International Development and Applied Economics

Transcription

1 Graduate Institute of International Development and Applied Economics (GIIDAE) International Development and Applied Economics i Postgraduate

2 Contents Welcome to the Graduate Institute of International Development and Applied Economics The GIIDAE postgraduate experience 4 Benefit from world-class quality teaching and research 4 Study resources and learning environment 4 Teaching approach and personal development 5 Opportunities for research experience and networking 5 Support for employability 5 Campus Life 8 Accommodation 8 Reading and surrounding area 9 Programme structure 10 Masters programmes in applied economics Agricultural Development Economics 13 Agricultural Economics 14 Development Finance 15 Food Economics and Marketing 16 Agricultural and Food Economics 17 Masters programmes in international development Agriculture and Development 19 Applied Development Studies 20 Climate Change and Development 21 Communication and Innovation in Development 22 Environment and Development 23 Food Security and Development 24 Social Development and Sustainable Livelihoods 25 Optional modules 26 Staff 28 Entry requirements 29 How to apply 30 Further information 31 Contact details 33 Higher degrees by research 34 Location Maps 36 ii

3 Five reasons to study at the University of Reading You are ensured internationally recognised teaching taught by active researchers and experts in their area. You can select from a diverse range of Masters courses that allow flexible programme design. You will be part of an exciting globalised educational experience due to the broad international mix of students, both young graduates and mid-career professionals. You complete a research dissertation, offering opportunities for research experience and networking and we actively support career development. You will have a high quality study experience with modern buildings, well-resourced library and state of the art IT provision. Henny Osbahr Director of the Graduate Institute Welcome to the Graduate Institute of International Development and Applied Economics The Graduate Institute (GIIDAE) is an established centre with excellence in postgraduate teaching and offers 12 taught Masters programmes. On joining us you will benefit from internationally recognised teaching and research expertise within the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, where GIIDAE is located, covering natural and social sciences related to agriculture and the rural environment, the food chain, applied economics and marketing, climate change and international development. The quality of our programmes is designed around this interdisciplinary environment, which allows us to reflect the real life complexity of challenges that global communities and businesses face when aspiring to a sustainable future. Our broad range of taught postgraduate programmes is grouped thematically into five applied economics-oriented programmes and seven international development-oriented programmes. The Graduate Institute is home to a large international learning community, attracting over 90 MSc/MA students each year, typically coming from more than 40 countries throughout Africa, South and East Asia, South America, Europe and the Middle East. Students include both young graduates and experienced midcareer professionals, helping to create a unique and globalised learning experience. There are excellent opportunities for research, networking and personal development within each programme, as well as access to first-class study resources and employability support. Dr Henny Osbahr DIrector 2 3

4 The GIIDAE postgraduate experience Benefit from world-class quality teaching and research The University of Reading has a commitment to quality in research, teaching and enterprise and enjoys a world-class reputation. It is ranked as among the top 1% of the world s universities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2012) and is in the UK s top 15% of award receiving bodies (Times Higher Research Council Awards, 2011/12). Established as an extension college of Christ Church, Oxford in 1892, we received a Royal Charter in 1926, were the first university to win the Queen s Award for Export Achievement (1989) and have gone on to receive further Queen s Anniversary Prizes for Higher Education since that date. As a student in GIIDAE you will be taught by academics with a leading reputation and wealth of experience in your chosen topic. Study resources and learning environment First-class resources support world-class teaching. The University s ongoing investment in high-quality teaching and learning facilities ensures you achieve your full potential. These include extensive resources from libraries and computing to language labs and wireless networking. A modern learning environment The modern, purpose built Agriculture Building was completed in 2000 and provides modern lecture theatres and small teaching rooms with state-of-the-art equipment, student PC rooms with printing facilities and a cafe. You will also benefit from a dedicated study and resource room for GIIDAE Masters students for independent study, a meeting location or group activities, which is situated close to the School s student office. University library Located on the centre of the main campus, the library has recently been refurbished, has both silent study area and group study rooms, PC suites, photocopying and a cafe. The library offers online databases and journals, as well as containing over a million volumes. Outstanding IT facilities Across campus you will have 24 hour access to PC facilities and wireless internet use. , file storage and library access are Studying at GIIDAE is a unique experience to thrive in a completely multicultural environment and an extremely enriching opportunity to learn from people from all over the world. Rosa Palli Graduate University campus set in an award winning parkland provided to all students and many resources are accessible from anywhere, including via mobile devices, allowing you to study when and where it suits you. Interactive online tools, including our virtual learning environment Blackboard, are used to provide you with study resources and learning materials. Teaching approach and personal development Our teaching approach aims to connect growing theoretical understanding and practical experience, and our interactive approach to learning encourages students to develop a coherent understanding of current trends and debates. We teach using interactive lectures, guest speakers, critical reading tutorials, independent assignments, group work, field trips and learning through practice, all drawing on student participation. We provide generic training support in research and study skills for all students. A Personal and Professional Development module is additionally provided for all international students providing support in English for academic purposes to those for whom English is not their first language. Opportunities for research experience and networking During the Masters programme, students complete a research dissertation, which is an excellent opportunity to showcase and learn newly gained experience and skills, with some undertaking overseas field research and linkage with organisations in the development sector. You will also have the opportunity to engage with organisations such as UK Department for International Development, British Council, Overseas Development Institute, JICA, Concern International, PZ Cussons, a private tea corporation in India, Mediae, GAMOS, Just Ideas, InsightShare, Aviva, Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit, AIDS-Free World as well as researchers from other Universities. Support for employability In addition to research and networking opportunities, students are supported by the University s excellent Student Careers, Placement and Experience Centre, which can enhance and promote your employability, careers and educational prospects, and includes dedicated activities integrated into programme delivery. In addition there are opportunities for volunteering offered via our Reading Experience and Development Award. Undertaking extra-curricular activities will can allow you to get the most out of your experience in terms of professional and personal development and will enhance your career prospects as employers look for applicants who stand out from the crowd and who recognise their own abilities and ambitions. 4 5

5 The Graduate Institute is located in a new building offering stateof-the-art lecturing facilities and an excellent work environment for both staff and students. Students who follow our programmes go into a wide range of employment pathways from corporate sector and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, marketing and media, consultancy, non-governmental organisations and government departments, especially those focussed on rural livelihoods, agriculture and development as well as in economics, policy-making and education. In 2012, 92% of University of Reading graduates available or looking for work/study were either in employment, in further study or taking up voluntary or unpaid work opportunities. The University of Reading has also maintained its 2011 graduate employability level of almost 70% and is ranked in the top 15 in the UK for employability (International Student Barometer, 2011). More details about all aspects of the University and University life are available at the University s website 97% of postgraduate students rate the teaching at the University of Reading as consistently or generally good (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2012) I had a little knowledge in agricultural development prior to visiting Reading as a student. However, the diversity and international mix of courses I studied upgraded my knowledge and skill in tropical agriculture and made me think afresh about agricultural development. Above all, I gained a critical understanding on different perspectives of development which are really helping me in my current post. Amin Abdulkadir MSc Agriculture and Development graduate. Now Deputy Head in Afar Regional Government Agricultural and Pastoral Development Bureau in Ethiopia. 6 7

6 Campus Life Choosing the University of Reading for your postgraduate studies ensures you will enjoy a stimulating learning environment, an inclusive, international culture, and the benefits of living and studying on a campus university. The University is set in an award winning mature parkland of over 160 hectares and has been acknowledged as one of the best open spaces in the country with the presentation of a prestigious Green Flag Award. Campus facilities include halls of residence, a modern sportspark, shops, bars, eateries, a chaplaincy and Reading Film Theatre. The Students Union (RUSU) provides student support services and retail outlets such as a bookshop, bars and cafes, a nightclub, a supermarket and an oriental food store, as well as and employment for 200 students. Accommodation We pride ourselves on being a residential university, with 12 halls of residence, home to 5,000 students. All halls are located on or within easy walking distance of the campus. This provides proximity to shopping, banking, study, sports and social facilities. The campus is a safe and welcoming environment for students. Postgraduate students who apply for accommodation by 1 August and have received an unconditional offer of a place on a programme by this date, will normally be guaranteed a place in university accommodation. Many postgraduate students choose to live in private accommodation, with Reading offering a wide variety of choice. The University Accommodation Office maintains a database of available properties and provides support for students looking for private accommodation. For more information on accommodation, visit Reading and surrounding area Reading is superbly located on the river Thames in the Royal County of Berkshire, with excellent road and rail access. Heathrow airport is a short bus-link service away. London, Oxford and Windsor are all within 25 minutes travelling distance. Reading town centre is a short walk or bus ride away from the campus and contains the Oracle one of the newest and largest shopping centres in the south of England, surrounded by bars, cafés, restaurants, night clubs, theatre and a multiplex cinema. Reading is the venue of the famous Reading music festival and has its own Championship league football team, whose home the Madejski Stadium is also the base of the London Irish Rugby squad. The town also hosts a major half marathon in the run-up to the London Marathon. Located in the prosperous Thames Valley, Reading is rich in investment and employment opportunities. It s buoyant economy offers plentiful work for both current students and new graduates. The Student Careers, Placement and Experience Centre runs a JobShop, a dedicated online job vacancy service for students seeking part-time vacancies. It works with local employers finding term-time and vacation work ranging from jobs in tutoring, mentoring, interpretation and translation to data processing, admin, clerical and shop work. 8 9

7 Programme structure All Masters programmes start in October and have a common format, lasting 12 months. Programmes consist of a taught component (120 credits) over two ten-week terms and a dissertation (60 credits) to be completed by September. Students normally study 60 credits in the autumn term (October to December), and a further 60 credits in the spring term (January to March). Programmes consist of core modules, designed to equip you with the appropriate conceptual, analytical and quantitative skills, plus optional modules which enable you to pursue your own interests. In addition, programmes enhance skills in communication, data analysis and interpretation, problem solving, evaluation, teamwork and the use of information technology and provide excellent preparation for a Higher Degree by Research. Assessment is on a modular basis, using a variety of techniques suited to the subject area (essays, problem solving exercises, presentations, class tests, and, in some instances, written examinations). Three categories of programmes are available: Masters (180 credits total) consisting of 120 taught credits from core and optional modules, and a dissertation worth 60 credits Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits total) consisting of core and optional taught modules* Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits total) consisting of core taught modules.* Programmes are available on a part-time basis (visa restrictions limit this to UK and EU students). Further information about all our programmes can be found at *subject to the approval of the Programme Director 10 11

8 MSc Agricultural Development Economics Masters programmes in Applied Economics Agricultural Development Economics Agricultural Economics Development Finance Food Economics and Marketing Core content (80 credits) Appraisal of agricultural & rural development projects Market and trade analysis Consumer and producer theory Qualitative research methods Econometrics Policy analysis Plus students select a further 40 A 60 credit research dissertation of between 10,000 12,000 words Programme Director: Elizabeth Robinson e.j.robinson@reading.ac.uk This programme combines the analytical rigour of modern economic analysis with practical, field-based perspectives on agricultural development. It provides the skills, knowledge and insight necessary to contribute to confronting the challenge of reducing rural poverty, pathways for agricultural transition, and a balance between theoretical perspectives on agricultural development, and modern empirical methods and tools.graduates follow diverse careers, mostly working in government and non-government agencies both in the developed and developing world.applicants to the programme require an intermediate knowledge of microeconomics and quantitative methods, but strong applicants with little or no prior training in economics may be admitted provided they attend a pre-sessional one-month programme in economics in the September prior to study. After getting my first university degree, I wanted to develop professionally in a different direction. I found that the MSc at Reading was the perfect way of doing this. The programme gives a thorough introduction into the economic way of thinking, while leaving plenty of opportunity to pursue one s own interests in particular topics in agricultural development. The faculty has helped me a lot in the process of applying for a PhD position. An additional benefit of doing the MSc has been the opportunity to meet other students, who come from a wide variety of countries and cultural backgrounds. Ben Crost Ben went on to study as a PhD student at the University of California, Berkley Agricultural and Food Economics 12 13

9 MSc Agricultural Economics MSc Development Finance Core content (80 credits) Programme Director: Francesco Areal With an ever-increasing world population and growing pressure on the world s finite resources, the analytical skills of agricultural economists are as relevant as ever. This degree programme is designed to provide you with a rigorous, stimulating and enjoyable training in applied economics and quantitative and qualitative research techniques.this programme will enable you to acquire skills to work as aprofessional agricultural economist in industry, government, and non-government organisations. For example, after some years work experience, you might find yourself developing economic strategy in a government department, a policy analyst in a non-goverment organisation (NGO), or an economist in agribusiness. Applicants to the programme require an intermediate knowledge of microeconomics and quantitative methods, but strong applicants with little or no prior training in economics may be admitted provided they attend a pre-sessional one-month programme in economics in September. Core content (70 credits) Programme Director: Chittur Srinivasan c.s.srinivasan@reading.ac.uk The programme includes an analysis of both the formal and informal financial sectors, policies to promote financial inclusion, clients financial service needs, institutional design and financial reform.the core modules cover key issues within the field of development finance and microenterprise finance, against the background of major perspectives on development and macroeconomic policy. The optional modules provide the opportunity to further investigate specialist areas within the financial services sector and/or to explore a wide range of other topics relating to development. Applicants for this programme require a first degree in a subject which includes a significant element of economics. Consumer and producer theory Econometrics Economics of international food markets Market and trade analysis Policy analysis Resource and environmental economics Plus students select a further 40 A research 60 credit dissertation of between 10,000 12,000 words The flexibility between core and optional modules covering a wide range of contemporary topics related with economics, agriculture and development, trade, agricultural policies and the environment, enabled me to acquire a strong set of skills and knowledge about current world agriculture and food issues and their impact worldwide. Now, equipped with these new tools, I feel fully prepared to embrace the career specialization I was seeking before the programme, in international projects related with agricultural and rural development or related with economic analysis and market research Development finance Microfinance Perspectives on development Appraisal of Agricultural & Rural Development Projects And either: Macroeconomics for developing countries or Financial development in emerging economies Plus students select a further 50 A research 60 credit dissertation of between 10,000 12,000 words Before I joined the University of Reading, I worked as a consultant to the World Bank. I then decided I needed to further strengthen my understanding of development if I was to apply for a regular position in this organisation. The Development Finance programme in Reading, with its large range of development and finance related modules, greatly helped me to deepen and widen my knowledge. Apart from the academic benefits, I also greatly enjoyed the social life at the University and the opportunity to meet fellow students from so many different countries and backgrounds. The GIIDAE was a home for all of us. Luc Razafimandimby Development Finance student from Madagascar Luc now works in the World Bank as the economist for the Central African Republic. Miguel Chaves MSc in Agricultural Economics Now employed as rice research analyst in Geneva 14 15

10 Core content (100 credits) MSc Food Economics and Marketing Programme Director: Giuseppe Nocella This programme provides training in applied economics, marketing and quantitative and qualitative research techniques and covers economic and marketing aspects of food including consumers food choice decisions; globalisation in food retailing and manufacturing and its impacts; and policy issues as they relate to international trade, competition, food safety and diets and health. Past students now work for national and international food companies, such as the EU and FAO, consulting companies, NGOs and many more. Applicants to the programme require an intermediate knowledge of microeconomics and quantitative methods, but strong applicants with little or no prior training in economics may be admitted provided they attend a pre-sessional one month programme in economics in September. MSc Research Agricultural & Food Economics Advertising and branding Advanced marketing Consumer behaviour and food marketing Econometrics Economics of international food markets Market and trade analysis Marketing research methods Food policy Plus students select a further 20 A research 60 credit dissertation of between 10,000 12,000 words Students were universally positive about the applied economics programmes and were proud to have been on them. They were attracted to the courses by the variety and specificity, but most importantly, by the internationally renowned reputation of the University in general and the Graduate Institute, in particular. Moreover, they have not been disappointed. Indeed, they offered great praise for the overall quality of the education they had received. I judge the Masters programmes, like the Institute itself, to be among the very best in the world. Core content (80 credits) Consumer and producer theory Econometrics Marketing Research Methods Qualitative research methods Quantitative methods Plus students select a further 40 A research 60 credit dissertation of between 10,000 12,000 words Programme Director: Chittur Srinivasan c.s.srinivasan@reading.ac.uk This programme prepares students for doctoral studies in agricultural and food economics and marketing. It provides rigorous training in research methods to prepare students for research careers in academia or in non-academic organisations. The programme combines training in the skills of applied economics and marketing including quantitative and qualitative research techniques with an opportunity to apply them to a diverse range of contemporary farm, food and rural issues in both developed and developing country contexts.applicants to the programme require an intermediate knowledge of microeconomics and quantitative methods, but strong applicants with little or no prior training in economics may be admitted provided they attend a pre-sessional one month programme in economics in September. Studying at Reading is a unique opportunity for meeting new people, making good friends and learning more about different cultures and traditions. A Masters graduate External Examiner Applied Economics Programmes,

11 Masters programmes in International Development Core content (70 credits) Agriculture or horticulture in the tropics Perspectives on development independent study Rethinking agricultural development Experimental agriculture or horticulture Plus students select a further 50 A research 60 credit dissertation of between 10,000 12,000 words MSc Agriculture and Development Programme Director: Alistair Murdoch a.j.murdoch@reading.ac.uk This programme critically examines the role of agriculture (including horticulture)and agricultural research in addressing the major challenges and opportunities related to agricultural intensification and environmental sustainability in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the developing world. It explains the role of agriculture in development; the different biophysical, economic and social environments in which agriculture is practised; elaborates recent developments in agricultural research and practice in response to challenges such as poverty, climate change and environmental sustainability; and describes the factors and processes that influence and enhance the relevance, quality and impact of agricultural research and farmer-innovation processes. A flexible programme is offered, including a Horticulture pathway.graduates are well suited to working along the research-to-development continuum whether in research, extension or development, within international and national institutions. My decision to choose Reading never betrayed me. I am enjoying my study here simply because my course is well designed in the balance between basic academic skill learning, fundamental knowledge in agricultural science and access to cuttingedge research and real development issues. The experience that teaching staff have in issues relating to the developing world, makes them keen to give us opportunities to think critically about how the gap in international development issues can be filled. Yuichi Nishida MSc Agriculture and Development student Agriculture and Development Applied Development Studies Climate change and Development Communication and Innovation in Development Environment and Development Food Security and Development Social Development and Sustainable Livelihoods 18 19

12 MSc Applied Development Studies MSc Climate Change and Development Core content (70 credits) Perspectives on development Poverty, inequality and livelihoods Concepts and practices of communication Plus students select a further 50 credits credits from taught modules, with guidance from their Programme Director, from those listed on A research 60 credit dissertation of between 10,000 12,000 words Programme Director: Sarah Cardey s.p.cardey@reading.ac.uk This programme surveys the main issues of development, and critically explores the concepts and strategies applied by agencies of change to meet these challenges. It is designed to prepare participants both for practical involvement and for further research in international, national or NGO fields of operation. Unlike many other programmes, it acknowledges the complex and frequently contested meanings of development and we encourage and support participants to seek their own pathways to understanding. Applied Development Studies therefore offers a very flexible programme of study, which is based on the availability of a wide range of options, and openness in the dissertation topic. The most unique thing to me in this programme is that it tackles development from a wider spectrum in which solutions to development are found by the learners themselves. The skills have given me confidence to do research work and analyse different development problems and policies. Youngs Nyirenda MSc in Applied Development Studies Graduate Core content (70 credits) Energy, climate change and development Climate change policy and governance Perspectives on development Environment and development: problem and policies Environment and development: case studies Plus students select a further 50 A research dissertation 60 credit of between 10,000 12,000 words Programme Director: Nick Bardsley n.o.bardsley@reading.ac.uk Climate change has far-reaching economic and social implications. This programme examines the social scientific drivers, and consequences, of climate change and associated policy debates. It focuses on the interface between climate change and development, with particular attention paid to the perspective of ecological economics. Students who follow this programme are expected to have employment opportunities in a wide varietyof environmental and developmental settings. These include aid agencies, NGOs, and relevant government departments, especially those focused on energy policy and climate change issues. The Ecological Economics of Climate Change was very important to broaden my vision of the effects that climate change and energy scarcity could cause on the planet. It is essential to everyone who wants to understand what sustainable development is. The course opens our mind to the future and to the actions we need to take now if we want to have one. Jose Eduardo Godoy, student on Ecological Economics of Climate Change

13 MSc Communication for Innovation and Development MSc Environment and Development challenges. Core content (70 credits) Programme Director: Sarah Cardey Rapid developments in communications technology and infrastructure offer new ways to improve governance and livelihoods. Understanding the processes involved, in particular the role of communication in supporting innovation and behaviour change, can lead to more effective development practice. Practical applications include reform of extension and advisory services to support innovation, and design of communication strategies addressing key environmental and health challenges. Core content (60 credits) Programme Director: Andrew Ainslie This programme examines the policy challenges with promoting healthy environments in the developing world, providing an analytically rigorous but broadlybased understanding of the inter-relations between environment anddevelopment at the global, national and local levels. It critically examines how these challenges have been interpreted and are being addressed in policy-making circles, equipping students with the requisite analytical and conceptual skills to understand the links between development, poverty and the environment. The programme is designed for students interested in pursuingcareers in environmental policy and planning in international,government and non-government organisations, academia and journalism. Students with backgrounds in either applied sciences or social sciences are encouraged to apply. Perspectives on development Poverty, Inequality and Livelihoods Concepts and practices of communication Plus students select a further 50 A research 60 credit dissertation of between 10,000 12,000 words The programme offers a critical analysis of the theory and practice of communication, innovation and behaviour change. It is particularly relevant for development professionals with communication, knowledge management and extension responsibilities, media professionals wanting to move into development support communications and those intending to go on to a research degree in communication for development. Coming into the course after being out of study for six years, I was concerned about adjusting to student life; but the mode of teaching and access to online resources made this easy. Now that I have completed the MSc, I feel equipped to address development issues on any scale. In addition, the understanding of new media, and its uses to accelerate development, is an area that gives me a clear edge over my peers as Head of Corporate Social Responsibility. Abosede Alimi MSc Communication for Innovation and Development Graduate Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Bank PHB, Nigeria Environment and development: case studies Environment and development: problems and policies Perspectives on development And either: Resource and environmental economics or Energy, climate change and development Plus students select a further 60 A research 60 credit dissertation of between 10,000 12,000 words The MSc in Environment and Development has provided me with a concrete understanding of the key theories, debates, and discourses of international development past and present. Whilst selecting particular modules has provided me with a detailed working knowledge of relevant issues ranging from food security, governance, and communication to artisanal mining and taught by academics that are engaging and at the top of their fields. The great variety of student backgrounds has enabled me to understand how theories effect people in reality, make some fantastic friends and contacts, and learn from my peers. James McQuilken MSc Environment and Development 22 23

14 Core content (90 credits) Perspectives on Development Research and Study Skills for Independent Learning Food Security and Development Rethinking Agricultural Development: Implementing Solutions Policy Analysis Risk Analysis in the Food Chain Fundamentals of Human Nutrition Plus students select a further 30 A research 60 credit dissertation of between 10,000 12,000 words MSc Food Security and Development Programme Director: Alex Arnall a.h.arnall@reading.ac.uk This new programme aims to prepare students for a career in the food security and international development sector by providing students with a multi-disciplinary understanding of the structure and operation of food systems in developing countries, and the main drivers of global food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty. The course will also provide an awareness of how food systems interact with human development policies, institutions and interventions at international, national and local levels and deliver the conceptual and practical skills necessary for the analysis and development of planned food security interventions. The programme will benefit from a strong association with the University s Centre for Food Security. The Centre reflects Reading s reputation as a lead institute in the area of food security, particularly in developing countries. Core content (70 credits) Perspectives on development Social policies for development Poverty, inequality and livelihoods Governance, accountability and development Participatory Interventions in Development Plus students select a further 50 A research 60 credit dissertation of between 10,000 12,000 words MA Social Development and Sustainable Livelihoods Programme Director: Henny Osbahr h.osbahr@reading.ac.uk This programme focuses on the wider issues of social change and an appreciation of cultural factors in development, as well as providing opportunities for developing relevant analytical and management skills. It aims to develop understanding of theoretical frameworks for analysing change and to strengthen competence in planning, managing and assessing activities that have implications for household and community livelihoods.the curriculum covers the concepts and methods of social development; politics of development; analysis of social policies and institutions; and the planning and implementation of development interventions. It is based in the social sciences, drawing insight from sociology, social anthropology, geography, political science and development economics. Participants are mostly graduate professionals, often with practical experience of working to improve livelihoods through planned development interventions. The course gave me a fantastic overview of current thinking on development and livelihoods, and was really well taught. A big effort was made to bring the topics to life with real-life examples and lectures were very interactive, usually involving exercises and discussions. There was also a lot of flexibility with your module choices, which makes it possible to follow the topics you are interested in. The course was instrumental in getting my current job and for a good reason having a conceptual understanding of livelihoods is crucial to be able to analyse livelihoods issues and plan effective interventions. Jonathan Bird Sustainable Livelihoods Project Assistant, Azafady (Madagascan NGO) 24 25

15 Optional Modules Below is a thematically grouped list of a selection of modules which are available to students in the Graduate Institute with the agreement of Programme Directors and module convenors. The modules can be chosen to support student s current learning needs and career aspirations, subject to any restrictions of the timetable and satisfying any module prerequisites. A number of these modules are drawn from schools and departments across the University to offer students a multidisciplinary approach to their subject area. The majority of modules listed below are worth 10 credits. Agriculture Agriculture in the tropics Agricultural Project Planning and Management in Developing Countries Appraisal of Agricultural and Rural Planning Experimental Agriculture Horticulture in the tropics Nematodes as pests and beneficials Rethinking agricultural development Water, agriculture and irrigation Language courses Courses in a number of languages including Chinese, French, Spanish, German and Japanese are offered via the Institution-Wide Language Programme for a fee of approximately 200. Each course will be tailored to fit with your taught timetable. Applied economics Consumer policy Consumer and producer theory Consumer behaviour and food marketing Ecological Economics of Climate Change Econometrics Economics of international food markets Macroeconomics for developing countries Market and trade analysis Microeconomics for developing countries Resource and Environmental Economics Climate change Climate change and food systems Climate change policy and governance Energy, climate change and development The science of climate change Environment Climate change and food systems Environment and development: problems and policies Environment and development: case studies Resource and environmental economics Plants, urban green space and sustainability Rural policy & planning Finance Banking and the macroeconomy Banking in emerging economies Economic foundations of corporate finance Development finance Financial development in emerging economies Financial markets The economics of financial regulation Microfinance Microeconomics for developing countries The microeconomics of banking Marketing and Consumer Policy Advanced Marketing Advertising and Branding Consumer Behaviour and Marketing Consumer Policy Market and Trade Analysis Marketing Research Methods Research methods & study skills Marketing research methods Qualitative research methods Quantitative methods Quantitative methods for the life sciences Research & study skills for Dissertation Policy and planning Agricultural project planning and management in developing countries Appraisal of agricultural & rural development projects Food policy Governance, accountability and development Human Resource Management Participatory Interventions in Development Policy analysis Social Policy for Development The practice of entrepreneurship International development Approaches to gender and development policy and practice Communication and innovation in development Food security and development Gender and development Approaches to gender and development policy and practice Participatory interventions in development Perspectives on development Poverty, inequality and livelihoods Principles of communication design for development Social policies for development Further information All modules can be found on the University website at

16 The course exposes students to different contexts of development and how a development practitioner can initiate change. It gives room for creativity rather than depending on other people s ideas. This is made possible due to the massive experience by the lecturers in the department who have travelled around the world especially in developing countries who are thus able to give practical case studies. The University of Reading is the right place to be. Chipaso Nkhonjera MSc Applied Development Studies Staff Staff who teach on the Graduate Institute programmes include the following: Andrew Ainslie B.Soc Sci (Hons), M.Soc Sci (Rhodes); PhD (UCL) Francisco Areal BSc, Spain MSc, York PhD, Reading Alex Arnall BSc, MSc, DPhil (Oxford) Kelvin Balcombe BCom, MCom (Auckland, New Zealand); PhD (London) Professor Nick Bardsley BA (Leeds); MA, PhD (UEA) Nick Beard BA, MPhil (Nottingham); MSc (Oxford) Richard Bennett BSc, PhD (Reading);MSc (Oxford) Professor Christian Brunner B.Sc., M.Sc. Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, (Germany); PhD (Giessen, Germany), Sarah Cardey BA (Mount Allison); MSc (Guelph); PhD (Reading) Peter Dorward BSc, MSc, PhD (Reading) Eleanor Fisher BA (Hull); MA (Hull); PhD (Hull) Assistant Professor Marina della Giusta BSc (Venice); MSc, PhD (Reading) Garth Holloway BCom (Lincoln); MSc(Guelph); PhD (Purdue) Reader Ariane Kehlbacher BSc, MSc, PhD, Reading Further information Postgraduate admissions office For enquires about entry requirements and your application pgadmissions@ reading.ac.uk Entry requirements Academic requirements Applicants are normally required to have a good undergraduate honours degree, ideally with upper second-class or above (or equivalent from an internationally recognised university outside the UK), although sometimes cases can be made for. Students may join immediately after their undergraduate degree, or after some years of employment to enhance career prospects by acquiring further skills. Some economics-oriented programmes have additional entry requirements: these are indicated on the individual programme outlines in this brochure. We offer a two week pre-sessional Economics Course, held in early September, to those who will study programmes requiring an intermediate knowledge of microeconomics and quantitative methods. Strong applicants for those programmes with little or no prior training in economics may be required to take this course. English language requirements Applicants whose previous education has not been predominantly in the English language will need to provide evidence of their ability to study in English. The requirements are: British Council International English Language Test Score (IELTS): 6.5 Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (paper-based version): 570; (internet based test): 88 Cambridge UCLES Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): C Test of English for Educational Purposes (TEEP): 6.5 Amir Kassam BSc (Reading); MSc (California Davis); PhD (Reading) Visiting Professor; OBE Elena Millan Diploma (Higher Institute of Economics, Sofia), PG Certificate (Arizona); DPhil (Oxford) Alistair J. Murdoch BSc (Glasgow); PhD (Reading) Senior Lecturer Giuseppe Nocella MSc Aberdeen; PhD Newcastle Henny Osbahr BSc, MRes, PhD (London) Elizabeth Robinson BA Oxford; PhD Stanford US Gillian Rose BSc (Strathclyde); PhD (Reading) The University s International Study and Language Centre (ISLC provides pre-sessional English languages courses for academic study as well as providing in-sessional support, once you are actually studying. These compliment the English language support rovided as part of our Personal and Professional Development Programme for international students. Please consult the following web page for the most up-to-date entry requirement information: Chittur Srinivasan BA, (Delhi); MBA (Indian Institute of Management); MSc (London); PhD (Reading) Rosalind Warren BSc (Reading); MBA (London Business School) 28 29

17 How to apply To apply for a place on any of our Masters programmes please complete an online application through the University s website at: ac.uk/pg-applicationform.aspx Fees Fees can vary depending on your chosen Masters programme and information can be found Fees are normally paid in two equal instalments upon enrolment and at the start of the second term but arrangements can be made to pay the full advance. Living Costs Fees do not include accommodation and other living costs. Postgraduate students are advised to budget for a minimum of 175 per week depending on their accommodation charges. An additional one-off allowance of 500 should be made to cover the costs of expenses on arrival. Further information about estimated living expenses and financial guarantee can be found at the GIIDAE website. Scholarships and Bursaries We have a number of scholarships administered by the Graduate Institute: The Edith Margaret Elderfield Trust offers a scholarship worth the current home student tuition fees to a British student following an Applied Economics programme. Diageo Africa Scholarships provides a full scholarship including travel to and from the UK to students from sub-saharan Africa. The Wallace and Murial Hirst Scholarship provides a full scholarship, awarded biennially, and is available to a student from a less developed country studying for an MSc Agriculture and Development GIIDAE also offers a number of full scholarships in collaboration with the Marshal Papworth Fund In the first instance, there is no need to apply for the above scholarships all eligible applicants who hold offers will be considered automatically. Recipients will be notified if more information is required or if they have been successful. All applicants must have an unconditional offer in order to be considered. The following funding opportunities may also be of interest to you: Alumni Discount - alumni of the University (regardless of year of graduation) are now eligible to receive a discount on the first year of their next level degree (the lower of 1,000 or a 10% tuition fee discount) International Masters Bursary available to international students of any one year Postgraduate Taught course at the University of Reading who meet the entry requirements of their chosen course NFU Centenary Award provides up to 75% of course fees for selected postgraduate students intending to study for a degree in sustainable agriculture, climate change and agriculture and international agricultural development Further information about these and other possible sources of funding is available from the GIIDAE website. Career development loan Applicants who normally live in the UK (for a minimum of three years) can apply for a Professional and Career Development Loan to borrow between 300 and 10,000. This is a bank loan, with interest charged at a commercial fixed rate. Please visit the UK government s website for further information. When to apply Although there is no formal deadline for applications, competition for a place on all our postgraduate Masters programmes is strong, so we advise that you apply as early as possible. Overseas applicants (non EU) are advised to apply by 1 June or earlier, if possible, to ensure there is enough time to get a visa application processed. If you have any questions, please contact the Postgraduate Student Office. When you re ready to apply Please complete an online application at:

18 Further information After you apply When we receive your application form we will send you a confirmation . Your application will then be reviewed by the appropriate academic Programme Director. If successful you will receive a formal offer letter outlining any entry criteria which you will be required to meet, and be asked to confirm your acceptance of this offer. When you have confirmed your acceptance of an offer, you will be able to finalise your accommodation and apply for any available funding. Students requiring a UK Visa will also receive a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Throughout the admission process we will keep you updated, via , the University s online student portal and social media, with key information. Open Days and visiting us The best way to get a real sense of the GIIDAE experience and life on campus is to visit or meet academic staff. You are invited to visit us at a University Postgraduate Open Day, normally held in November, to find out more about our masters programmes and studying at Reading. There is no need to book, please just come along with your family or friends. If you are unable to visit you can find out more about the University by visiting Meet us in your home country Faculty from the School and staff from the University s Student Recruitment and International Offices attend exhibitions all over the world throughout the year. Prospective students are invited to meet us to find out more about our programmes and the GIIDAE experience. International students may also be interested in meeting one of our appointed overseas representatives in their home country. Contact details International Office For enquiries from students outside the EU and information on where you can meet us in your home country: intoff@reading.ac.uk Student Services For questions about student accommodation, finance and enrolment: +44(0) studenthelp@reading.ac.uk Student Recruitment and Outreach Office For enquiries from students in the UK and EU and information on Open Days and where you can meet us: studentrecruitment@reading.ac.uk UK Border Agency For enquiries about obtaining a UK Visa: GIIDAE Postgraduate Student Office pgso@reading.ac.uk Tel +44 (0) Fax +44 (0)

19 Higher degrees by research We welcome applications for a research degree across a wide range of economic, agricultural, international development and policy related topics and are always pleased to discuss initial research ideas with people who may be considering undertaking a PhD or MPhil. Research degree registrations are offered on a full-time or part-time basis. A full time student studying for a PhD would expect to take three years (maximum of four) to complete their studies. A two to three year full-time (or three to six year part-time) MPhil programme is also available. When offered a place on any of our research degrees, students are carefully matched with two supervisors who will be experienced in the field of their research interests and will provide academic guidance during their studies through a schedule of regular meetings.the first year is spent acquiring the necessary grounding in research methods, ethical and other aspects of the research process which will allow the development of the specific analytical skills that will be required in students own work. During the second and third year, work is closely focused on a specific research question. This may involve a period of time working in the field collecting data, either in the UK or abroad. Facilities All research students are provided with desk space and PC facilities in a postgraduate office in the School. Students have access to the University s internet, printing and scanning facilities, and a full range of statistical and econometric software.research students are also a member of the Graduate School which is the hub for all doctoral research activity across the University. The Graduate School aims to provide support to this community, to complement the support and expertise provided by home Schools. Entry requirements Applicants are normally expected to have completed an appropriate Masters degree. Alternatively they may be admitted directly following their first degree, subject to excellent performance in a relevant subject. English language requirements are as described previously for the Masters programmes. Further information about our research degrees can be found on our website or contact pgso@reading.ac.uk