Show/Hide navigation
University of Reading University of Reading
Mobile search categories
mask
CHOOSE A SUBJECT
2023/24
2024/25

MSc Agricultural Economics

  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months

Develop your understanding of economic concepts and policies that promote world agricultural development with our MSc Agriculture Economics master’s degree.

With an ever-increasing world population and growing pressure on the world’s finite resources, the analytical skills of agricultural economists are more relevant than ever.

Choose MSc Agriculture Economics 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.
  • receive rigorous and stimulating training in agricultural economics.
  • combine theory with applied material.
  • develop a range of skills in econometrics, including cost-benefit analysis and modelling.

Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics, based 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 have the option to specialise in a development pathway that will provide you with an area of particular expertise within agricultural development economics. You can also 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 choose to undertake an optional placement during the summer term, as well.

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 Agricultural 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.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,500

New international students: £21,350

Fees for 2024/25 have not yet been set. For your reference, fees for 2023/24 are listed on this page.

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.

Your MSc Agricultural Economics degree will provide you with the necessary skills to work as an agricultural economist in industry, government or non-governmental organisations. It also provides the essential training required to undertake higher study in agricultural economics.

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 Miguel Chaves, an MSc Agricultural Economics graduate who now works as a rice research analyst in Geneva.
  • Read about Scott Somerville, an MSc Agricultural Economics graduate who now works as a data analyst for Informa, a multinational business intelligence and publishing company.