Agroforestry and Food Security (by Distance Learning) Postgraduate Taught - September 2024/25* Entry

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.

The School of Natural Sciences has secured up to 15 distance learning scholarships from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) for 2021 entry.  More information about the Scholarships can be found here.

Programme Length

MSc: 1 year full time, 2-5 years part-time 
PG Dip: 2 years part-time
PG Cert: 1 year part-time

Qualification

MSc/Pg Diploma/Pg Certificate (by Distance Learning). Modules can also be taken on a stand-alone basis for Post Graduate credits.

What will you study on this course?

For the Postgraduate Certificate in Agroforestry and Food Security (PgCert. in Agroforestry and Food Security): students should achieve a total of 60 credits from any combination of modules except the dissertation.

For the Postgraduate Diploma in Agroforestry and Food Security (PgDip. Agroforestry and Food Security): students should achieve a total of 120 credits from any combination of modules except the dissertation.

For the Master’s degree in Agroforestry and Food Security (MSc Agroforestry and Food Security): students should achieve a total of 180 credits including the dissertation.

The programme shall be assessed in accordance with the University’s regulations and codes of practice.

Modules for the current academic year

Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Agroforestry and Food Security (by Distance Learning) Modules page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

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.

English Language Requirements:

For non-native English speakers, applicants must have achieved an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no element below 6.0).

Your internet access must enable you to stream and upload video material. If you can regularly access YouTube you should not have problems.

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 applications throughout the year, but we would generally advise that you send in your application form by two months before the module start date, to allow for documents such as transcripts and references to be obtained if not submitted with the application. This will also give you more time to meet any conditions we may potentially attach to an offer.