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.
Your personal statement
In your personal statement, you will need to demonstrate motivation to contribute towards solving global problems linked to agriculture or food production. Knowledge of agriculture or horticulture is desirable. You may reflect on paid or unpaid experience in the field to help support your personal statement.
Your statement needs to demonstrate that you understand what the course is about, your motivation for studying, and what you would like to get out of your studies.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Examine the role of agriculture in international contexts with our MSc Agriculture and Development master’s degree, designed for those pursuing careers in rural development, agricultural extension, or research.
Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).
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, you’ll explore:
- the role and contributions of agriculture and horticulture to human development, food and nutritional security, livelihoods and ecosystem services.
- the biophysical, economic and social environments in which agriculture is practised.
- advances in agricultural technology, research and practise in response to challenges such as poverty, climate change and environmental sustainability.
- how to enhance the relevance, quality and impact of agricultural research and farmer-led innovation processes.
Choose MSc Agriculture and Development at the University of Reading
You will:
- join the highest ranking UK university, and one of the top 20 universities in the world, for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). We are the only UK university ranked in the top 50.
- 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 difference in the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Through the MSc Agriculture and Development programme, you’ll be particularly equipped to help implement the goals to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture.
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)
Language requirements
Applicants may need to provide evidence of their ability to study in English (if required by UK Visa and Immigration). Our online list of English language tests and qualifications is routinely updated, so please check to see if you already have an acceptable qualification or test, and for the most recent changes to language requirements.
If you have any questions about your evidence of English language proficiency, please email pgadmissions@reading.ac.uk.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Fees and funding
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics also offers a number of scholarships.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MSc
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Global Recruitment Team
- student.recruitment@reading.ac.uk