Program Overview

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.

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 for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 - Agriculture & Forestry). We’re ranked 12th in the world, and are the only UK university 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 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. Through the MSc Agriculture and Development programme, you’ll be particularly equipped to help implement the goals to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture.