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CHOOSE A SUBJECT
2022/23
2023/24
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  • Agriculture
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  • Agriculture
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  • Art
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  • Biomedical Sciences
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MSc Agriculture and Development

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

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 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.
  • 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.

Overview

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 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.
  • 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.

Learning

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.

Entry requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (ideally 2:1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. Applicants who have relevant career experience are also encouraged 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.

Your personal statement

In your personal statement, you will need to demonstrate motivation to contribute towards solving global problems linked to agriculture or food production. Knowledge of agriculture or horticulture is desirable. You may reflect on paid or unpaid experience in the field to help support your personal statement.

Your 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.

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.

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

  • Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

 


Structure

  • Year 1

Compulsory modules include:

X

Module details


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.

X

Module details


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.

X

Module details


Title:

Research and study skills for independent learning

Code:

IDM071

Convenor:

PROF Julian Park

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.

X

Module details


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.

X

Module details


Title:

Theories and Practices of Development

Code:

IDM095

Convenor:

MS Reham Elmorally

Summary:

Explore contemporary theories and practices of international development. You will gain a broad and comprehensive understanding of the key ideas that have influenced efforts to reduce poverty and achieve social justice in low-income countries around the world.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Assignment 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.

Code Module Convenor
APMA103 Rethinking Agricultural Development (including Horticulture): Implementing Solutions DR Andrew Ainslie
APMA41 Agriculture in the Tropics DR Andrew Daymond
IDM071 Research and study skills for independent learning PROF Julian Park
IDM072 Dissertation (International Development & Applied Economics) DR Sarah Cardey
IDM095 Theories and Practices of Development MS Reham Elmorally

Optional modules include:

X

Module details


Title:

Ecosystem Services

Code:

APMA102

Convenor:

DR Yuan Pan

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.

X

Module details


Title:

Principles of Integrated Pest Management

Code:

APMA104

Convenor:

DR Robbie Girling

Summary:

Learn the core principles of integrated pest management (IPM) and how IPM is being used globally to increase the sustainability of agricultural production. Through lectures and laboratory practical sessions you will discover the major classes of pest organisms in crop and forestry systems and will learn integrated methods for their control. You will develop a framework to help you consider the factors that determine the impacts of pests, disease and weeds. By drawing on a range of case studies from around the world you will develop an understanding of how IPM can be incorporated in a whole system approach.

Assessment Method:

Exam 50%, Practical 20%, 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.

X

Module details


Title:

Horticultural Crop Technology

Code:

APMA118

Convenor:

DR Luke Bell

Summary:

Crop technologists in the horticulture industry are required to be innovative and to design new technologies to improve production efficiency. Learn about specific aspects of crop technology and the development of new horticultural technologies. Build on your previous knowledge by focusing on subjects in greater detail. Examine advanced technical and scientific elements of horticultural production systems in temperate areas, which illustrate the relationship between plant physiology and genetics. Research these technologies and appraise their potential. Through interactive lectures and seminars, gain experience in evaluating scientific research critically. In addition, learn on the ground during a field visits to a local farm and the National Fruit Collection (COVID19 restrictions permitting).

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Assignment 20%, 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.

X

Module details


Title:

Agricultural technology: application, adoption, and ethics

Code:

APMA119

Convenor:

DR David Rose

Summary:

Explore different agricultural technologies and their contribution to sustainability (productivity, environment, society), and consider how we can encourage their adoption on farm. Through lectures, seminars, field trips, and industry engagement, examine technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, drones, and gene editing. Discuss the ethics of new agricultural technologies, exploring different visions of future innovation, and various issues associated with the proposed ‘fourth agricultural revolution’, e.g. trust in food production, data ownership, security and privacy, animal welfare, the nature of farm employment, farmer physical and mental health.

Assessment Method:

Oral 35%, Portfolio 65%

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.

X

Module details


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.

X

Module details


Title:

Climate change and food systems

Code:

APMA90

Convenor:

DR Jake Bishop

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 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.

X

Module details


Title:

Experimental Agriculture

Code:

APMA93

Convenor:

DR Alexey Mikaberidze

Summary:

Become familiar with crop and animal experimentation, gain experience in experimental design, and carry out an experiment and analyse the results. Visit a range of sites to see experiments, agronomic, livestock and horticultural research in the field as practised in the UK and consider applications to agricultural / horticultural research and extension in developing countries. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Set exercise 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.

X

Module details


Title:

Plants, Greenspace and Urban Sustainability

Code:

APMA96

Convenor:

DR Tijana Blanusa

Summary:

Plants in towns and cities deliver a range of benefits. Through a series of lectures you will be learning how interventions such as green roofs and walls, urban gardens and street trees contribute to regulating ecosystem services (microclimate modification, flood and noise mitigation, air quality moderation, biodiversity provision). A visit to a roof garden in central Reading should stimulate thinking about what is possible in practice. We will also be discussing issues around urban food production. The module will provide answers on appropriate urban greening interventions needed to improve environmental quality, as well as human health and quality of life.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Assignment 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.

X

Module details


Title:

Experimental Horticulture

Code:

APMA98

Convenor:

DR Alexey Mikaberidze

Summary:

Become familiar with crop experimentation, gain experience in experimental design, and carry out an experiment and analyse the results. Visit a range of sites to see experiments and horticultural research in the field and consider applications to agricultural / horticultural research and extension in developing countries. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Set exercise 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.

X

Module details


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.

X

Module details


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.

X

Module details


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.

X

Module details


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.

X

Module details


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.

X

Module details


Title:

Gender and Development

Code:

IDM012

Convenor:

DR Sarah Cardey

Summary:

Examine how gendered roles and perspectives influence development outcomes. Explore the specific ways in which underdevelopment and the process of achieving greater social and economic security may be experienced differently by women and men. Evaluate theories and methods of analysing gendered aspects of development and learn how these may be used in policy formulation and project design. Learn through a combination of lectures, guided preparatory readings, and student-led group discussions.

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.

X

Module details


Title:

Participatory interventions in development

Code:

IDM013

Convenor:

PROF Peter Dorward

Summary:

Learn how participation and participatory approaches can support the processes of development. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of participation and learn how to maximise the benefits in development initiatives. Develop skills in the use of specific participatory methods and how to integrate them into practical work.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 75%, Report 25%

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.

X

Module details


Title:

Communication and Innovation in Development

Code:

IDM066

Convenor:

DR Sarah Cardey

Summary:

Explore current ideas about the role of communication in technological and behaviour change in the context of social and economic development. Analyse theories of communication, learning, and behaviour change, and examine how these can be employed to design methods for supporting innovation in livelihoods. Learn through lectures, workshops, individual projects, selected readings, and case studies from around 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.

X

Module details


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 60%, Report 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.

X

Module details


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.

X

Module details


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.

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Module details


Title:

Communication Planning and Processes

Code:

IDM100

Convenor:

DR Sarah Cardey

Summary:

Explore the practical implementation of communication strategies and practices for social and behaviour change in social and economic development. You will learn how to design communication strategies and the principles for strategic use of communication in development interventions. Learn through lectures, workshops, individual projects, selected readings, and case studies from around 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.

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Module details


Title:

Environmental and Pollution Microbiology

Code:

GVMEPM

Convenor:

PROF Elizabeth Shaw

Summary:

This module provides an understanding of the major groups of microorganisms in soils, their adaptation to soil environments, and their impact on the wider environment. Emphasis is placed on the role of soil microorganisms in global cycling of C, N, P and S and in the degradation and transformation of natural and anthropogenic chemicals in the environment (biogeochemical processes). The course also provides students with examples of the benefits of managing soil microorganisms for environmental sustainability. The associated practical work provides students with practical experience of measuring, isolating and testing examples of soil microorganisms and quantifying microbially-mediated processes.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Report 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.

Code Module Convenor
APMA102 Ecosystem Services DR Yuan Pan
APMA104 Principles of Integrated Pest Management DR Robbie Girling
APMA118 Horticultural Crop Technology DR Luke Bell
APMA119 Agricultural technology: application, adoption, and ethics DR David Rose
APMA89 Water, Agriculture and Irrigation DR Gillian Rose
APMA90 Climate change and food systems DR Jake Bishop
APMA93 Experimental Agriculture DR Alexey Mikaberidze
APMA96 Plants, Greenspace and Urban Sustainability DR Tijana Blanusa
APMA98 Experimental Horticulture DR Alexey Mikaberidze
APME40 Qualitative Research Methods DR Giacomo Zanello
APME61 Appraisal of Agricultural and Rural Development Projects PROF Chittur Srinivasan
APME67 Food Policy DR Giuseppe Nocella
APME72 Agricultural Project Planning and Management in Developing Countries PROF Chittur Srinivasan
APME75 Energy, Climate Change and Development DR Nick Bardsley
IDM012 Gender and Development DR Sarah Cardey
IDM013 Participatory interventions in development PROF Peter Dorward
IDM066 Communication and Innovation in Development DR Sarah Cardey
IDM077 Food Security and Development DR Samuel Poskitt
IDM089 Personal and Professional Development Programme for International Students DR Georgia Koromila
IDM099 Global Environmental Change, Justice and Development DR Andrew Ainslie
IDM100 Communication Planning and Processes DR Sarah Cardey
GVMEPM Environmental and Pollution Microbiology PROF Elizabeth Shaw

These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Fees

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

New international students: £21,350

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.

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics also offers a number of scholarships.

Careers

Your MSc Agriculture and Development degree will help prepare you for a career in rural development, agricultural extension, or research within private and public sectors, nationally and internationally.

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 David Asiamah, an MSc Agriculture and Development graduate who is now the founder and CEO of Agro Mindset Group in Ghana.
  • Read about Larissa Setaro, an MSc Agriculture and Development graduate who now works as an Operations Assistant at Positive Planet International in Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Read about Adrienne Attorp, an MSc Agriculture and Development graduate who is now studying for a PhD in sociology and social policy.

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Related Subjects


  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Agriculture

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