Agriculture for Sustainable Development, MSc
Learn how agriculture and its environment should be adapted to future change with a Master’s in Agriculture for Sustainable Development from an award-winning institute.
This course is for graduates and professionals looking for greater knowledge and expertise in sustainable agricultural development. You'll gain a strong understanding of the fundamentals of crop production, such as adaptation to climate and other environmental changes. You then explore how this expertise can help to design effective food production systems without placing unsustainable demands on the environment.
The emphasis is on agriculture in tropical or developing countries, but the approaches can be used globally. The course integrates natural, social and economic sciences. It draws on our unrivalled expertise in an array of disciplines, including crop production, pest and disease management, postharvest technologies, climate change adaptation, and agricultural economics and marketing.
The course is taught on our Medway Campus and delivered by world-leading scientists from the award-winning Natural Resources Institute, who are working on sustainable agriculture projects around the world. We use real global case studies in our teaching, and you'll have an opportunity to play a meaningful role in current research projects. Benefit from small class sizes, quality supervision, and access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources.
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School
Location
Duration
1 years full-time
Start month
September
Home/international fees 2025/26
£11,325 /£17,975
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
At NRI, we hold high professional standards and place the student experience at the heart of all we do. We have over 80 academics publishing work of internationally leading quality, with 22 professors involved in research leadership. Many of our staff have become Fellows, Senior Fellows and Principal Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2, or above, in Agriculture, Biology, Plant/Crop Science, Agricultural Economy or a relevant subject.
Applicants are encouraged to provided proof of a research project undertaken within their degree.
Applicants without a degree that have professional qualifications or relevant professional experience may be considered.
Applicants from other degree backgrounds may be considered.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
This course is taught by lectures, seminars, and practical lab-based investigations. We use case studies to help you build teamwork and creative problem-solving skills that are valuable in industry.
You also take an independent research project. This gives you the opportunity to carry out original research in a well-equipped department, supported by staff with diverse interests and experience.
Class sizes
We limit class sizes to enhance the learning experience. The average class size on this course is around 10 students per year. Class size depends on your choice of optional modules.
Independent learning
Our courses are designed to give you the space for exploratory and independent study. You'll work towards individual and group assignments and undertake the preparation/follow-up work associated with lectures, seminars, integrative assignments and laboratory classes.
A research skills module will shape your approach to independent learning, especially for your research project.
We encourage students to take advantage of a range of related extra-curricular opportunities. The faculty hosts regular seminars from NRI staff and external visitors on a range of diverse topics.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.
Assessment
Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, such as:
- Classroom presentations, discussions and case-studies
- Critical reviews, looking at new areas of research
- Examinations.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date.
Examination results will be available within 28 days.
Dates and timetables
Each academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £11,325 | N/A | N/A |
| International | £17,975 | N/A | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates of the MSc Agriculture for Sustainable Development will be equipped for careers in the agricultural research and rural development sector. Potential future workplaces include NGOs, ministries, funding agencies and national and international research institutes.
Graduates may also continue onto a research degree (MPhil/PhD), which will train you for research leadership roles in agriculture and rural development.
Do you provide employability services?
We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. This includes an Employer Partnerships Manager, who works with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.
Our team will also help you understand the jobs market, produce effective CVs, and prepare for a graduate job and placement applications in your final year.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We allocate you a personal tutor, who you meet soon after you join the department. Their role is to support your personal and academic development and act as your point of contact for queries or problems.
Support from the department
We help new students over the first few weeks with our faculty and department induction. This covers the first week of term 1 (September) and term 2 (January).
We'll also help you discover the academic and social landscape at Medway Campus.
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