MSc Food Economics and Marketing

Transcription

1 Graduate Institute of International Development and Applied Economics (GIIDAE) MSc Food Economics For a global vision of food markets 3 Postgraduate

2 MSc Food Economics Programme details 12 months full-time. 24 months part-time for home and EU students only. Entrants are normally required to have obtained an honours degree or its equivalent in a related subject. Applicants with other qualifications and who have at least two years professional experience in a relevant field are also encouraged to apply. References are also taken into account. Funding There are a number of funding opportunities for applicants applying to study in the Graduate Institute, ranging from bursaries to full scholarships. Visit: Short courses Pre-sessional Economics This course advances students to an intermediate level of microeconomics should this be required. Diploma or Certificate A tailored version of the MSc programme can be arranged over a three or six month period, with the approval of the Programme Director. Providing a globalised educational experience The Graduate Institute attracts around 90 MSc/MA students each year to study at Reading, typically coming from 40 countries and as such is an outstanding example of a globalised educational experience. In recent years we have attracted students from throughout Africa, South and East Asia, South America, Europe and the Middle East. This broad international mix, which includes both young graduates and experienced mid-career professionals, helps create a unique learning environment for all students. Overseas students choosing the University of Reading can expect a warm welcome, strong support and a high-quality living and learning experience according to the International Student Barometer (ISB) autumn 2011, which compared more than 200 international universities. The ISB found that 92% of overseas students were satisfied/very satisfied with the support they received and 87% would recommend studying at Reading, placing us in the top ten of UK institutions in this survey. This MSc programme: Explores one of the most important, dynamic and innovative sectors of the global economy. Provides essential quantitative and qualitative skills to work as an applied economist and marketer in the food industry or elsewhere. Examines the impact that the globalisation of food production and policy has had on international trade, competition, food safety and diets and health. Accredited by the prestigious AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). Accredited schools produce highly skilled graduates who are more desirable to employers than other non-accredited schools.

3 A one-year masters programme The food industry must constantly adapt to global challenges of distribution, to the management of resources and to how it communicates to consumers in an international market place. This intensive programme covers the dynamics of food markets through an exciting blend of analytical methods, across subjects ranging from economics and food policy to consumer behaviour and marketing. It provides training in applied economics, marketing and quantitative and qualitative research techniques. The dissertation allows students to further develop their knowledge and research skills and the subject is often associated with career aspirations. Recent dissertation titles have included Consumer attitudes towards fat taxes and slim subsides, Changes in the European fresh pineapple market and the impact on Ivory Coast exports and Segmentation of the ice cream market of Nicosia, Cyprus, and suggested advertising strategies. The programme will suit those with an interest in food markets and communication theories. This includes mid-career professionals working in government departments, agencies, and non-governmental organisations. Students with a wide range of backgrounds and career interests will benefit, however, since food economics and marketing issues have implications across a wide range of subjects and sectors of society. Compulsory modules Students take 100 credits in compulsory modules: Advanced marketing 10 Advertising and branding 10 Consumer behaviour and food marketing 10 Econometrics 20 Economics of international food markets 10 Food policy 10 Market and trade analysis 10 Marketing research methods 10 Research and study skills for independent learning 10 Optional modules A further 20 credits are selected from a wide range of modules available within the Institute and across the University. Students prepare a dissertation on a relevant topic to be agreed with their Course Director. The modular structure of the course allows students to select subjects that meet their own needs and interests, while developing a core set of knowledge and skills.

4 Taking a year off work to study for an MSc in Food Economics and Marketing at Reading was a big decision, but one that I haven t regretted for a minute. The course modules really helped me to develop my analytical thinking and build on my food industry experience, thanks to the relevant content, the challenging and supporting staff, and the wide variety of experiences brought to the course by the international student body. As a result I have returned to work in a new, senior management role. Eileen Berrisford, Graduate, MSc Food Economics Students were universally positive about the applied economics programmes and were proud to have been on them. 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. External Examiner, Applied Economics Programmes Graduate destinations In 2012, 92% of University of Reading graduates available or looking for work/study are 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%. Students who follow this program are expected to have employment opportunities in a wide variety of institutional settings. These include national and international food companies, institutions and organisations such as the EU and FAO, consulting agencies, NGOs, aid agencies, and relevant government departments, especially those focussed on food statistics, marketing and distribution. Recent GIIDAE graduates went on to work for the FAO (UN Food and Agriculture Organization), the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), United Nations, Economic & Social Research Council, BBC World Service (News and Current Affairs department) and also onto study for PhDs. Whether you see your future within the academic, business, government or NGO sector, GIIDAE s courses offer a stepping stone to a rewarding and worthwhile career.

5 Why study at Reading? Reading continues to be one of the highest ranked research-intensive universities in the UK, ranked in the top 250 universities in the world in 2011, according to the QS World University Rankings. The School of Agriculture, Policy and Development (which houses GIIDAE) has an international reputation of excellence, with agriculture hailed as Britain s best (Complete University Guide 2013). Internationally recognised teaching expertise We are world leaders in teaching and research in the natural and social sciences relating to agriculture, the food chain, rural environments and the countryside and international development. Our work covers the businesses and people associated with these sectors (such as food and agribusiness, rural livelihoods, communities and consumers), and the policy and political environments in which they function locally, nationally, regionally and globally. In our subject area, the School is consistently ranked as having teaching of the highest quality by numerous newspaper university subject ratings and by student surveys. Reading was 12th in the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2012, out of 105 UK universities. Staff calibre and commitment are major factors in our continually high performance in national assessments and league tables. Strong links with world experts in the field Courses in the Graduate Institute are taught by staff from a broad range of applied social and natural sciences who are at the forefront of research and policy discussions in their own fields. Many of the staff involved in teaching the MSc Food Economics programme are research associates within the internationally renowned Walker Institute. The Walker Institute delivers world-leading research at the frontier of climate system science. Research areas include examining the economic impact of climate change, human behavioural responses to climate change, and climate change adaption and rural development. The School of Agriculture, Policy and Development is also highly committed to the University Centre for Food Security. The Centre joins together existing areas of research excellence to provide a platform for real-world research into the challenges of ensuring global food security. It collaborates with policy makers, industry and the global research community to help ensure resilient, sustainable and healthy food chains. This interaction with our research partners will allow students to develop a coherent understanding of the current trends and debates.

6 Reading the town Reading is superbly located on the river Thames, with excellent road and rail access. Heathrow airport is a short bus-link service away. London, Oxford and Windsor are all within 35 minutes travelling distance. Reading offers some of the best retail and entertainment experiences in the Thames Valley yet is surrounded by beautiful countryside, ideal for country walks and pub lunches. Henley with its famous regatta, is local to Reading as are many other picturesque riverside towns and villages. Located in the prosperous Thames Valley, Reading is rich in investment and employment opportunities. Its buoyant economy offers plentiful work for both current students and new graduates. A degree from the University of Reading is well regarded by employers in business and industry. On campus The award winning University campus is set in a mature parkland of over 160 hectares, which has been judged as one of the best open spaces in the country under the prestigious Green Flag Award scheme. The on campus facilities include halls of residence, a sportspark, shops, including a large supermarket stocking a great range of oriental and international foods, bars, eateries, a chaplaincy and Reading Film Theatre. First class resources are supported by world-class teaching. The University s ongoing investment in high-quality teaching and learning facilities ensures its staff and students can achieve their full potential. The Graduate Institute is located in a new building with state-of-the-art lecturing facilities, a PC lab with 24-hour access, wireless internet connection and its own catering facility. MSc Food Economics To apply for Postgraduate study at the University of Reading use our online application service: For more information about the course, please contact: Postgraduate Student Office University of Reading Whiteknights PO Box 237 Reading RG6 6AR United Kingdom [email protected] Tel +44 (0) The statements made and information provided are a general guide and there may be changes following publication which affect the contents. For details of any changes made since publication, please refer to the website address at the bottom of this page. This document is University of Reading It was designed and printed in July B