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MSc by Research Agriculture, Ecology and Environment

  • Year of entry
    2023/24 See 2022/23 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months
  • Year of entry
    2023/24 See 2022/23 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months

Prepare for a research career in the agricultural and agri-environment sectors – or for doctoral studies – with our MSc by Research in Agriculture, Ecology and Environment master’s degree.

You’ll gain a multi-disciplinary appreciation of the underlying environmental, social and economic issues surrounding contemporary agricultural systems, and receive rigorous training in commonly used research methods and statistical analyses.

You’ll also learn from researchers from the Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, a leading centre for agroecology research that’s highly respected by employers in the sector.

Choose MSc by Research in Agriculture, Ecology and Environment at the University of Reading

You will:

  • join the highest-ranking UK university for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 - Agriculture & Forestry). We’re ranked 12th in the world, and are the only UK university in the top 50.
  • develop your critical appraisal skills of research literature at the interface between agriculture, ecology and environmental science.
  • gain the skills to plan, manage and conduct an in-depth field and/or lab-based independent research project.

Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining 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.

Facilities

As a MSc by Research in Agriculture, Ecology and Environment student, you will have access to the:

  • Crops Research Unit at Sonning Farm, which has facilities to support field plot experiments on all temperate arable and forage crops within a dedicated 12 ha, irrigable field site, and supporting laboratory and teaching facilities.
  • Crop and Environmental Laboratory, with 2,500 m2 of heated glasshouses, climate controlled and factorial houses, controlled environment growth cabinets, and a protected field plot experimental area.

Your learning environment

As part of your degree, you will participate in a one-week field trip visiting a range of different organisations in the sector, giving you broad exposure to potential employers and job roles.

You may also have the opportunity to conduct research projects through placements at local organisations.

You will 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, and 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
  • laboratory sessions.

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 by Research in Agriculture, Ecology and Environment 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: £12,300

New international students: £23,150

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.

International students applying to study this degree may be eligible to apply for a Chevening Scholarship.

Your MSc by Research in Agriculture, Ecology and Environment degree is excellent preparation for research careers in the agricultural and agri-environment sectors, as well as doctoral studies.

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 Sarah Shepperd, an MSc by Research in Agriculture, Ecology and Environment graduate who is now working on her PhD in ecology and agri-environment at the University of Reading.