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2024/25
2025/26

MSc Food Economics and Marketing

  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months
  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months

Train in applied economics, policy, marketing and research methods in the context of food with our MSc Food Economics and Marketing 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).

Focusing on how economic and marketing forces influence decisions of producers, processors, retailers, consumers and policy makers along food supply chains – at a domestic and international level – this programme will provide you with critical training in applied economics, marketing, and quantitative and qualitative research techniques.

Choose MSc Food Economics and Marketing 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
  • examine consumer food choice and behaviour changes as well as marketing decisions in food retailing and manufacturing
  • examine policy issues as they relate to international trade, competition, diets and health, food safety, sustainability and quality of food products.

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

You will 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 also choose to undertake an optional placement during semester 2.

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 Food Economics and Marketing 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.

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.

Your MSc Food Economics and Marketing degree will prepare you to work for world organisations such as the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, non-governmental organisations, international food companies, consulting companies, and more.

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 Irene Bodega, an MSc Food Economics and Marketing graduate who is now an Insight Analyst with Brand View, a leading global provider of price, promotion and online product positioning analytics.
  • Read about Carmine Mereu, an MSc Food Economics and Marketing graduate who is now a Consultant with Long Term Partners, providing client services in the areas of strategy, organisation, extraordinary finance, and business ventures.