MSc Agriculture and Development

Examine the role of agriculture in international contexts with our MSc Agriculture and Development master’s degree, designed for those pursuing careers in rural development, agricultural extension, or research.

You will critically examine how agriculture – including horticulture – and agricultural research are addressing major challenges and opportunities in agricultural intensification and environmental sustainability, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of the developing world.

With an emphasis on farming systems, you’ll explore:

• the role and contributions of agriculture and horticulture to human development, food and nutritional security, livelihoods and ecosystem services.
• the biophysical, economic and social environments in which agriculture is practised.
• advances in agricultural technology, research and practise in response to challenges such as poverty, climate change and environmental sustainability.
• how to enhance the relevance, quality and impact of agricultural research and farmer-led innovation processes.

Choose MSc Agriculture and Development at the University of Reading

You will:

• join the highest ranking UK university, and one of the top 20 universities in the world, for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). We are the only UK university ranked in the top 50.
• develop skills in strategic thinking, quantitative and qualitative analysis, communication and teamwork in biological and social sciences.

Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics, based in the 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. Through the MSc Agriculture and Development programme, you’ll be particularly equipped to help implement the goals to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture.

Your learning environment

You’ll learn from academics who are conducting world-class research within:

• international development
• crop science
• animal science
• sustainable land management
• applied economics and marketing.

Current research, policy and practise examples are used throughout the course and many modules include external seminar speakers. There is also a series of department and research division talks and events.

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 Agriculture and Development 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.