MSc Food Security and Development

Start date: September 2022

Address the challenges of global food insecurity and poverty with our MSc Food Security and Development master’s degree.

You will develop a multidisciplinary understanding of how food systems work in developing countries, and explore the main drivers of global food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty.

This programme has strong associations with the European Food Systems Education and Teaching (EFSET) programme. EFSET reflects Reading’s reputation as a lead institution in this subject area, and will help you develop a better understanding of the food system, its challenges, and intervention strategies.

Choose MSc Food Security 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.
• build knowledge of how food systems interact with human development policies at international, national and local levels.
• gain the conceptual and practical skills necessary for the analysis and development of planned food security interventions.

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. 

 

Your learning environment

You’ll learn from academics who are conducting world-class research within global development as well as applied economics and marketing.

Current research, policy and practise examples are used throughout the course and many modules include external seminar speakers. There is also a series of department and research division talks and events.

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, and you can choose to undertake an optional placement during the summer term, 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.

 

 

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to have a good undergraduate honours degree, ideally with upper second-class or above (or equivalent from an internationally recognised university outside the UK). Applicants who have relevant career experience are also welcome to apply.

Students may join immediately after their undergraduate degree, or after some years of employment to enhance career prospects by acquiring further skills. 
For a list of requirements by country, please visit our Country-Specific Information page.

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 indicate your understanding of why food security is a challenge in international development.

 

 

Your MSc Food Security and Development degree will prepare you for a career in:

• international food security
• community development
• international development
• roles at the intersection of food, nutrition and agriculture.

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.

 

deadlines

We process applications all year round but recommend applying as early as possible to ensure you can have a place in your chosen degree. Please be aware that to ensure there is enough time to complete all administrative procedures, and VISA requirements, applications may need to be submitted no later than a month (or longer) before the start of the courses.