MSc Agricultural Economics

Develop your understanding of economic concepts and policies that promote world agricultural development with our MSc Agriculture 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).

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.

Your learning environment

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

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. 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 understanding of economic concepts and policies that promote world agricultural development with our MSc Agriculture 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).

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.

Learning

Your learning environment

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.

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 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 about your interest in agricultural economics, or agricultural development economics.

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.

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.

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.

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

Explore and evaluate theories, models and techniques for behaviour change including when, how and where to apply them appropriately, ethically and effectively, in order to formulate appropriate behaviour change strategies.

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.

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

Focus on both microeconomic and macroeconomic issues of development and gain a theoretical and empirical foundation to the economics of developing countries. You will be exposed to research in different facets of development economics that use a wide range of research methods.

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.

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 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.

Our graduates

Read about Miguel Chaves, an MSc Agricultural Economics graduate who now works as a rice research analyst in Geneva.
Read about Scott Somerville, an MSc Agricultural Economics graduate who now works as a data analyst for Informa, a multinational business intelligence and publishing company.

MSc Agricultural Economics

Tuition fee information

EU student fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Ready for more?