Agriculture and Development

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. Knowledge of agriculture or horticulture is desirable.

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

Examine the role of agriculture in international contexts with our MSc Agriculture and Development degree, designed for those pursuing careers in rural development, agricultural extension, or research.

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).

You will critically examine how agriculture – including horticulture – and agricultural research are addressing major challenges and opportunities in agricultural intensification and environmental sustainability, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of the developing world.

With an emphasis on farming systems and value chains, you’ll explore:

• the role and contributions of agriculture and horticulture to human development, food and nutritional security, livelihoods and ecosystem management.
• the biophysical, economic and social environments in which different types of agriculture are practised.
• advances in agricultural technology, research and practise in response to challenges such as institutional governance, poverty, climate change and environmental sustainability.
• how to enhance the relevance, quality and impact of agricultural research and farmer-led innovation processes in specific contexts, while recognising the weight of history and global political economy in the workings of the global agri-food system.

Choose MSc Agriculture and Development 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.
• develop skills in strategic thinking, quantitative and qualitative analysis, communication and teamwork in biological and social sciences.

Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics, based in the 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 tangible difference in the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Through the MSc Agriculture and Development programme, you’ll be particularly equipped with the skills and critical insights to help implement the goals to promote sustainable agriculture and end hunger.

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)