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  • Accounting
  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Bioveterinary Sciences
  • Building and Surveying
  • Business and Management

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  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminology
  • Drama
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environment

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  • Food
  • Foundation programmes
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • Graphic Communication and Design

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  • Healthcare
  • History
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  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
  • International Relations
  • Italian
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Sciences
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Museum Studies

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  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate Studies
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Teaching
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  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2026/27 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2025/26 courses.

MSc Food Economics and Marketing

  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months
  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months

Train in applied economics, policy, marketing and research methods in the context of food with our MSc Food Economics and Marketing master’s degree.

Study at one of the UK’s leading universities for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 4th in the People and Planet University League, 2024/25).

Focusing on how economic and marketing forces influence decisions of producers, processors, retailers, consumers and policy makers along food supply chains – at a domestic and international level – this programme will provide you with critical training in applied economics, marketing, and quantitative and qualitative research techniques.

Choose MSc Food Economics and Marketing at the University of Reading

You will:

  • join the highest placed UK university for Agriculture and Forestry at 20th in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2025), with its own farms and specialist facilities
  • examine consumer food choice and behaviour changes as well as marketing decisions in food retailing and manufacturing
  • examine policy issues as they relate to international trade, competition, diets and health, food safety, sustainability and quality of food products.

Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics in our School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, where we are committed to empowering change through our teaching and research. Our academics tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues across their respective fields of expertise, and our mission is to make a difference in the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. 

Your learning environment

You will choose from a diverse range of modules that aim to give you the knowledge and skills you need to have an impact and be part of global change.

You can also choose to undertake an optional placement during semester 2.

Class sizes vary by module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact with lecturers.

Learning occurs across a variety of:

  • interactive learning methods
  • seminars
  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • participation in the classroom: debates, discussions
  • field trips.

You will also have opportunities for research, networking, and personal development, as well as access to modern study resources and employability support. We also offer study skills support that’s tailored to our School’s master’s students.

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics

As an MSc Food Economics and Marketing student, you’ll be a member of the School’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE).

GIIDAE attracts a diverse community of master’s students from more than 40 countries, and holds diversity, equality and high-quality teaching and learning as core values in its approach to education.

  • GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. Visit our dedicated scholarships webpage for more information about scholarships, bursaries, and other sources of funding.
  • Visit the GIIDAE website for more information about the modules you can take during your degree.

Overview

Train in applied economics, policy, marketing and research methods in the context of food with our MSc Food Economics and Marketing master’s degree.

Study at one of the UK’s leading universities for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 4th in the People and Planet University League, 2024/25).

Focusing on how economic and marketing forces influence decisions of producers, processors, retailers, consumers and policy makers along food supply chains – at a domestic and international level – this programme will provide you with critical training in applied economics, marketing, and quantitative and qualitative research techniques.

Choose MSc Food Economics and Marketing at the University of Reading

You will:

  • join the highest placed UK university for Agriculture and Forestry at 20th in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2025), with its own farms and specialist facilities
  • examine consumer food choice and behaviour changes as well as marketing decisions in food retailing and manufacturing
  • examine policy issues as they relate to international trade, competition, diets and health, food safety, sustainability and quality of food products.

Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics in our School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, where we are committed to empowering change through our teaching and research. Our academics tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues across their respective fields of expertise, and our mission is to make a difference in the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. 

Learning

Your learning environment

You will choose from a diverse range of modules that aim to give you the knowledge and skills you need to have an impact and be part of global change.

You can also choose to undertake an optional placement during semester 2.

Class sizes vary by module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact with lecturers.

Learning occurs across a variety of:

  • interactive learning methods
  • seminars
  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • participation in the classroom: debates, discussions
  • field trips.

You will also have opportunities for research, networking, and personal development, as well as access to modern study resources and employability support. We also offer study skills support that’s tailored to our School’s master’s students.

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics

As an MSc Food Economics and Marketing student, you’ll be a member of the School’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE).

GIIDAE attracts a diverse community of master’s students from more than 40 countries, and holds diversity, equality and high-quality teaching and learning as core values in its approach to education.

  • GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. Visit our dedicated scholarships webpage for more information about scholarships, bursaries, and other sources of funding.
  • Visit the GIIDAE website for more information about the modules you can take during your degree.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (high 2:2 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK, in a subject falling in the areas of marketing, business, economics, food science and agriculture. Applicants who have relevant career experience are also welcome to apply.

Applicants without prior knowledge of microeconomics and quantitative methods are strongly advised to take some preliminary economics course before commencing their study.

Students may join immediately after their undergraduate degree, or after some years of employment to enhance career prospects by acquiring further skills. 

For a list of requirements by country, please visit our Country-Specific Information page.

Your personal statement

Your personal statement needs to demonstrate that you understand what the course is about, your motivation for studying, and what you would like to get out of your studies. You may reflect on paid or unpaid experience in the field to help support your personal statement.

Language requirements

Applicants may need to provide evidence of their ability to study in English (if required by UK Visa and Immigration). Our online list of English language tests and qualifications is routinely updated, so please check to see if you already have an acceptable qualification or test, and for the most recent changes to language requirements.

If you have any questions about your evidence of English language proficiency, please email pgadmissions@reading.ac.uk.

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Pre-sessional English language Programme

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes (BALEAP), which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

Structure

  • Modules

Compulsory modules

Advanced Marketing, Advertising and Branding

Explore advanced marketing theory and practice through interactive lectures and a virtual Marketplace Simulation gaming activity. You'll learn about core marketing principles like segmentation, targeting, positioning, pricing, and distribution, while exploring brand development and the role of integrated marketing communications in marketing planning.

Research Methods in Economics and Marketing

Gain an in-depth understanding of research methods in economics and marketing and learn to design and conduct original research projects. You’ll explore the key concepts, theories, and methodologies used in economics and marketing research, and develop the practical skills to collect, analyse, and interpret data.

Food Policy and Supply Chain Management

Investigate food policy and supply chain management, focusing on the impact of regulations. Analyse government intervention, assess strategies for addressing issues like unhealthy diets and food safety. You’ll also develop critical thinking skills to evaluate the effectiveness of policies in modern food supply chains.

Consumer Behaviour: Concepts and Theory

Cultivate a comprehensive grasp of consumer behaviour concepts and theories, with an emphasis on their practical application across different settings and contexts, such as food consumption.

Dissertation

Explore and independently research a topic of your choice, integrating your course knowledge with guidance from an academic supervisor.

Optional modules

Nudge, Motivation and Behaviour Change

Explore and evaluate theories, models and techniques for behaviour change including when, how and where to apply them appropriately, ethically and effectively, in order to formulate appropriate behaviour change strategies. 

Environmental and Resource Economics

Acquire a foundation in resource and environmental economics, and the essential tools to apply economic principles to real-world challenges at the intersection of people, the economy, and the natural environment.

Global Environmental Change, Justice and Development

Dive into the interconnected world, examining the trade-offs between environmental change and social justice.Through conceptual frameworks and engaging case studies, you'll develop expertise in understanding and addressing socio-environmental challenges. 

Contemporary Issues in Consumer Behaviour

Develop your knowledge of contemporary agricultural systems by integrating ecology and environmental science with social, economic and policy-governance considerations. You’ll learn about the state of twenty-first century agriculture in different parts of the world, and in a range of ecological and socioeconomic contexts.

Economics of Public Policy

Discover key micro- and macro-economic tools and concepts for the analysis of public policy and apply them to a range of problems. You’ll examine policies according to efficiency and equity criteria, and debate current public policy issues through seminars.

Consumers, Producers, Markets and Trade

Apply rigorous microeconomic reasoning to analyse consumer, producer, market, and trade behaviours, exploring internationally recognised case studies and research topics. You’ll delve into key concepts of behavioural economics and theoretical aspects of international trade.

Food Security and Global Issues

Explore the complex, sometimes contentious, yet crucial relationship between food and global development. You will gain a broad but comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with producing, accessing and consuming food in different parts of the world.

Rethinking Agricultural Systems

Develop your knowledge of contemporary agricultural systems by integrating ecology and environmental science with social, economic and policy-governance considerations. You’ll learn about the state of twenty-first century agriculture in different parts of the world, and in a range of ecological and socioeconomic contexts.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £11,750

New international students: £25,850

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics also offers a number of scholarships.

Careers

Your MSc Food Economics and Marketing degree will prepare you to work for world organisations such as the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, non-governmental organisations, international food companies, consulting companies, and more.

A wide variety of visiting speakers and field trips means you’ll have many opportunities for networking, while competitive internships, placements, and research dissertations provide opportunities to showcase your skills, undertake field research, or link with organisations in the development sector.

Our graduates

  • Read about Carmine Mereu, an MSc Food Economics and Marketing graduate who is now a Consultant with Long Term Partners, providing client services in the areas of strategy, organisation, extraordinary finance, and business ventures.

Accreditation


This course has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), so as one of our students, you'll be able to gain industry-recognised qualifications at an accelerated pace.

CIM logo

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Related Subjects


  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Nutrition
  • Agriculture
  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Marketing

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