Agricultural 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.

Applicants without prior knowledge of microeconomics and quantitative methods are strongly advised to take some preliminary economics course prior to commencing their study at University of Reading.

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 understanding of economic concepts and policies that promote world agricultural development with our MSc Agriculture 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).

With an ever-increasing world population and growing pressure on the world’s finite resources, the analytical skills of agricultural economists are more relevant than ever.

Choose MSc Agriculture 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 and stimulating training in agricultural economics
• combine theory with applied material
• develop a range of skills in econometrics, including cost-benefit analysis and modelling.

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