Master of Science - Agriculture for Sustainable Development

The Agriculture for Sustainable Development, MSc course is for graduates and professionals looking for greater knowledge and expertise in sustainable agricultural development. Students will gain a strong understanding of the fundamentals of crop production, such as adaptation to climate and other environmental changes. They 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 the department's 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 Greenwich's Medway Campus and delivered by world-leading scientists from the award-winning Natural Resources Institute (NRI), who are working on sustainable agriculture projects around the world. The department uses real global case studies in its teaching, and students will 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.

Teaching incorporates lectures, seminars, and practical lab-based investigations. The University uses case studies to help students build teamwork and creative problem-solving skills that are valuable in industry. Learners will also take an independent research project, giving them an opportunity to carry out original research in a well-equipped department, supported by staff with diverse interests and experience.

The Agriculture for Sustainable Development course is designed to give students the space for exploratory and independent study. They'll work towards individual and group assignments and undertake the preparation or follow-up work associated with lectures, seminars, integrative assignments and laboratory classes. A research skills module will shape their approach to independent learning, especially for their research project. Greenwich encourages 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.

Graduates of this course 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 or PhD), which will train them for research leadership roles in agriculture and rural development.