UK university in the top 50.
- examine consumer food choice and behaviour changes as well as marketing decisions in food retailing and manufacturing.
- examine policy issues as they relate to international trade, competition, diets and health, food safety, sustainability and quality of food products.
Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics in our 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 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Your learning environment
You will choose from a diverse range of modules that aim to give you the knowledge and skills you need to have an impact and be part of global change.
You can also choose to undertake an optional placement during the summer term.
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 Food Economics and Marketing 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 GIIDAE brochure, which tells you more about postgraduate study in our School.
Overview
Train in applied economics, policy, marketing and research methods in the context of food with our MSc Food Economics and Marketing master’s degree.
Focusing on how economic and marketing forces influence decisions of producers, processors, retailers, consumers and policy makers along food supply chains – at a domestic and international level – this programme will provide you with critical training in applied economics, marketing, and quantitative and qualitative research techniques.
Choose MSc Food Economics and Marketing at the University of Reading
You will:
- join the highest-ranking UK university for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 - Agriculture & Forestry). We’re ranked 11th in the world, and are the only UK university in the top 50.
- examine consumer food choice and behaviour changes as well as marketing decisions in food retailing and manufacturing.
- examine policy issues as they relate to international trade, competition, diets and health, food safety, sustainability and quality of food products.
Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics in our 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 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Learning
Your learning environment
You will choose from a diverse range of modules that aim to give you the knowledge and skills you need to have an impact and be part of global change.
You can also choose to undertake an optional placement during the summer term.
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 Food Economics and Marketing 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 GIIDAE brochure, which tells you more about postgraduate study in our School.
Entry requirements
IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)
Entry requirements
Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2:1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. Applicants who have relevant career experience are also welcome to apply.
You will need an intermediate knowledge of microeconomics and quantitative methods, however, strong applicants with little or no training in economics may be admitted, provided you attend a pre-sessional economics course.
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
Your personal 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. You may reflect on paid or unpaid experience in the field to help support your personal statement.
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.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| APME29 | Advanced Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
| APME59 | Consumer Behaviour and Food Marketing | DR Elena Millan |
| APME65 | Advertising and Branding | MR Edward Collins |
| APME67 | Food Policy | DR Giuseppe Nocella |
| APME79 | Nudge and Behaviour Change | DR Anna Macready |
| APME84 | Introductory Statistics and Econometrics | PROF Kelvin Balcombe |
| APME85 | Quantitative Marketing Research Methods | DR Giacomo Zanello |
| IDM071 | Research and study skills for independent learning | PROF Julian Park |
| IDM072 | Dissertation (International Development & Applied Economics) | DR Sarah Cardey |
Optional modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| APME40 | Qualitative Research Methods | DR Giacomo Zanello |
| APME76 | Resource and Environmental Economics | DR Sanzidur Rahman |
| APME77 | Environmental Economics | DR Sanzidur Rahman |
| APME82 | Human Motivation | DR Anna Macready |
| APME83 | Consumer, Producers, Markets and Trade | DR Garth Holloway |
| IDM063 | Macroeconomics for Developing Countries | DR Neha Hui |
| IDM066 | Communication and Innovation in Development | DR Sarah Cardey |
| IDM070 | Microeconomics for Developing Countries | DR Neha Hui |
| IDM077 | Food Security and Development | DR Samuel Poskitt |
| IDM089 | Personal and Professional Development Programme for International Students | DR Georgia Koromila |
| IDM098 | Global Issues in Nutrition and Health | DR Mondira Bhattacharya |
| IDM099 | Global Environmental Change, Justice and Development | DR Andrew Ainslie |
| IDM100 | Communication Planning and Processes | DR Sarah Cardey |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,500
New international students: £21,350
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 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.
The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics also offers a number of scholarships.
Careers
Your MSc Food Economics and Marketing degree will prepare you to work for world organisations such as the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, non-governmental organisations, international food companies, consulting companies, and more.
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 Irene Bodega, an MSc Food Economics and Marketing graduate who is now an Insight Analyst with Brand View, a leading global provider of price, promotion and online product positioning analytics.
- Read about Carmine Mereu, an MSc Food Economics and Marketing graduate who is now a Consultant with Long Term Partners, providing client services in the areas of strategy, organisation, extraordinary finance, and business ventures.