Agriculture and Development

Entry requirements

You are normally required to have a good first or second class honours degree (or equivalent from a university outside the UK). An intermediate knowledge of microeconomics and quantitative methods is generally required, but strong applicants with little or no prior training in economics may be admitted provided they attend a pre-sessional course.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MSc Agriculture and Development course examines the role of agriculture in development, and is designed for those pursing careers in research, extension or development, with national and international institutions.

The University of Reading is the highest-ranking UK university for agriculture and forestry and ranked 9th in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2019 – Agriculture & Forestry. We are the only UK university in the top 50.)

This MSc Agriculture and Development critically examines the role of agriculture (including horticulture) and agricultural research in addressing the major challenges and opportunities related to agricultural intensification and environmental sustainability particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of the developing world.

It explains the role of agriculture in development, the different biophysical, economic and social environments in which agriculture is practised, elaborates recent developments in agricultural research and practice in response to challenges such as poverty, climate change and environmental sustainability, and describes the factors and processes that influence and enhance the relevance, quality and impact of agricultural research and farmer-innovation processes.

This master's programme:

• examines the role of agriculture and agricultural research for development in response to challenges such as the food crisis, poverty, climate change and environmental sustainability.

• provides skills in strategic thinking, quantitative and qualitative analysis, communication and teamwork in biological and social sciences.

• is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in research, extension or development, within international and national institutions.

Class sizes vary by subject and module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact time with lecturers. Learning occurs across a variety of lectures, seminars, tutorials and field trips.

On joining this course, you will become a member of the School's Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE). As a GIIDAE student, you will have the option of undertaking a placement during the summer period, however this is not a requirement of the degree.

For information on the scholarships, modules, bursaries and other sources of funding available to you, visit the GIIDAE website.

Information for international students

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

Fees and funding

For information on funding and scholarships, please visit our website.