MSc by Research Agricultural and Food Economics

Program Overview

The MSc by Research Agricultural and Food Economics program at the University of Reading empowers students with advanced research skills in these fields. Through a combination of compulsory and optional modules, students develop expertise in economic and marketing analysis, enabling them to address contemporary issues in agriculture, food, and rural development in diverse contexts. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, non-academic research organizations, and doctoral studies.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Develop your research skills for agricultural economics and food economics with our MSc by Research Agricultural and Food Economics master’s degree. 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). 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 MSc by Research Agricultural and Food Economics 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 in the top 50. 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.

Outline:

Compulsory modules

Dissertation Research Methods in Economics and Marketing Gain an in-depth understanding of research methods in economics and marketing, and learn to design and conduct original research projects. You’ll explore the key concepts, theories, and methodologies used in economics and marketing research, and develop the practical skills to collect, analyse, and interpret data. Consumers, Producers, Markets and Trade Apply rigorous microeconomic reasoning to analyse consumer, producer, market, and trade behaviours, exploring internationally recognised case studies and research topics. You’ll delve into key concepts of behavioural economics and theoretical aspects of international trade. Econometrics

Optional modules

Appraisal of Agricultural and Rural Development Projects Explore the role project appraisal in development, and its financial, economic, and social aspects. You’ll also understand the need for integrating environmental assessments, and explore macroeconomic, policy, and management factors in developing countries. Resource and Environmental Economics Acquire a foundation in resource and environmental economics, and the essential tools to apply economic principles to real-world challenges at the intersection of people, the economy, and the natural environment. Energy, Climate Change and Development Explore the social and economic factors behind climate change, and critically assess solutions using ecological and energy economics. You’ll gain the ability to analyse causes and evaluate mitigation and adaptation policies. Poverty, Inequalities and Gender in Development Explore poverty, inequality, and inclusive development, with a focus on the historical context of “gender” and criticallyassess social policies, emphasizing gender perspectives. Consumer Behaviour: Concepts and Theory Cultivate a comprehensive grasp of consumer behaviour concepts and theories, with an emphasis on their practical application across different settings and contexts, such as food consumption. Economics of Public Policy Economics of Financial Markets Food Security and Global Issues

Teaching:

Class sizes vary by module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact with lecturers. Learning occurs across a variety of: interactive learning methods seminars lectures tutorials participation in the classroom: debates, discussions field trips. You will also have opportunities for research, networking, and personal development, as well as access to modern study resources and employability support. You can choose to undertake an optional placement during semester 2, as well.

Careers:

Your MSc by Research Agricultural and Food Economics degree will be excellent preparation for doctoral studies in agricultural and food economics and marketing, as well as research careers in academic or in non-academic organisations. A wide variety of visiting speakers and field trips means you’ll have many opportunities for networking, while competitive internships, placements, and research dissertations provide opportunities to showcase your skills, undertake field research, or link with organisations in the development sector.

Other:

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics As an MSc by Research Agricultural and Food Economics student, you’ll be a member of the School’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE). GIIDAE attracts a diverse community of master’s students from more than 40 countries, and holds diversity, equality and high-quality teaching and learning as core values in its approach to education. GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. Download a copy of the GIIDAE brochure, which tells you more about postgraduate study in our School.

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students:
£10,800
• New international students:
£22,350
• EU students who enroll on or after 1 August 2021 will be charged the same fees as overseas students, unless they fall into one of a small number of exceptions outlined by the UK government.