Agroforestry and Food Security (By Distance Learning) MSc

About This Course

The Agroforestry and Food Security MSc will provide students with a detailed understanding of the principles and processes of agroforestry as part of a sustainable food production system, including its social and environmental contexts. It will equip students to implement the latest research into sustainable production systems thinking and will facilitate entry into agroforestry-related careers.

On this course you will:

Examine the environmental, economic and social aspect of agroforestry in the context of food security and the changing environment.
Study how selected agroforestry management practices can improve the resource-efficiency and overall sustainability of food production.
Gain a global perspective to question whether and how growing demand for food from limited land resources can be met through agroforestry and sustainable intensification.

Teaching and learning is supported by study guides with journal articles, online lectures, podcasts, and discussion forums. The wide range of backgrounds and expertise of staff and students make this a hugely enriching learning experience.

Students will have the opportunity to study from 3 to 6 modules per year, depending on their status as part time or full-time students. For the Masters’ degree, students will complete a total of 6 modules and a dissertation project. Some modules are compulsory, and others are optional (subject to demand). Prospective candidates are advised to discuss their options with the programme director.

The programme suits people with interests in the agri-food, farming, environmental, conservation, and agricultural policy sectors, and covers both temperate and tropical systems and contexts.

Careers

This course will enable professionals to redirect or enhance their capabilities. Graduates can find careers in advisory and policy/advocacy roles, executive management, agriculture, agribusiness and environmental consultancy and agencies, agricultural finance, land and catchment management agencies, natural resources management, agricultural education and training, and as rural counsellors.

We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds. We consider each application individually. The entry requirements reflect the expected student profile, i.e. working and experienced in their field. Many applicants will have technical knowledge gained through work experience. Students should meet one of the following requirements for entry: An Upper Second Class undergraduate Honours degree in a relevant subject, e.g. Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or Agriculture. A Third class Honours degree or an Ordinary degree in a relevant subject, with a minimum of two years relevant work experience. A minimum of two years relevant experience in agri-based food industries, the environmental sector or related work in a position of demonstrable responsibility.