COVID-19 update
Start date: September 2022
Develop your research skills for agricultural economics and food economics with our MSc by Research Agricultural and Food Economics master’s degree.
During your studies you’ll develop applied economics and marketing skills – including quantitative and qualitative research techniques – and then apply them to a diverse range of contemporary farm, food and rural issues in both developed and developing country contexts.
Choose MSc by Research Agricultural and Food Economics at the University of Reading
You will:
- join the highest-ranking UK university for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020 - Agriculture & Forestry). We’re ranked 12th in the world, and are the only UK university in the top 50.
- receive rigorous training in research methods, preparing you for a research career in academic and non-academic organisations, as well as doctoral studies in agricultural and food economics and marketing.
- 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.
Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining 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
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.
You can choose to undertake an optional placement during the summer term, as well.
The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics
As an MSc by Research Agricultural and Food Economics 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
Develop your research skills for agricultural economics and food economics with our MSc by Research Agricultural and Food Economics master’s degree.
During your studies you’ll develop applied economics and marketing skills – including quantitative and qualitative research techniques – and then apply them to a diverse range of contemporary farm, food and rural issues in both developed and developing country contexts.
Choose MSc by Research Agricultural and Food Economics at the University of Reading
You will:
- join the highest-ranking UK university for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020 - Agriculture & Forestry). We’re ranked 12th in the world, and are the only UK university in the top 50.
- receive rigorous training in research methods, preparing you for a research career in academic and non-academic organisations, as well as doctoral studies in agricultural and food economics and marketing.
- 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.
Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining 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
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.
You can choose to undertake an optional placement during the summer term, as well.
The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics
As an MSc by Research Agricultural and Food Economics 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
Applicants are normally required to have a good undergraduate honours degree, ideally with upper second-class or above (or equivalent from an internationally recognised university outside the UK). Applicants who have relevant career experience are also welcome to apply.
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.
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.
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.
Please tell us how this degree will help your research career or research aspirations.
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.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
APME85 | Quantitative Marketing Research Methods | DR Giacomo Zanello |
APME83 | Consumer, Producers, Markets and Trade | DR Garth Holloway |
APME71 | Econometrics | PROF Kelvin Balcombe |
APME40 | Qualitative Research Methods | DR Giacomo Zanello |
IDM071 | Research and study skills for independent learning | DR David Rose |
IDM072 | Dissertation (International Development & Applied Economics) | DR Sarah Cardey |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
APMEFS | European Food Systems Education and Training Programme (EFSET) | DR Harley Pope |
APME77 | Environmental Economics | PROF Elizabeth Robinson |
APME76 | Resource and Environmental Economics. | PROF Elizabeth Robinson |
APME67 | Food Policy | DR Giuseppe Nocella |
APME61 | Appraisal of Agricultural and Rural Development Projects | DR Chittur Srinivasan |
APME59 | Consumer Behaviour and Food Marketing | DR Elena Millan |
APMA90 | Climate change and food systems | |
IDM077 | Food Security and Development | DR Alex Arnall |
IDM089 | Personal and Professional Development Programme for International Students | DR Georgia Koromila |
IDM098 | Global Issues in Nutrition and Health | DR Simona Grasso |
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £TBC (to be confirmed for 2022 entry) per year
New international students: £TBC (to be confirmed for 2022 entry) per year
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.