Postgraduate

MSc, Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate in Agricultural Economics

Key Points

Is this programme for me?

This programme is designed for those who wish to pursue a career as an agricultural economist or to undertake higher studies within this area. It provides you with the essential tools required for theoretical and empirical economic analysis, particularly in relation to the renewable natural resources sector.

The programme aims to equip you with the rigorous technical skills that are generic to the field of agricultural economics, while maintaining a focus on applications rather than abstract analysis. You can take modules orientated towards development, production, marketing, policy, and economic transition.

Programme aims

The programme will facilitate the development of:

• an extended knowledge of contemporary economic theory
• the skills to analyse problems concerning choice and resource allocation on national and international markets
• the ability to access and synthesise the relevant economic literature to undertake further research or study in the field of agricultural economics
• the skills to communicate the results of economic analysis to interested parties.

Programme summary

	You study	Study period	Cost (2009)
MSc	10 modules	2-5 years	£8,700
Diploma	8 modules	2-5 years	£6,815
Certificate	4 modules	1-5 years	£3,570
Short courses	Single modules are ideal if you're keen to update your professional knowledge, enhance your career or sample the programme. Short course students who subsequently register for either the MSc or Postgraduate Diploma will be credited with any modules completed successfully. In 2009, the fee per module is £925.

Career progression

Graduates of this programme will typically find work as environmental economists in the following fields:

• government ministries undertaking work in agricultural policy analysis
• public and private sector companies involved in upstream and downstream agricultural industries
• international and non-governmental organisations concerned with the economic analysis of

  agricultural sector issues
• applied research and teaching in institutions of research and higher education.

Comprehensive study materials and support

For each module the University will send you detailed study guides, textbooks and supplementary study materials which may include audio and/or videotapes and computer software. Tutorial support is via an online learning environment and tutor-marked assignments. Increasing numbers of students participate in electronic seminars and other networked activities. This allows for a range of contacts and peer-learning possibilities that will help to enrich the distance learning experience.

Your time commitment

The study time required for each module is, on average, 7-8 hours per week over a period of    30-31 weeks (plus 4-5 weeks for revision).

Summary of key dates
Application deadline	31 October
Registration deadline	1 January
Programme starts	February
Examinations take place	October