Agricultural and Food Economics

Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (high 2:2 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. Applicants who have relevant career experience are also welcome to apply.

An undergraduate degree in Economics or Agricultural Economics is strongly recommended for this program. Applicants without prior knowledge of microeconomics and quantitative methods are strongly advised to take some preliminary economics course before commencing their study.

Students may join immediately after their undergraduate degree, or after some years of employment to enhance career prospects by acquiring further skills.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Develop your research skills for agricultural and food economics with our MRes Agricultural and Food Economics master’s degree.

Study at one of the UK’s leading universities for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 4th in the People and Planet University League, 2024/25).

During your studies you’ll develop applied economics and marketing skills – including quantitative and qualitative research techniques – and then apply them to a diverse range of contemporary farm, food and rural issues in both developed and developing country contexts.

Choose MRes Agricultural and Food Economics at the University of Reading

You will:

• join the highest placed UK university for Agriculture and Forestry at 20th in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2025), with its own farms and specialist facilities
• receive rigorous training in research methods, preparing you for a research career in academic and non-academic organisations, as well as doctoral studies in agricultural and food economics and marketing
• 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.

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.

Information for international students

For a list of requirements by country, please visit our Country-Specific Information page.

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