MSc Agriculture and Development
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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.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
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:
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.