MRes Agricultural and Food Economics

Develop your research skills for agricultural economics and food economics with our MRes 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 MRes Agricultural and Food Economics at the University of Reading

You will:

join the highest placed UK University for Agriculture and Forestry at 22nd in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2024), with its own farms and specialist facilities
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.

Your learning environment

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. We also offer study skills support that’s tailored to our School’s master’s students.

You can choose to undertake an optional placement during semester 2, as well.

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics

As an MRes 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. Visit our dedicated scholarships webpage for more information about scholarships, bursaries, and other sources of funding.
Visit the GIIDAE website for more information about the modules you can take during your degree.

Overview

Develop your research skills for agricultural economics and food economics with our MRes 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).

Choose MRes Agricultural and Food Economics at the University of Reading

You will:

join the highest placed UK University for Agriculture and Forestry at 22nd in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2024), with its own farms and specialist facilities
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.

Learning

Your learning environment

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 can choose to undertake an optional placement during semester 2, as well.

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics

As an MRes Agricultural and Food Economics student, you’ll be a member of the School’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE).

GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. Visit our dedicated scholarships webpage for more information about scholarships, bursaries, and other sources of funding.
Visit the GIIDAE website for more information about the modules you can take during your degree.

Entry requirements

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.

You will need an intermediate knowledge of microeconomics and quantitative methods, however, strong applicants with little or no training in economics may be admitted, provided you attend a pre-sessional economics course.

Students may join immediately after their undergraduate degree, or after some years of employment to enhance career prospects by acquiring further skills.

Please note: If you have little or no training in economics, you may be admitted if you attend our pre-sessional economics course.

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)

Your personal statement

Your personal 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. You may reflect on paid or unpaid experience in the field to help support your personal statement.

Please tell us how this degree will help your research career or research aspirations.

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

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

Structure

Modules

Compulsory modules

Dissertation

Explore and independently research a topic of your choice, integrating your course knowledge with guidance from an academic supervisor.

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

Learn how to effectively translate data, specify econometrics models for research questions, conduct hypothesis testing, interpret results critically, and use software for econometric analysis across various data types.

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. Learn about equity, inclusion, and rights, applying gender analysis to address issues like poverty.

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

Discover key micro- and macro-economic tools and concepts for the analysis of public policy and apply them to a range of problems. You’ll examine policies according to efficiency and equity criteria, and debate current public policy issues through seminars.

Economics of Financial Markets

Food Security and Global Issues

Explore the complex, sometimes contentious, yet crucial relationship between food and global development. You will gain a broad but comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with producing, accessing and consuming food in different parts of the world.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £11,750

New international students: £25,850

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

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.

Careers

Your MRes 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.

MRes Agricultural and Food Economics

Tuition fee information

EU student fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Ready for more?