Entry requirements

An Honours degree at upper second level. Mature candidates with significant relevant work experience and lower academic qualifications may also be considered for entry, following interview with the course manager. Students with other qualifications, including overseas awards and alternative English language qualifications, are advised to contact Admissions to discuss the suitability of their award.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Increasingly large swathes of the globe are beset by resource constraints and environmental uncertainty, which requires a radical shift in our production and consumption habits. This course will equip you with the specialised knowledge and skills that are urgently needed by governments, NGOs and commercial companies as they respond to some of today’s biggest challenges.

If you are driven by a desire to shape public and political attitudes, this is the ideal environment in which to develop a strategic and operational mind-set in a way that will expand your own opinions and those of global decision-makers.

You will delve into critical issues such as the human exploitation of the Earth’s resources, poverty alleviation and food security, the ethical and cultural implications of policy development, the ecological basis for sustainable agricultural development, and critical capacity building approaches.

Our renowned lecturers and researchers will guide you through theoretical study and practical exercises that will prepare you for a successful career in a wide range of organisations.

The course may be studied full-time over 12 months, comprising five core modules and three elective modules, followed by a Research Project carried out over the summer culminating in a review of a key topic and an academic paper.
You will gain a broader understanding of relevant issues through knowledge acquisition, intellectual enquiry, debate, and team/individual research.
In addition to lectures, you will participate in case studies, seminars and management projects. This approach fosters teamwork and complements individual study and student learning.
Modules
  • 4038a Integrated Agricultural Systems (15 credits)
  • 4201 Poverty and Food Security (15 credits)
  • 4250 International Rural Development (15 credits)
  • 4409 Facing the global challenges in food and agriculture (15 credits)
  • 4727 Managing Global Soils in a Changing Climate (15 credits)
  • 4413 Research Skills (15 credits)
  • 4414 Research Dissertation (45 credits) OR
  • 4415 Applied Project (45 credits)

Plus a choice of THREE elective modules (all modules 15 credits each):

  • 4203 Small Scale Farming and Local Food Supply
  • 4262 Sustainable Business Strategy
  • 4263 Entrepreneurship and Business Planning
  • 4278 Organic Systems
  • 4722 Climate Change and Sustainability
  • 4723 Crop Technology and Innovation
  • 4724 Environmental Science in Agriculture
  • 4725 Environmental Technology and Innovation
  • 4726 Livestock Production Technology and Innovation

Information for international students

For students whose first language is not English, the University will accept International English Language Test (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.5 in all elements. Students with other qualifications, including overseas awards and alternative English language qualifiications, should contact Admissions.

Fees and funding

UK students
£9,950
International students
£15,950

Scholarships and bursaries are available - please check our website for further details.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Dr Atenchong Talleh Nkobou
Email
admissions@rau.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)1285 889912