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CHOOSE A SUBJECT
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  • Accounting
  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Bioveterinary Sciences
  • Building and Surveying
  • Business and Management

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  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminology
  • Drama
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environment

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  • Film & Television
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Foundation programmes
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • Graphic Communication and Design

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  • Healthcare
  • History
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  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
  • International Relations
  • Italian
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Sciences
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Museum Studies

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  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate Studies
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Teaching
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  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2026/27 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2025/26 courses.

MSc Food Security and Development

  • 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

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

Study at one of the UK’s leading universities for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 4th in the People and Planet University League, 2024/25).

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. 

Choose MSc Food Security and Development at the University of Reading

You will:

  • join the highest placed UK university for Agriculture and Forestry at 20th in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2025), with its own farms and specialist facilities
  • 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 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’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 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 Food Security and Development 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

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

Study at one of the UK’s leading universities for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 4th in the People and Planet University League, 2024/25).

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. 

Choose MSc Food Security and Development at the University of Reading

You will:

  • join the highest placed UK university for Agriculture and Forestry at 20th in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2025), with its own farms and specialist facilities
  • 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 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. 

Learning

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 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 Food Security and Development 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.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (high 2:2 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. Evidence of prior experience in the sector may also be taken into consideration.

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.

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.

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

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 British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes (BALEAP), which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

 

 

Structure

  • Modules

Compulsory modules

Theories and Practices of Development

Explore contemporary theories and practices of international development. You’ll gain a broad and comprehensive understanding of the key ideas influencing efforts to reduce poverty and achieve social justice around the world. 

Research for Development

Learn how to design and undertake meaningful and effective research for development. This will help prepare you to undertake both your dissertation and research as part of your future career. 

Dissertation

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

Food Security and Development

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.

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.

Poverty, Inequalities and Gender in Development

Explore poverty, inequality, and inclusive development, with a focus on the historical context of “gender” and critically assess social policies, emphasizing gender perspectives. Learn about equity, inclusion, and rights, applying gender analysis to address issues like poverty. 

Concepts and Practices of Communication

Learn how communication processes influence social and technological change in development contexts. You’ll gain the relevant skills to design and implement effective communication strategies for development practice.

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.

Climate Smart Agriculture

Explore global climate systems, assess scientific methods in climate-smart agriculture, and gain hands-on experience with crop modelling and irrigation scheduling. You’ll examine climate change adaptation, mitigation, and legislation, and their impact on stakeholders during the transition to Climate Smart Agriculture.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Examine the connections between knowledge, communication, and ecology, emphasising environmental knowledge like climate change. Offered online in collaboration with the University of Guelph, it includes co-taught sessions, guest lectures, and online interactions with postgraduate students from both institutions.

Agricultural Project Planning and Rural Development Projects 

Contemporary Issues in Consumer Behaviour 

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.

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 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.

Our graduates

  • Read about Barsabas Efuk Joseph Ojiok, an MSc Food Security and Development graduate who is now a Community Liaison Assistant with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
  • Read about Kasonde Christopher Kasonde, an MSc Food Security and Development graduate who is now an Advisor – Food and Beverage Team in the Ministry for Primary Industries in Wellington, New Zealand.

The learning environment is fantastic. The lecturers are friendly and approachable. The facilities are state-of-the-art. The best element of the course has been the opportunity to be taught by experts from around the world. Hearing them share their motivations from agricultural development has fuelled my own passions for food security and development issues.

Christopher Kasonde
MSc Food Security and Development

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Related Subjects


  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Nutrition
  • Agriculture
  • International Development and Applied Economics

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