MSc by Research AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD ECONOMICS

Title:

Quantitative Marketing Research Methods

Code:

APME85

Convenor:

DR Giacomo Zanello

Summary:

Good marketing decisions require solid marketing research. Develop the theoretical and applied knowledge of multivariate statistical techniques for data analysis in a market research environment. Gain exposure to and understanding of different techniques and develop experience in the application of key quantitative methods that are typically used to analyse data in marketing. Learn through integrated lectures and practical sessions, where you will analyse real datasets.

Assessment Method:

Report 70%, Class test 30%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Consumer, Producers, Markets and Trade

Code:

APME83

Convenor:

DR Garth Holloway

Summary:

Engage with the rigorous application of microeconomic reasoning underpinning the theory and practice of consumer, producer, market, and trade behaviour analysis. Examine the theories of these interlinked concepts and focus on the application of microeconomic tools to understand empirically observable consumer, producer, markets and trade phenomena. Work with case studies and research topics within which the module providers are internationally recognised. Explore key concepts of behavioural economics; reflect on the questions of risk, uncertainty, and choice; and discuss theoretical and practical issues surrounding international trade.

Assessment Method:

Class test 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Econometrics

Code:

APME71

Convenor:

PROF Kelvin Balcombe

Summary:

Learn how to evaluate different econometric models using different types of data to answer questions in economics and other social sciences, through a combination of lectures and practical classes. Work with econometric models that can deal with different types of dependent variables (continuous, categorical, censored), and different types of data (cross-section and time-series). Carry out different types of hypothesis testing and learn how to interpret the results. Learn how to translate data into models to make forecasts and to support decision making in a wide variety of fields, ranging from microeconomics to finance and marketing. The prerequisites for this course are familiarity with elementary mathematics and statistics.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Report 35%, Class test 15%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Qualitative Research Methods

Code:

APME40

Convenor:

DR Giacomo Zanello

Summary:

Gain fundamental knowledge of qualitative research methods and evaluate the contribution of such methods to social science research, particularly in relation to economics and as applied in the fields of agriculture and food. Learn through integrated lectures, practical sessions, and applied group work.

Assessment Method:

Oral 60%, Class test 40%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Research and study skills for independent learning

Code:

IDM071

Convenor:

DR David Rose

Summary:

Identify the standards expected and develop the skills required to study and conduct research at postgraduate level. Through lectures, tutorials and coursework, learn how to demonstrate good academic practice in referencing source material; how to review academic literature; how to synthesise information and develop an argument; how to communicate information with clarity; how to select appropriate research methods and resources; and how to write academically in the context of coursework and dissertation research.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Oral 30%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Dissertation (International Development & Applied Economics)

Code:

IDM072

Convenor:

DR Sarah Cardey

Summary:

Conduct independent research on a topic of your choice with the support of an academic supervisor. Apply appropriate research and analytical skills and produce a written dissertation on your project.

Assessment Method:

Dissertation 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

European Food Systems Education and Training Programme (EFSET)

Code:

APMEFS

Convenor:

DR Harley Pope

Summary:

The European Food Systems Education and Training (EFSET) programme is available to all postgraduate (Masters and PhD) students registered at the University of Reading. EFSET is made up of a consortium of  three European universities and associated industry partners* and is free to join and participate in. The module is non-credit bearing and designed to sit alongside, and complement, your existing programme of study. EFSET is an exciting and innovative way of enhancing your learning that brings together a wide range of students, academics and other professionals in the food systems and food security fields, including employers.

• The University of Reading, University of Hohenheim, University of Turin, Agricolous, John Deere, and PepsiCo.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Environmental Economics

Code:

APME77

Convenor:

PROF Elizabeth Robinson

Summary:

Develop the skill set needed to analyse environmental problems. Learn about environmental policy making. In the computer lab, apply key techniques used by environmental economists such as environmental valuation. In this module, based on microeconomic foundations, we will consider, for example, conditions under which tradable permits, taxes, or subsidies might be most effective at controlling pollution; and how to deal with international environmental problems.

Assessment Method:

Practical 50%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Resource and Environmental Economics.

Code:

APME76

Convenor:

PROF Elizabeth Robinson

Summary:

Develop the skill set needed to analyse environmental and resource problems. Learn about environmental policy making. In the computer lab, apply key techniques used by environmental economists such as environmental valuation. In this module, based on microeconomic foundations, we will consider conditions under which tradable permits, taxes, or subsidies might be most effective at controlling pollution; how to best manage natural forests, forest plantations, and fisheries; and how best to deal with international environmental problems.

Assessment Method:

Practical 50%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Food Policy

Code:

APME67

Convenor:

DR Giuseppe Nocella

Summary:

Learn about the regulation of the food industry in the UK, including the rationale for government intervention, how intervention takes place, and the impacts of policy. Critically appraise current and proposed interventions in food markets. Learn through lectures, suggested readings, and class discussions.

Assessment Method:

Report 30%, Class test 70%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Appraisal of Agricultural and Rural Development Projects

Code:

APME61

Convenor:

DR Chittur Srinivasan

Summary:

You will appreciate the role of project appraisal in making informed decisions on the allocation of resources for agricultural and rural development projects in developing countries. You will learn the concepts and techniques of cost-benefit analysis and their application in the presence of market failures, imperfections and distortions. You will develop skills in the appraisal of real world development projects from an economy wide perspective and in environmental and social appraisal. You will understand how macroeconomic policy and management issues affect the outcome of development projects.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Consumer Behaviour and Food Marketing

Code:

APME59

Convenor:

DR Elena Millan

Summary:

Learn about and critically assess the theories for understanding and influencing changes in consumer behaviour, with a special focus on food products. Develop knowledge of consumer behaviour theories and models for understanding underlying purchasing mechanisms; identify a range of important factors which influence consumer behaviour; understand how marketing stimuli are calibrated to achieve different objectives; and analyse critically issues specific to food consumption behaviour. Learn through lectures, student-led seminar presentations on case-studies, applied consumer behaviour related assignments, and class discussions on key and suggested further readings.

Assessment Method:

Exam 50%, Assignment 50%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Climate change and food systems

Code:

APMA90

Convenor:

Summary:

Anybody working in the food system needs to consider climate change. You will learn about the global climate system and how organisms respond to climate factors. You will apply this knowledge to understand how agriculture and the wider food system need to adapt to climate change. You will learn about a range of scientific approaches used in this area of research, how to decipher the methodology sections of scientific papers, and how to critique what you read in scientific journals and in the media. You will also develop transferable skills in literature review and information synthesis.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Class test 30%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Food Security and Development

Code:

IDM077

Convenor:

DR Alex Arnall

Summary:

Basic food security remains a problem for millions of people in the developing world. Examine theoretical and methodological approaches to understanding food (in)security in the context of development. In addition to vulnerability and cause (e.g. climate change, health, population, trade, conflict), focus on how people and institutions manage risk in an uncertain world, e.g. by aid and humanitarian transfer, building  adaptive capacity into food systems, and integrated disaster risk reduction in development initiatives. Covering a wide geographical, historical, and thematic scope, using case examples, readings, discussion, and exercises, address current issues and discover tools central to understanding, assessing, and combating food insecurity. Understanding food systems in a post-covid-19 context is particularly important and will help those interested in learning about practice, policy and new ideas

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Personal and Professional Development Programme for International Students

Code:

IDM089

Convenor:

DR Georgia Koromila

Summary:

GIIDAE is home to a large international learning community attracting students from around 40 countries each year – and as such is an outstanding example of a globalised educational experience. This module will provide specific support to international students for whom the masters course will be their first experience of living and studying in the UK. The course is designed primarily to further academic, personal and professional development in a friendly, relaxed and informal setting but also aims to ensure that international students learn about UK culture, develop a sense of ‘place’ by learning about Reading and its environs and provide support with the English language..The module does not have any formal assessment but is recorded on student transcripts dependent on attendance.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Global Issues in Nutrition and Health

Code:

IDM098

Convenor:

DR Simona Grasso

Summary:

Explore major contemporary social issues related to human nutrition and health in developed and developing country contexts. Draw on examples from around the world to investigate issues such as: how and why people’s diets are changing, and what the consequences of these changes are; why obesity is rising, and what can be done to deal with this problem; and how under-nutrition manifests itself in different countries, and what the most effective interventions to address this phenomenon are.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Report 30%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.