MSc Agriculture and Development  MSc Agriculture and Development University of Reading ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1567490485University-of-Reading-1.jpg

The MSc in Agriculture and Development is a one year, full-time Masters degree course which critically examines the role of agriculture and agricultural research in addressing the major challenges and opportunities related to agricultural intensification and environmental sustainability in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the developing world. The aim of this MSc course is to enable students to explain the role of agriculture and of agricultural research for development in the context of the research-to-development continuum. More specifically, students will be able to: ? Explain the role and contributions of agriculture to human development as: an economic activity, a source of food and livelihood security, a provider of ecosystem services, and a way of life. ? Describe the different physical, economic and social environments in which the agriculture of developing countries is managed and improved. ? Elaborate the recent developments in agricultural research in response to international challenges such as climate change, environmental sustainability, ecosystem services, and globalization. ? Describe the factors and processes that influence the use of agricultural knowledge, science and technology for development, and explain how to enhance the relevance, quality and impact of agricultural scientific research. Career Prospects Graduates from the MSc in Tropical Agricultural Development are well suited to careers in agricultural research within international and national institutions, in governmental and non-governmental organisations operating in the tropics, and in international development and humanitarian assistance agencies . Programme Structure The course starts at the beginning of the Autumn Term and is fully taught for two ten-week terms (120 credits). The remainder of the course, from June until September, is devoted to preparation of a 12?15,000 word dissertation (60 credits), for submission in early September. Students take 70 credits in compulsory modules ? Perspectives on Development ? Agriculture in the Tropics ? Rethinking Agricultural Development ? Tropical Environments ? Research and Study Skills for Independent Study and one of the two following modules: ? Research Methods for Communication and Development ? Quantitative Methods for the Life Sciences A further 50 credits are selected from a wide range of modules. Transferable Skills The course requires a substantial amount of independent reading, research and study and students are expected to take personal responsibility and show initiative in developing their knowledge and understanding of the field of study. In following this course students will enhance their professional capability in working effectively in their chosen field of expertise along the research-to-development continuum. Students will learn to work independently, under time pressures, and will learn to set priorities and manage their time in order to meet strict deadlines. Students will also have the opportunity to enhance and develop their skills relating to communication (both oral and written), presentations, information handling, data analysis and interpretation, problem solving, teamwork, and the use of information technology.