Food production currently occupies about one third of the land surface of the Earth. It is the world's biggest business and is the central daily activity for most of the world's population. Rural communities face major challenges such as increasing population, increasing pressure for development, the impacts of peak oil production and climate change. They must therefore develop their management of natural resources and land to meet the twin challenges of sustainability whilst increasing food production. Any such development must meet the triple perspectives of economic viability, social acceptability and preservation of environmental quality.

This course explores whether this approach to food production and the management of natural resources is sustainable and what alternatives such as organic production, precision farming or even genetic modification will play in the food systems of the 21st century. It also explores the management and use of other resources available to rural communities. We are confident that this course, with its specialist pathways, will enable you to develop the skills and knowledge to significantly contribute to rural community development.

You will be involved in several team projects; including producing a magazine and organising a national conference.

New for 2012! International Internship Grants of £1000 to assist with travel costs to enable students to gain valuable work experience. Additionally, Principal’s Postgraduate Overseas Awards of £1500 are available for students from India, South America, South Africa, Malaysia and Singapore, starting in 2012 (subject to eligibility).

About the Course

This MSc course meets the needs of recent graduates, those already working in rural development who wish to further their career prospects, and those seeking a career change.

You are encouraged to explore factors influencing sustainability, while at the same time reflecting on your own actions and attitudes and those of others, which we believe may be seen as reconciling three basic aspirations of society, namely:

• Achieving economic development to secure rising standards of living both now and in the future
• Maintaining and improving social cohesion
• Protecting and enhancing our environment both now and in the future

The following themes underpin the course:

• Human exploitation of the Earth's resources and the global implications of human development
• The ecological basis for sustainable natural resource utilisation, including agriculture
• The social / economic basis for sustainable community development
• The role and function of local, national and global institutions, policies and conventions in relation to development, resource exploitation, social, cultural, ethical and inter-generation considerations

You can study part-time, studying 50% each year over two years, which equates to 20 hours study per week. The Research project can be undertaken at any time during the two years.

Choosing the right pathway

You can select up to 50% of the overall course according to your particular career aspirations by two more specialised modules, together with your research investigation.

You can choose from the specialist pathways listed, or alternatively choose any three focus modules or, subject to agreement with the Programme Director and timetable availability, two focus modules and any one other postgraduate or third year module.

• Sustainable Agricultural Systems (pathway)
• Climate Change and Development (pathway)
• Natural Resource Management (pathway)
• Organic Agricultural Systems (pathway)
• Sustainable Rural Tourism (pathway)
• Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (pathway)
• Sustainable Soil Management (pathway) (Subject to validation)

Course Structure

You will study the following five core modules, and then choose three additional modules to determine the pathway. All students undertake an individual research investigation.

• Economics of the Environment
• Natural Resource Appraisal
• Poverty and Food security (Subject to validation)
• Agricultural and Rural Policy (Subject to validation)
• Development Project Management

Entry Requirements

• The normal minimum entry requirement will be an Honours degree at upper second level or an HND award with a Distinction profile.
• Mature candidates with significant relevant work experience and lower academic qualifications may also be considered for entry, following a personal interview with the Programme Director.
• If your first language is not English, we will accept the International English Language Test (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.5 in each element.
• If you have other qualifications, including overseas awards and alternative English language qualifications, you are advised to contact Admissions to discuss the suitability of your award for entry onto the course.

Career Prospects

Graduates from this International Rural Development MSc have secured positions within the UNDP, IFAD and various national and regional departments of agriculture or natural resources. Others have joined international and national NGOs, have been recruited by international development consultancies or have entered further or higher education (teaching and research). Indeed, over 85% of our graduates are involved in work directly related to this course.