MSc Food Security and Development

Address the challenges of global food insecurity and poverty with our MSc Food Security and Development master’s degree.

You will develop a multidisciplinary understanding of how food systems work in developing countries, and explore the main drivers of global food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty. 

Choose MSc Food Security 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.
• build knowledge of how food systems interact with human development policies at international, national and local levels.
• gain the conceptual and practical skills necessary for the analysis and development of planned food security interventions.

Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics in 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. 

Your learning environment

You’ll learn from academics who are conducting world-class research within global development as well as 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 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.

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 Food Security 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.