MSc Agricultural Economics

Program Overview

The MSc Agriculture Economics program at the University of Reading trains students in the analytical skills of agricultural economists, who are in high demand due to an increasing world population and pressure on resources. Students will develop a range of skills, including econometrics, cost-benefit analysis, and modeling. They will also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of agricultural development economics and undertake an optional placement.

Program Outline

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). 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 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. 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.

Outline:

Compulsory modules

Dissertation Econometrics Environmental and Resource 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. 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.

Optional modules

Rethinking Agricultural Systems Develop your knowledge of contemporary agricultural systems by integrating ecology and environmental science with social, economic and policy-governance considerations. You’ll learn about the state of twenty-first century agriculture in different parts of the world, and in a range of ecological and socioeconomic contexts. 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. Economics of Public Policy Microfinance Critically review microfinance services for the rural and urban poor, assess financial market players, and evaluate proposals for sustainable institutions. You’ll examine the effectiveness of microfinance as a tool for aiding the disadvantaged by studying its proposed impacts. Development Finance Examine the impact of domestic and international financial systems on economic development, and analyse trends and policy issues in development finance.You’ll also evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various funding sources available to governments in developing countries. Food Policy and Supply Chain Management Investigate food policy and supply chain management, focusing on the impact of regulations. Analyse government intervention, assess strategies for addressing issues like unhealthy diets and food safety. You’ll also develop critical thinking skills to evaluate the effectiveness of policies in modern food supply chains. Food Security and Development Explore the complex, yet crucial relationship between food and global development. Gain a broad but comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with producing, accessing and consuming food in different parts of the world. Nudge, Motivation and Behaviour Change 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. Ecosystem Services and Nature-based Solutions Explore ecosystem services, nature-based solutions, and their benefits through case studies. Discover how to optimise ecosystem service delivery, especially in climate change adaptation, with a focus on policy, governance, and stakeholder engagement. Global Environmental Change Justice and Development Dive into the interconnected world, examining the trade-offs between environmental change and social justice. Through conceptual frameworks and engaging case studies, you'll develop expertise in understanding and addressing socio-environmental challenges. Development Economics

Teaching:

You will have the option to specialise in a development pathway that will provide you with an area of particular expertise within agricultural development economics. You can also 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. You can choose to undertake an optional placement during semester 2, as well. 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.

Careers:

Your MSc Agricultural Economics degree will provide you with the necessary skills to work as an agricultural economist in industry, government or non-governmental organisations. It also provides the essential training required to undertake higher study in agricultural economics. 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 Agricultural 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 international students: £22,350