MSc Agricultural Economics

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 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

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:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

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:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

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:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

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:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Ecosystem Services

Code:

APMA102

Convenor:

PROF Martin Lukac

Summary:

The planet carries humans on its shoulders, its ecosystems constantly providing a myriad of things and subsidies which we use and often abuse. You will learn the fundamentals of the relationship between the humans and the provision of Ecosystem Services, their consumption, management, and conservation. You will discuss your ideas on how to preserve Ecosystem Services in a range of UK environments with researchers and practitioners, who bring cutting edge information and knowledge to the module. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Report 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Rethinking Agricultural Development (including Horticulture): Implementing Solutions

Code:

APMA103

Convenor:

DR Andrew Ainslie

Summary:

You will learn what’s right and what’s wrong with twenty-first century agriculture in different parts of the world. You will carefully consider whether further and deeper applications of technology will reduce hunger (including ‘hidden hunger’ and poor diets), human drudgery and pressure on the earth’s resources, or do the answers lie in adopting ‘regenerative’ forms of production, such as Conservation Agriculture? Through a series of lectures delivered by subject specialists, debates, study visits and collaborative work, you will learn to critically evaluate the issues, role and impact of agriculture (including horticulture and livestock production) for development. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Oral 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Agriculture in the Tropics

Code:

APMA41

Convenor:

DR Andrew Daymond

Summary:

Learn about the agricultural systems of tropical and sub-tropical regions. Examine the major components of agricultural systems including crops, livestock, soils and climate, and their interactions. Discuss Awareness of current issues for agriculture in developing countries such as the 'Green Revolution' and the use of pesticides.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 80%, Oral 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Water, Agriculture and Irrigation

Code:

APMA89

Convenor:

DR Gillian Rose

Summary:

Globally agriculture uses approximately 70% of the available freshwater therefore responsible water management is key to global sustainability. In this module you will gain an understanding of the soil and plant processes which contribute to the management of water for crop production and how these are used to schedule irrigation. After learning about the different irrigation methods you will use your knowledge to design an irrigation system and schedule using the Aquacrop simulation model.

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 45%, Class test 55%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Advanced Marketing

Code:

APME29

Convenor:

MR Nick Walker

Summary:

Develop a critical understanding of advanced marketing theory and practice through a series of engaging and interactive lectures along with a virtual Marketplace Simulation gaming activity. To successfully complete the game you will collaborate with colleagues to plan, expedite and track marketing/digital marketing plans driven by market research and intelligence produced in the simulated environment. A practical and useful course for students wishing to grow their understanding and experience of marketing.  

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Set exercise 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

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:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

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:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Appraisal of Agricultural and Rural Development Projects

Code:

APME61

Convenor:

PROF 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:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Consumer Policy

Code:

APME66

Convenor:

MR Nick Walker

Summary:

Learn how globalisation, consumerism, and EU law have influenced the growth of the regulatory state in the UK and identify the changes in the theory and practice of regulation of consumer markets. Develop a sound theoretical framework, through market failure analysis and behavioural economics, to understand the rationales for consumer policy and techniques of regulation. Explore ways to empower and protect consumers when buying products and services in different sectors, e.g. in the case of unfair advertising, post-purchase quality problems, or health and safety issues. Learn through lectures, preparatory research, participation in class discussions, and groupwork on specific consumer ethics and policy issues and case studies.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Class test 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

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:

Assignment 30%, Class test 70%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Agricultural Project Planning and Management in Developing Countries

Code:

APME72

Convenor:

PROF Chittur Srinivasan

Summary:

You will address the key challenges in the management of agricultural and development projects in developing countries. You will acquire the skills, tools and techniques for effective management of development projects at all stages of the project cycle – from project identification and formulation to implementation and evaluation. You will gain an understanding of management theory perspectives on organisational behaviour, motivation, leadership, conflict management and stakeholder engagement in developing country settings – focusing on the perspectives of the contingency school of management.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Energy, Climate Change and Development

Code:

APME75

Convenor:

DR Nick Bardsley

Summary:

Examine the core social and economic processes contributing to climate change and critically assess proposed solutions, drawing on ecological economics and energy economics. Learn through lectures integrated with student-centred learning activities and guided preparatory reading.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 90%, Oral 10%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

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:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Macroeconomics for Developing Countries

Code:

IDM063

Convenor:

DR Neha Hui

Summary:

Learn the theoretical and empirical considerations associated with macroeconomic policy making in developing countries. You will engage with pathbreaking macroeconomic analysis of how countries grow and develop, why some countries are richer than others and whether growth is associated with poverty and inequality.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Microeconomics for Developing Countries

Code:

IDM070

Convenor:

DR Neha Hui

Summary:

Study the microeconomic issues of development. Learn how asymmetric information, risk aversion, asset inequality and intrahousehold bargaining power affect microeconomic outcomes and well-being for informal sector workers, migrants, and women and children within a household.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Microfinance

Code:

IDM075

Convenor:

DR Neha Hui

Summary:

Learn how policy makers design institutions to ensure financial institutions. Through very practical examples of developing countries you will examine how microfinance institutions mitigate the risks associated with lending to rural and urban poor and whether these institutions are successful in aiding disadvantaged communities, especially poor women.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Class test 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Food Security and Development

Code:

IDM077

Convenor:

DR Samuel Poskitt

Summary:

Explore the complex, sometimes contentious, yet crucial relationship between food and global development. You will gain a broad but comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with producing, accessing and consuming food in different parts of the world.  

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

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 / participation.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

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:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Global Environmental Change, Justice and Development

Code:

IDM099

Convenor:

DR Andrew Ainslie

Summary:

It’s an ever more interconnected world out there with complex, interacting drivers of change. You’ll learn about the trade-offs in environmental change and social justice that are now central to the development–environment nexus at all levels, from local to global. By exploring a range of conceptual framings of this complexity and then applying this learning to a number of exciting case-studies, you will develop the expertise to understand - and the confidence to tackle - socio-environmental challenges. And you will learn this all through reading, interactive small-group learning, film clips, seminars, study visits, and case-studies introduced and led by regional specialists.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 40%, Oral 10%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.